◄ Malachi 4 ►
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The Day of the LORD (Zephaniah 1:7–18; 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11; 2 Peter 3:8–13) 1“For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble; the day is coming when I will set them ablaze,” says the LORD of Hosts. “Not a root or branch will be left to them.” 2“But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings,a and you will go out and leap like calves from the stall. 3Then you will trample the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day I am preparing,” says the LORD of Hosts. 4“Remember the law of My servant Moses, the statutes and ordinances I commanded him for all Israel at Horeb.b 5Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and awesomec Day of the LORD. 6And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers.d Otherwise, I will come and strike the land with a curse.” Footnotes: 2 a Or the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in His wings 4 b That is, Mount Sinai, or possibly a mountain in the range containing Mount Sinai 5 c Or dreadful; LXX glorious 6 d Cited in Luke 1:17 Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Malachi 4 Summary The Day of the LORD Verse 1 – The Burning Furnace of Judgment A single, unstoppable day is on God’s calendar. It will blaze like a white-hot kiln. Every arrogant heart and every worker of evil will be tossed in like dry straw. Nothing of their life—“neither root nor branch”—will survive the flames. Verses 2–3 – The Rising Sun of Righteousness for the Faithful For everyone who reveres the LORD’s name, dawn breaks in healing light. “The sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings,” shining away sickness, sin, and sorrow. Freed from the stall, the faithful kick up their heels like calves in springtime and tread the ashes of the wicked underfoot. Verse 4 – Remember the Law of Moses Just before the curtain falls, God points back to His covenant blueprint. “Remember the Law of Moses My servant” given at Horeb—commands, statutes, and rules that were meant to shape daily life. Verses 5–6 – Elijah the Prophet and the Coming Day God will send “Elijah the prophet” ahead of that great and fearful day. His task: turn hearts—parents to children, children to parents—so the land is blessed instead of struck with a curse. Malachi 4, the last chapter in the Book of Malachi, conveys the prophet's final revelations regarding the Day of the Lord. It paints a vivid picture of the judgement day, speaking of both punishment for the wicked and reward for the righteous. It concludes with a call to remember the teachings of Moses and a prophecy about the return of Elijah. Historical Setting • Date: about 430 BC, a century after the return from Babylon. • Judah is under Persian rule; the temple (rebuilt 516 BC) stands but devotion is lukewarm. • Priests have grown careless (Malachi 1:6–2:9), marriages are mixed with idolatry (2:11), and people doubt God’s justice (2:17). Malachi closes the Old Testament era with a last burst of prophetic fire. Literary Flow Malachi is built around six disputes between God and His people. Chapter 4 forms the climactic conclusion: judgment (v 1), reward (vv 2–3), a covenant reminder (v 4), and a prophetic promise (vv 5–6). The pattern mirrors earlier prophets who coupled warning with hope. “The Day is Coming”: Imagery of Fire and Furnace Malachi 4:1—“Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace.” • Fire in the ancient Near East signaled cleansing as well as destruction (cf. Isaiah 66:15; Joel 2:3). • “Stubble” was the brittle stalk left after harvest—fuel for a quick, thorough blaze. • “Neither root nor branch” echoes total annihilation (cf. Amos 2:9). The phrase assures final justice: evil loses every trace of permanence. The Sun of Righteousness and Healing Malachi 4:2—“But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.” • God is often pictured as a sun (Psalm 84:11). • “Wings” can mean the rays of the morning light or the edge of a garment (Ruth 2:12). Both ideas convey protective warmth. • Luke 1:78 cites the “sunrise from on high” to describe Jesus. • The leaping calves image (v 2) contrasts slavery to sin with freedom in God (John 8:36). Remembering the Law of Moses • Horeb equals Sinai (Exodus 3:1). • Calling Judah back to Scripture counteracts spiritual drift (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2). • Obedience is not legalistic drudgery but a covenant love language (John 14:15). Elijah: The Forerunner of the Day Malachi 4:5—“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes.” • John the Baptist fulfills this in