MATTHEW’S GOSPEL breaks the long silence which followed the ministry of Malachi, the last of the Old Testament prophets. The silence extended for four hundred years, and during that time God was withdrawn from Israel. Throughout this period there were no angelic manifestations, no prophet spoke for Jehovah, and though the Chosen People were sorely pressed, yet were there no Divine interposition on their behalf. For four centuries God shut His people up to His written Word. Again and
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