Bible Commentaries
Malachi 4

Verse 1

Mal 4:1. The preposition for is used to connect the present passage with the one immediately preceding it in chapter 3: 18, The strictness of the Gospe l in its requirements as to the Citizens of the new kingdom is the subject. (See Act 17:30 and 1Pe 4:17-18.) We also recal1 the many instances where Christ showed the contrast between the old and the new, He would refer to certain liberties that bad been tolerated in "old time" and then say "but I say unto you," etc. This strictness of the new law is figuratively referred to as an oven fOr burning refuse. Leave them neither root nor branch refers to the complete condemnation and rejection of the ways of stn that was to be manifested by Christians.

Verse 2

Mal 4:2. The healthful effects of the Gospel of Christ is likened to the warm and healing rays of the sun. Go forth is from puwsu which Strong defines, "To spread; figuratively act proudly," Moffatt renders it to "leap." The verse as a whole means that the citizens in the kingdom of Christ were to be blessed with great spiritual strength and activity.

Verse 3

Mal 4:3, We know that Christians are not permitted to use any kind of literal violence against Sinners, hence this treadIng of them is explained by the comments on verse 1. And we know this "burning" and "treading" did not reter to the time after the judgment day, for it was to occur in the day that I shall do this, referring to the time of the Gospel age.

Verse 4

Mal 4:4. A last exhortation is given to the Jews of the time of Malachi, that they should remember the law of Moses. There was never to be another law of government given to them until that one so forceably predicted in this book ot the prophet.

Verse 5

Mal 4:5. But while no other written law was to be given before that new age is usbered into the world, tbere was to be a man sent just before that time to speak orally to the Jews by way of preparation for the new law. That man was to have the power and spiritual strength of Elijah. Dreadlul day means that the kingdom of Christ would be severe against sinners (see comments on verses 1 and 3), but would be respected by the righteous.

Verse 6

Mal 4:6. The phrases of this verse refer to the reformative work that was to be accomplished by this Elijah (or John the Baptist). Without the effects of this forerunner and the new kingdom to follow, the whole world would have suffered the wrath or an outraged God.