The Book of Malachi consists of six main sections which are bound together in form and structure as well as in general theme. The form is distinctive and has often been described as that of the ‘Prophetic Disputation’. In each case the prophet makes an opening statement, either in the first-person divine speech (1:2, 6; 3:6, 13) or in his own words (2:10, 13, 17), setting out a word of God by way of proposition, although this may itself take the form of a question (2:10) or be expanded by a question (1:6). This is then followed by a question from the hearers (1:2, 6; 2:14, 17; 3:8, 13, 14), the answer to which forms the main burden of the message, although this also sometimes involves the use of a further question (1:8, 9, 13; 2:15 [2x]' 3:2). It is often pointed out that there are precedents for such a disputation style in the earlier prophets (e.g. Mic. 2:6–11, Jer. 2:23–5, 29–32; 28:1–11, Amos 5:25f. etc.). Appeal is sometimes made to Westermann's suggestion that there was such a form as ‘the Disputation’. Nevertheless, Westermann is careful to distinguish various patterns of the form, and the fluidity of its use in the Book of Malachi suggests that we are dealing with a highly individualised style.