Malachi 4 explained: A Burning Day and a Rising Sun

The day that burns (v. 1)

This answers the complaint in the previous chapter that arrogant people seem to get away with everything. Like dry stalks thrown into a fire after harvest, they will burn up fast, with no root or branch left, meaning nothing of them will remain.

Sunrise for the faithful (vv. 2-3)

For those who honor God, the same day is like dawn, its rays pictured as healing wings, probably drawing on the winged sun image common in the ancient world. They will leap like calves let out of the stall, and the wicked who seemed to win will be beaten down like ashes underfoot.

Remember Moses' teaching (v. 4)

Horeb is another name for Mount Sinai, where Israel received God's law through Moses. Until that day comes, the people are told to hold on to that teaching.

Elijah will come first (v. 5)

Elijah was an earlier prophet who, according to 2 Kings 2, was taken up in a whirlwind without dying, so people expected him to return. Jewish tradition still awaits him, and Christians read the Gospels as saying John the Baptist came in Elijah's spirit.

Hearts turned or ruin (v. 6)

Elijah's task is to turn parents and children toward each other, and scholars are unsure whether this means healing families, bringing the present generation back to their ancestors' faith, or both. The book ends with a stark warning of complete ruin, so in synagogue readings verse 5 is traditionally repeated afterward to close on hope.

Key verse: Malachi 4:2

Where Christians differ

Christians differ on whether the promise of Elijah was completely fulfilled in John the Baptist or still points to a future Elijah figure before the final day.

Something to think about

If a day ever came when everything was finally set right, what would you most hope to see healed?