Abstract
M.A. (Biblical Studies)
‘Malachi’ in the book of Malachi, is the only personality in the Hebrew Scriptures
referred to by this name. The book does not provide any information concerning his
bloodline or any clues to his lineage. The controversy over the identity of Malachi
results from the differences in Malachi 1:1 in which he is referred as the deliverer of
the prophetic word and in Malachi 3:1 where he is regarded as “my messenger”.
Malachi’s identity has long been debated by ancient commentators, Middle Ages
interpreters and modern researchers. Some scholars hold that Malachi is Ezra the
Scribe, Mordechai, or Zechariah. Modern commentators argue that Malachi may
have been anonymous, Ezra or Haggai.
However, these perspectives have been disputed authenticating that Malachi the
prophet is a natural person. Aspects of this dissertation may be substantiated with
the use of the word בְּיַד (in the hand) followed by an individual’s name. This would
illustrate that Malachi is indeed a person.
The linguistics employed by Malachi in his sermon reflects his character and style,
which is enriched by his frequent use of figures of speech.
Other than a linguistic perspective, the text does not reflect much of Malachi’s
personality. An attempt is made to describe Malachi’s personality by identifying his
character traits. It focuses on the psychological interpretations of Malachi’s identity
relative to the biblical era in which he lived and the deliberate language used in his
sermons.