spirit and power (Luke 1:17; Matthew 11:14). • Yet Jesus hints at an additional future appearance (Matthew 17:11). • Elijah’s ministry is relational: turning hearts. Revival starts in families, rippling through society. Archaeological and Cultural Background • Persian-era clay tablets from nearby Elephantine show Jewish communities wrestling with fidelity to the temple, echoing Malachi’s themes. • Excavated kilns outside ancient Jerusalem illustrate the “furnace” picture: temperatures could reduce cedar beams to ash in minutes. • Bull calves kept in stalls until festival offerings would indeed bound with energy once released. Connections to Other Scriptures 1. Judgment fire: 2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 20:11–15. 2. Rising light imagery: Isaiah 60:1–3; John 8:12. 3. Heart reconciliation: 2 Samuel 15:6 (stolen hearts); Ephesians 6:4 (fathers and children). 4. Law and Prophets united: Matthew 22:40—Jesus stands on both pillars and fulfills them. Living Lessons Today • God keeps a fixed appointment with history; ignoring it does not delay it. • Fear of the LORD births hope, not dread. • Scripture is the believer’s compass in seasons of uncertainty. • Revival often begins at home—healed relationships prepare a community for Christ’s coming. • Justice and mercy are two sides of the same sunrise: the same day that burns stubble brings healing light. Key Words and Notes • Day (Heb. yōm): a decisive event, not mere daylight hours. • Furnace: high-temperature kiln; picture of total judgment. • Sun of righteousness: God-provided righteousness shining on His people. • Healing: wholeness, not just physical cure. • Curse (Heb. ḥerem): ban or utter destruction; the final word if hearts refuse to turn. Malachi 4 closes the Old Testament with urgent expectation. The next voice in the biblical record will be John the Baptist crying, “Prepare the way of the Lord!” The furnace and the sunrise, the Law and the Prophets, all converge on the same promise: the King is coming—be ready. Connections to Additional Scriptures Joel 2:31 Further describes the Day of the Lord as a day of darkness and gloom, emphasizing the need for repentance. Matthew 11:14 Jesus identifies John the Baptist as the Elijah who was to come, fulfilling Malachi's prophecy. 2 Peter 3:10-13 Discusses the coming of the day of the Lord and encourages believers to live holy and godly lives in anticipation. Revelation 22:12-13 Jesus speaks of His return, bringing reward and judgment, echoing the themes of Malachi 4. Teaching Points The Day of the Lord Malachi 4:1 describes a day that is coming, burning like a furnace, where the arrogant and evildoers will be stubble. This emphasizes God's righteous judgment and the ultimate accountability of all people. The Sun of Righteousness In Malachi 4:2, the promise is given to those who fear God's name: the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. This symbolizes hope, restoration, and the triumph of righteousness. The Role of Elijah Malachi 4:5-6 speaks of sending Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord. This points to the prophetic role of John the Baptist and the call to repentance and reconciliation. The Final Warning and Promise The chapter concludes with a call to remember the law of Moses and a promise of restoration, highlighting the continuity of God's covenant and His faithfulness. Practical Applications Live with Eternal Perspective Recognize the reality of God's coming judgment and let it influence your daily decisions and priorities. Embrace God's Healing Seek the healing and restoration that comes from living in the light of God's righteousness. Pursue Reconciliation Actively work towards reconciliation in relationships, reflecting the ministry of Elijah in turning hearts. Obey God's Commands Commit to living according to God's Word, remembering the law of Moses as a guide for righteous living. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh) Referred to as the one who will bring about the day of judgment. In the Hebrew text, the name used is יהוה (YHWH), which is the covenant name of God, often rendered as "LORD" in English translations. Malachi 4:1 speaks of the "day of the LORD" that is coming. 2. Elijah the Prophet Mentioned in Malachi 4:5, Elijah is prophesied to return before the "great and dreadful day of the LORD." The Hebrew text uses the name אֵלִיָּהוּ (Eliyahu), which means "My God is Yahweh." Elijah is a significant prophetic figure in the Old Testament, known for his role in calling Israel back to the worship of Yahweh. Places 1. The Day of the Lord This is a significant theme in Malachi 4, referring to a future time of divine judgment and restoration. The "day" is not a physical location but a prophetic event that holds great importance in Christian eschatology. 