MALACHI 4

GOD HAS PLANS TO REFINE + RESTORE HIS PEOPLE

God warns His people that the Day of the Lord, a time of God’s divine judgment and justice, will occur. Those who are evil will be set ablaze, reduced to nothing but ashes. For the righteous people who love God, there is hope for an appointed day of purification and refinement. Instead of a fire that brings death, they will experience a sun that brings growth. For the faithful remnant of people, God’s judgment is seen as healing instead of threatening.

Looking back upon the Law of Moses, Malachi encourages the Israelites to follow God’s law. Looking forward, Malachi tells of God’s promise to send the prophet Elijah before God’s arrival. Although some interpretations of this scripture believe in the literal return of Elijah, many believe that this is foreshadowing to John the Baptist, a representation of the prophet Elijah, who will prepare the people for the arrival of Jesus.

Moses is known for delivering God’s law to the Israelites and Elijah was a great prophet who told of the coming of Jesus. These two men exemplify the main messages of the Old Testament, the law, and the prophets, and they point to Jesus—the ultimate fulfillment of both the Law and the Prophets.

Despite the sinful nature of the Israelites, God has plans to restore their hearts and redeem His people. These final verses point to the promise of a new covenant and a new prophet, summarizing the message of the prophets and God’s pursuit of His people throughout the Old Testament.