KnoWhy #370 - Why Did Jesus Quote the Words of Malachi 3-4 in 3 Nephi 24-25? (3 Nephi 25:5-6)

Near the end of his time with the Nephites after his resurrection and ascension, Jesus gave to His disciples and commanded them to write “words which the Father had given unto Malachi” and commanded that they be given to the Nephites (3 Nephi 24:1). Those words were Malachi chapters 3 and 4. These two chapters are cryptic, but they are loaded with eternal promises. They look forward to the last days.

The use of Malachi in the Book of Mormon provided instructions about covenants, temples, ordinances, promises and eternal blessings, especially connected with marriage, ancestors, and posterity. Those doctrines were important to the Nephites at the temple in Bountiful, just as they were in Joseph Smith’s life, and as they are to Saints today in preparation for the coming of the day of the Lord.