Malachi opens with the temple now rebuilt. The people are no longer exiled and without a temple, and yet revival had stalled. The Israelites expected more—they were weary and had anticipated more blessings after returning from exile. Worship was half-hearted, priests were corrupt, divorce was common, and social injustice prevailed. Basically, God’s people are simply going through the motions.That’s when the prophet Malachi steps in and challenges this spiritual decline by calling for covenant renewal and authentic devotion.