What happensPermalink
Completing the final disputation, Malachi describes the coming day when the arrogant and evildoers will burn like stubble, while those who fear God will experience healing and joy and tread down the wicked. Malachi closes by calling Israel to remember the law of Moses and promising that Elijah will come before the great and awesome day of the Lord to turn the hearts of parents and children toward one another.
Why it mattersPermalink
The coming day answers Israel’s complaint that serving God is useless: God will finally distinguish between the wicked and those who fear Him. The command to remember Moses summarizes Malachi’s call to renewed covenant faithfulness. The promise of Elijah also looks forward; the New Testament presents John the Baptist, who comes “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17), as fulfilling this expectation.
Key versePermalink
But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.