Malachi, part 2, Its Chiastic Structure

Malachi has a chiastic structure or pattern. That is, an artistic effect is achieved by balancing reversed clauses against one another. Here’s the chiastic structure in Malachi:

A Message (1:1)

B Proof of God's Love (1:2-5)

C Condemnation (1:6—2:9)

D Marital Infidelity (2:10-16)

D' Marital Infidelity (2:17—3:6)

C' Condemnation  (3:7-12)

B' Proof of God's Love (3:13—4:3)

A' Message (4:4-6) 

(Stuart, Douglas. "Malachi." In The Minor Prophets: An Exegetical and Expositional Commentary, 3:1245-1396. 3 vols. Edited by Thomas Edward McComiskey. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1992, 1993, and 1998.(p. 1250))

Isn't that cool? Here's what each section is about:

A Superscription (1:1): Yahweh has a message for Israel.

B First Disputation (1:2-5): God distinguishes between the good and the wicked. The proof of His love is His sparing the righteous and condemning the wicked.

C Second Disputation (1:6—2:9): Condemnation of improper, begrudging offerings, promise of reversal of blessing, and the greatness of Yahweh's name among the nations.

D Third Disputation (2:10-16): The Lord is witness to marital fidelity, and Judah is unfaithful.

D' Fourth Disputation (2:17—3:6): The Lord is witness to marital fidelity, and Judah is unfaithful.    

C' Fifth Disputation (3:7-12): Condemnation of improper, begrudging offerings, promise of reversal of blessing, and the greatness of Yahweh's name among the nations.

B' Sixth Disputation (3:13—4:3): God distinguishes between the good and the wicked. The proof of His love is His sparing the righteous and condemning the wicked.

A' Summary challenge (4:4-6): Yahweh has a message for Israel.