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.
1For, 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, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.
2But 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.
3And 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 , saith the LORD of hosts.
4Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.
5Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:
6And 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.