4:1
We should always remember that the chapter divisions were not part of the original text, but were added hundreds of years later. Sometimes they mark sensible divisions in the text, at others they give a false impression that we have moved on to a new topic or aspect of the message. Here we should note that the severe judgement spoken of in this verse is part of the salvation promised at the end of chapter 3. And this is not at odds with the New Testament! If we look at the words of Jesus we see that judgement was a significant part of them. In Revelation part of the comfort for the suffering saints is that judgement upon their persecutors will come.
4:2
The prospects for the wicked are dire, those for the faithful are infinitely better. The term “sun of righteousness” is unique to Malachi in the OT. They lived in a day or moral darkness, just as we do in many ways. But a time would come when the righteousness would once again shine over the land. This would come with healing in its wings. When we live in a time of darkness it wounds our souls, when God’s righteousness comes it brings healing to our souls. Instead of being constantly cowed, the faithful would leap with joys and freedom, like calves leaping from the stall.
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