Malachi is a prophet of God to the nation of Israel most likely during the times of Nehemiah. Israel has survived Babylonian exile and the first group returned to their land approximately 100 years before. The people are living in open hypocrisy, being very religious and yet very sinful. God reveals their rebellion, calls them to repentance and promises restoration through a series of 6 disputes with the people. After Malachi there is a 400 year divine silence until John The Baptist comes as the forerunner of Jesus, the Messiah, the Savior, the perfect and final prophet who does more than speak for God, Jesus actually is God.