What the book itself says
Malachi opens by identifying itself as a prophetic message given to Israel through Malachi (Malachi 1:1). Unlike books such as Isaiah or Jeremiah, it does not tell us Malachi’s family line, hometown, calling story, or much about his personal life. The prophet stands behind the message, but he keeps the focus on God’s words rather than on himself.
That is enough to give a clear basic answer. Malachi is presented as the messenger through whom the Lord addressed the people of Israel, especially their priests and worshippers.
The burden of the word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi.
What does the name Malachi mean?
The Hebrew name Malachi is related to a phrase meaning “my messenger”. That fits the book well, because Malachi’s task was to carry God’s message to a spiritually weary people. Later in the book, God also speaks of sending “my messenger” to prepare the way before him (Malachi 3:1).
Because the name can carry that meaning, some scholars have wondered whether “Malachi” might be a description rather than the prophet’s personal name. Still, Malachi 1:1 naturally reads like the heading of a prophetic book, and Jewish and Christian tradition has generally understood Malachi to be the prophet’s name.
Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.
When did Malachi speak?
The book gives clues rather than a precise date. A temple was functioning, sacrifices were being offered, and Malachi confronted priests who treated those offerings carelessly (Malachi 1:6-8). He also referred to a governor, which suggests a time when Judah was under foreign rule rather than ruled by a Davidic king (Malachi 1:8).
For those reasons, many readers place Malachi after the Jews returned from exile in Babylon and rebuilt the temple. The book does not name the exact year, so it is wise to hold that dating with humility. Its urgent concern is clearer than its calendar: God’s people had returned to worship, yet their hearts needed renewal.
Why the author matters
Malachi spoke into real failures. Priests dishonoured God, people questioned whether serving him was worthwhile, and some withheld what belonged to God (Malachi 2:17; Malachi 3:8). Yet the book is not merely a record of criticism. It calls people back to the Lord’s faithful love and points ahead to God’s coming work.
So, while we know little about the man, we can know the message he faithfully delivered. Reading Malachi slowly can help you hear both its honest challenge and its hope. Start with the opening chapter and notice how often God invites his people to recognise his honour and return to wholehearted worship.