Malachi (meaning “my messenger”) called his fellow Israelites to renewed obedience to the covenant, due to their unethical behavior and corrupted worship. He prophesied after the first Jewish exiles had returned from Babylon and rebuilt the temple. His message is an “oracle,” written as a series of questions asked by both God and His people. Frequently the Lord’s statements are followed by a presumed response of the people, which He states sarcastically, and still gives His answer in return. Malachi’s main message is that God, the Great King, will come to judge His people, but also to bless and restore them.