Malachi, the last of the twelve minor prophets in the Hebrew Bible, is a somewhat enigmatic figure about whom very little personal information is known. His book, comprising just four chapters, marks the end of prophetic authorship in the Old Testament. 

Malachi means “My Messenger” in Hebrew. There is debate among scholars as to whether “Malachi” is the prophet's actual name or a title derived from the book's content, especially given the first verse of chapter 3, in which God says, “I will send my messenger.”

Malachi likely ministers around 450 to 430 BC, after the return from Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of the Temple. This is a time of social and religious reformation under leaders like Nehemiah and Ezra. Through Malachi’s words and Nehemiah’s actions, we are called to a higher standard of spiritual and communal life.