Malachi 2-3

In our previous study-guide we learned the first two prophecies in Sefer Malachi. We will now complete the remaining four prophecies in the book. These prophecies, as well, reflect the problems which were characteristic of the period of the return to Zion. First, the marrying of foreign women by Israelite men in violation of their covenant with Israelite women. Second, the question of reward and punishment which bothered many of the returnees because of their bitter disappointment in the difficult reality they were dealing with, which was in contrast with their high expectations. The book ends with three general pesukim which are a conclusion for all of the books of the prophets (3:22-24).