Don't shoot the messenger [electronic resource] : reading Malachi in light of ancient Persian royal messengers in the time of Xerxes /

Abstract

Malachi contains a substantial amount of messenger language, imagery, and vocabulary. When one uses a reconstruction of ancient Persian royal messengers to construct an interpretive lens for reading the text, it becomes apparent that Malachi exhibits a root messenger metaphor from whence the many individual metaphors and decorations derive. This presentation of the book suggests that Malachi's historical context is the early reign of Xerxes, a time when the Persian emperor was constantly sending royal heralds throughout the known world. Malachi's form is best seen as a royal message (from YHWH, the Great King).