Malachi, an Old Testament prophet, emerged as a significant figure not only in the Jewish scriptures but also in the narratives of the Book of Mormon and other Latter-day Saint scripture. He lived around 430 BC, postdating Lehi’s departure from Jerusalem by several generations. Despite the historical and geographical separation, his writings were of such import that the resurrected Christ personally quoted them during His visitation to the Nephite nation. Two of his prophecies, embedded within the narrative of the Book of Mormon, are instrumental for their theological emphasis on tithing and the role of Elijah in the restoration of all things (3 Nephi 24-25; Malachi 3-4).
This prophet’s words were considered essential to the point that the Savior Jesus Christ instructed the Nephites to record them, proclaiming that such wisdom should be reserved for future generations, laying a doctrinal foundation for the coming forth of the Book of Mormon as part of the latter-day restoration (3 Nephi 26:2).
The visitation of Moroni to Joseph Smith, foundational to the restoration movement, included a reiteration of Malachi’s prophecy regarding Elijah’s return. This event would forge a link between the hearts of the fathers and the children, a promise encapsulating the restoration of the sealing powers necessary for temple ordinances. Malachi’s discourse on Elijah found its fulfillment when Elijah appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to commit the keys of this dispensation (D&C 110:13-16). Consequently, Malachi’s prophetic utterances have had a profound and lasting effect on the doctrinal teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its understanding of modern revelation and temple work.