Malachi 4:2
This is the “sun” that we also read about in Luke 1:78-79. (See the footnote for verse 78 there.) It’s interesting that “sun” and “Son” are pronounced the same way, and this helps you understand what is happening as you look at the verses in Malachi and Luke together. This “sun” has “healing in its rays” (Malachi) and is the “light” that will “guide us into a life of peace” (Luke). Both of these word-pictures perfectly describe the saving work of Jesus for us and in us.
The Day of Judgment
For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, said the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, said the LORD of hosts. Remember ye the Law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.
The Last Promise of the Prophets
Four hundred years later Jesus would say that the “Elijah” promised here was John the Baptist (see Matthew 11:14 and 17:11-13). “Elijah” was the name of an Old Testament prophet (see first and second books of Kings). John the Baptist had the same bold, outspoken manner of the earlier Elijah. Malachi tells his readers that this new “Elijah” would announce the Messiah’s reign. John the Baptist did this. We are not told here about the gap between the new Elijah (John) and the “great and terrible day” of God’s judgment. The time gap is not important, because that judgment is always just nearby. Jesus simply warns us to “be on guard” for that day (Matthew 24:42).
Malachi 4:5-6
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
Read The Bible In
One Year: Jer. 40-42
Plus Daily Chapter: Is. 60
