being drab and stereotyped, Malachi’s style could rather be compared with the lively dialogue of the popular orator.28 The same method was applied in the works of Greek authors and by Paul in his proclamation of the gospel.29 The question whether the people really reacted in such a manner must be left open.30 If not in actual words, this reaction may be assumed in the mind and acts of the people. Adamson may be right that the origin of Malachi’s dialogues must be found in “the protesting and questioning