2. The Sun of Righteousness While not a physical place, this imagery represents the coming of healing and righteousness, often interpreted as a reference to the Messiah. The "Sun of Righteousness" is a metaphorical expression rather than a geographical location. 3. The Law of Moses Mentioned in Malachi 4:4, this refers to the commandments given at Mount Horeb (Sinai). While Mount Horeb is a physical place, the focus here is on the spiritual and covenantal significance of the law. 4. Elijah the Prophet In Malachi 4:5, Elijah is mentioned as a precursor to the "great and dreadful day of the Lord." While Elijah himself is not a place, his mention ties back to the historical and spiritual context of Israel. In summary, Malachi 4 does not list specific geographical places but rather uses symbolic and prophetic language to convey its message. Events 1. The Day of the Lord is Coming Malachi 4:1 - "For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble; the day that is coming will set them ablaze, says the LORD of Hosts, not leaving them root or branch." This verse describes the coming "Day of the Lord," a time of judgment and purification. The Hebrew word for "day" (יוֹם, yom) signifies a specific time of divine intervention. 2. The Sun of Righteousness Will Rise Malachi 4:2 - "But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings, and you will go out and leap like calves from the stall." This event promises hope and restoration for those who revere God. The "sun of righteousness" symbolizes divine healing and renewal, with "wings" (כָּנָף, kanaph) often representing protection and care. 3. The Wicked Will Be Trampled Malachi 4:3 - "Then you will trample the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day I am preparing, says the LORD of Hosts." This verse indicates the ultimate victory of the righteous over the wicked, who will be reduced to ashes, symbolizing complete defeat and judgment. 4. Remember the Law of Moses Malachi 4:4 - "Remember the law of Moses My servant, the statutes and ordinances I commanded him for all Israel at Horeb." A call to remember and adhere to the Mosaic Law, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant and the importance of obedience to His commandments. 5. Elijah the Prophet Will Be Sent Malachi 4:5 - "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD." This prophecy foretells the coming of Elijah as a precursor to the Day of the Lord, serving as a messenger to prepare the people. The name "Elijah" (אֵלִיָּהוּ, Eliyahu) means "My God is Yahweh," highlighting his role as a divine herald. 6. He Will Turn Hearts Malachi 4:6 - "And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; otherwise I will come and strike the land with a curse." The mission of Elijah is to bring reconciliation and restoration within families, preventing a curse upon the land. The Hebrew word for "turn" (שׁוּב, shuv) implies repentance and transformation. Lessons from Malachi 4 1. The Day of the Lord is Coming Malachi 4 opens with a powerful reminder that the Day of the Lord is on the horizon. This day will be a time of reckoning, where "all the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble" (Malachi 4:1). It's a call to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that our actions today have consequences tomorrow. Let this truth inspire you to walk in righteousness and share the hope of salvation with others. 2. The Sun of Righteousness Will Rise In verse 2, we are given a beautiful promise: "But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings" (Malachi 4:2). This imagery of the sun rising brings hope and renewal. Just as the dawn dispels darkness, so does the righteousness of Christ bring healing and restoration to our lives. Embrace this promise and let it guide you through life's challenges. 3. Joy and Freedom Await the Faithful Malachi 4:2 continues with a vivid picture of joy and freedom: "And you will go out and leap like calves from the stall". This is a reminder that those who trust in the Lord will experience true liberation and joy. As you navigate your daily routines, remember that your faith in Christ offers a freedom that transcends any earthly circumstance. 4. The Importance of Remembering God's Law Verse 4 urges us to "remember the law of Moses, My servant" (Malachi 4:4). This is a call to keep God's commandments at the forefront of our lives. By doing so, we align ourselves with His will and experience the blessings that come from obedience. Make it a habit to meditate on Scripture daily, allowing it to shape your thoughts and actions. 