1. Malachi 1:1 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What is meant by the word “oracle”?

Malachi 1:1 (ESV)

1 The oracle of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi.

The word oracle refers to an utterance from God given to a prophet, to be conveyed to God’s people. The word oracle (which literally refers to a burden) highlights the fact that the word of God is weighty and must be taken seriously. Often, though not always, the word oracle is used in prophecies of judgment.