Old Testament
Malachi 4
Overview
The book reaches its blazing finale: the Day of the LORD is coming, burning like an oven, when the arrogant and evildoers will be stubble, but for those who fear God's name the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings, and they will go out leaping like calves from the stall. God calls His people to remember the law of Moses, then makes His closing promise—He will send Elijah the prophet before that great and awesome day to turn the hearts of parents and children to one another, lest He strike the land with a curse. With this word of warning and hope the Old Testament falls silent, leaning forward toward the dawn it foretells.
1“For behold, the day comes, burning like a furnace, when all the proud and all who work wickedness will be stubble. The day that comes will burn them up,” says Yahweh of Armies, “so that it will leave them neither root nor branch.
2But to you who fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing in its wings. You will go out and leap like calves of the stall.
3You shall tread down the wicked; for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I make,” says Yahweh of Armies.
4“Remember the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded to him in Horeb for all Israel, even statutes and ordinances.
5Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of Yahweh comes.
6He will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”