5. Elijah's Return as a Sign Malachi 4:5 speaks of the coming of Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord. This prophecy points to John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus. It serves as a reminder that God fulfills His promises and orchestrates history according to His divine plan. Trust in His timing and remain vigilant for the signs of His work in your life. 6. The Call to Reconciliation Verse 6 highlights the mission of Elijah: "He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers" (Malachi 4:6). This underscores the importance of reconciliation and unity within families. As believers, we are called to be peacemakers, fostering love and understanding in our relationships. 7. Avoiding the Curse of Disobedience The chapter concludes with a warning: "Otherwise I will come and strike the land with a curse" (Malachi 4:6). This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. Let it motivate you to remain steadfast in your faith, seeking His guidance in all areas of your life. 8. The Power of Fear and Reverence for God Throughout Malachi 4, the theme of fearing the Lord is prevalent. This fear is not about being afraid, but about having a deep reverence and respect for God. It is the foundation of wisdom and leads to a life that honors Him. Cultivate this reverence in your heart, allowing it to guide your decisions and actions. 9. The Assurance of God's Justice Malachi 4 assures us that God's justice will prevail. The wicked will face judgment, while the righteous will be vindicated. This assurance allows us to live with confidence, knowing that God sees all and will set things right in His perfect timing. Let this truth bring peace to your heart as you trust in His justice. 10. The Hope of Restoration Finally, Malachi 4 offers a message of hope and restoration. Despite the warnings of judgment, there is a promise of healing and renewal for those who fear the Lord. This hope is anchored in the resurrection of Christ, which assures us of our ultimate salvation. Embrace this hope and let it fuel your passion for sharing the Gospel with others. Topics 1. The Coming Day of the LORD Malachi 4:1 speaks of a future day described as "burning like a furnace," where the arrogant and evildoers will be set ablaze. The Hebrew word for "day" (יוֹם, yom) emphasizes a specific time of divine intervention and judgment. 2. The Sun of Righteousness In Malachi 4:2, the "sun of righteousness" will rise with "healing in its wings" for those who fear the LORD's name. The imagery of the "sun" (שֶׁמֶשׁ, shemesh) symbolizes light, healing, and renewal, offering hope and restoration. 3. Triumph Over the Wicked Malachi 4:3 describes the righteous trampling the wicked, who will be like ashes underfoot. This verse underscores the ultimate victory of the righteous over evil, with "ashes" (אֵפֶר, epher) symbolizing total destruction. 4. The Call to Remember the Law of Moses In Malachi 4:4, there is a call to remember the "Law of Moses" given at Horeb. This emphasizes the importance of adhering to the commandments and statutes as a foundation for righteous living. 5. The Promise of Elijah's Return Malachi 4:5 prophesies the sending of Elijah the prophet before the "great and dreadful day of the LORD." The mention of Elijah (אֵלִיָּהוּ, Eliyahu) signifies a call to repentance and preparation for the coming judgment. 6. Restoration of Relationships Malachi 4:6 speaks of turning the hearts of fathers to their children and vice versa, to prevent the land from being struck with a curse. This highlights the restoration of familial relationships and societal harmony as a key aspect of divine intervention. Themes 1. The Day of the LORD Malachi 4 opens with a vivid depiction of the "day is coming, burning like a furnace" (Malachi 4:1). This theme emphasizes the impending judgment and purification that will occur when God intervenes in human history. The Hebrew word for "day" (יוֹם, yom) signifies a specific time of divine action, underscoring the certainty and intensity of this future event. 2. Judgment of the Wicked The passage describes how "all the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble" (Malachi 4:1). This theme highlights the fate of those who oppose God, emphasizing the complete and total destruction that awaits them. The Hebrew term for "stubble" (קַשׁ, qash) conveys the idea of something easily consumed by fire, symbolizing the thoroughness of God's judgment. 