“The oracle
Of the word of Yahweh
To Israel
By Malachi.”
This opening phrase of the Book of Malachi indicates that the word of Yahweh came to the prophet Malachi, but it was for Israel. There is no indication of a time or place for this oracle. Neither is there any mention of biographical details. His name Malachi means my messenger. Thus, he is a messenger of Yahweh for the people of Israel.