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The writing called Malachi has attracted a wealth of commentary. Recent years in particular have seen a number of detailed and superior commentaries: as examples let me mention only those by Arndt Meinhold (2006) and Rainer Kessler (2011). Hence the present commentary is free to present a concentrated portrait without many footnotes. In accordance with the overall concept of this commentary series it first reads the texts “synchronically,” i.e., as a canonically given unit. Next, it devotes itself to a reconstruction of the text’s redaction history (the diachronic step). Finally, it combines these two approaches so as to perceive a final text that is clearly the end-product of a sequence of processes of redaction and so offers the meaning of the text thus developed to present readers as a basis for theological judgments. Since the redactional history of Malachi includes its linkage with the Christian Bible, the commentary will also treat the New Testament reception and interpretation of the text.

I am grateful to my editors, Helmut Utzschneider and Walter Dietrich; the former in particular offered me many concrete and helpful suggestions for shortening the text so that what originally was a significantly longer manuscript could be adapted to the length appropriate to this commentary series. I am grateful also to the publisher, in particular Florian Specker, for support and considerable patience.

Gratitude belongs also to my assistants, Sonja Bader, Nadine Kalweit, and Rene Mayer. I have had many stimulating conversations about Malachi with my father, Dieter Schart. Finally, I thank my wife, who has supported me through the many years in which the commentary has been a major influence on my aspirations and all too often my mood as well.

The book is dedicated to Mr. Professor Dr. Dr. h.c. Jörg Jeremias, for his eightieth birthday.

Mülheim, June 2019

Aaron Schart