3. Vindication of the Righteous In contrast to the wicked, "for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings" (Malachi 4:2). This theme focuses on the reward and restoration for those who revere God. The imagery of the "sun of righteousness" suggests a new beginning and divine favor, with "healing" (מַרְפֵּא, marpe) indicating restoration and wholeness. 4. Triumph over Evil The righteous "will go out and leap like calves from the stall" (Malachi 4:2), symbolizing joy and freedom. This theme underscores the ultimate victory and liberation from oppression that the faithful will experience. The Hebrew verb for "leap" (פָּרַס, paras) conveys exuberance and celebration, reflecting the joy of deliverance. 5. Remembrance of the Law The exhortation to "remember the law of Moses, My servant" (Malachi 4:4) serves as a reminder of the covenantal relationship between God and His people. This theme emphasizes the importance of adhering to God's commandments as a means of maintaining faithfulness and preparing for the coming day of the LORD. 6. The Role of Elijah The prophecy concludes with the promise of sending "Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD" (Malachi 4:5). This theme highlights the role of prophetic ministry in calling people to repentance and reconciliation. The mention of Elijah (אֵלִיָּהוּ, Eliyahu) signifies a return to fervent faith and the restoration of relationships, as he will "turn the hearts of the fathers to their children" (Malachi 4:6). Prayer Points Pray for Readiness Ask God to prepare your heart for His coming and to live with an eternal perspective. Seek Healing and Restoration Pray for areas in your life that need the healing touch of the sun of righteousness. Intercede for Reconciliation Pray for broken relationships to be restored and for hearts to be turned towards one another. Commit to Obedience Ask for strength and wisdom to follow God's commands and live a life pleasing to Him. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Malachi 4:1, how can a literal “day” consume the wicked like stubble without any known natural phenomenon matching this description? 2. How does Malachi 4:2’s “Sun of righteousness” physically heal people, considering the sun’s harmful effects on human health? 3. If Elijah is supposed to return (Malachi 4:5), why does the New Testament imply John the Baptist’s role was that of Elijah, yet he denies being Elijah in John 1:21? 4. Has there been any historical or archaeological evidence to support the fulfillment of Malachi 4:3, where the righteous literally tread on the ashes of the wicked? 5. Why does Malachi 4’s emphasis on judgment seem to conflict with other biblical passages that portray God’s grace and mercy toward evildoers? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Malachi 4 illustrate God's view on justice and righteousness? 2. What does the 'Sun of Righteousness' represent, and how can we seek its healing rays in our lives? 3. How do the themes of judgement and restoration interplay in this chapter? 4. In what ways can the prophecy of Elijah's return inspire reconciliation in our own relationships? 5. How can remembering the Law of Moses influence our modern ethical and moral decisions? 6. How can we prepare ourselves for the 'Day of the Lord' as per the teachings in Malachi 4? 7. How does the promise of God’s judgement impact the way you view your actions and choices? 8. How might Malachi's exhortation to remember the Law of Moses apply to present-day societal issues? 9. If the Day of the Lord were to happen soon, how would it change your current lifestyle? 10. How can the analogy of the 'blazing furnace' and the 'dust underfoot' serve as reminders in your daily walk of faith? 11. How does the prophecy about Elijah’s return reveal God’s intention to restore relationships? 12. How might the warning of the 'great and dreadful' Day of the Lord influence your spiritual growth? 13. How can you apply the lessons from Malachi 4 in your interaction with others? 14. How might you incorporate the remembrance of Moses' laws into your personal study of the Bible? 15. In what ways does Malachi 4 challenge your understanding of God's mercy and wrath? 16. How can Malachi’s prophecy about Elijah guide you in dealing with family relationships? 17. How does the concept of God’s judgement affect your perception of justice in today’s world? 18. How can the teachings in Malachi 4 help you in dealing with injustice around you? 19. In your personal experience, how do you connect the prophecy of Elijah's return to the idea of healing and restoration? 20. How can the final admonitions and prophecies of Malachi 4 shape your personal faith journey? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions