Malachi 4

Chapter Summary

Malachi chapter 4 begins with a description of the day of the Lord, when the wicked will be judged and the righteous will be rewarded. The chapter then turns to the theme of faithfulness, urging the people to remember the law of Moses and to obey God's commands. The prophet Malachi also looks forward to the coming of Elijah, who will prepare the way for the Lord's return. The chapter ends with a warning to those who do not fear God, and a promise of blessing to those who do. Key verses include Malachi 4:1, which describes the day of the Lord, and Malachi 4:4, which urges the people to remember the law of Moses. Malachi 4:5-6 looks forward to the coming of Elijah, and Malachi 4:2 promises blessing to those who fear God's name.

Context for the Chapter

Malachi chapter 4 is the final chapter of the book of Malachi, and it concludes the prophet's message to the people of Israel. The chapter looks forward to the coming of Elijah and the day of the Lord, and it emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands. The book of Malachi is part of the larger narrative of the Old Testament, which tells the story of God's relationship with his people and looks forward to the coming of Jesus Christ. As seen in the larger narrative, the book of Malachi plays a crucial role in preparing the way for the coming of Jesus Christ.

Heart Application

This chapter calls us to faithfulness and obedience to God's commands. We are urged to remember the law of God and to obey his commands, and to prepare ourselves for the day of the Lord. As we look forward to the coming of Jesus Christ, we are called to repentance and faithfulness, and to live lives that are pleasing to God. By obeying God's commands and living in faithfulness, we can experience the blessing and purification that God promises to those who fear his name.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Malachi chapter 4 is about the coming day of the Lord, when God will judge the wicked and reward the righteous. The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands, and looks forward to the coming of Elijah, who will prepare the way for the Lord's return. As seen in Malachi 4:1-2, the day of the Lord will be a time of great judgment and purification, and we must prepare ourselves for it by living lives of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands.

Voices from the Church

“The day of the Lord is a day of judgment, when God will come to judge the wicked and reward the righteous. It is a day of great solemnity and importance, and we must prepare ourselves for it by living lives of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands.”

— John Calvin

“The coming of Elijah is a call to repentance and faithfulness. We must prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord by turning away from sin and turning to God in faith. As seen in Malachi 4:5-6, Elijah's role is to prepare the way for the Lord's return, and we must respond to this call by living lives of repentance and faithfulness.”

— Charles Spurgeon

Outline for Preaching

1. The Day of the Lord (Malachi 4:1-3) — The chapter begins with a description of the day of the Lord, when the wicked will be judged and the righteous will be rewarded. Malachi 4:1 describes the day of the Lord as a time of great judgment and purification.
2. The Importance of Faithfulness (Malachi 4:4) — The people are urged to remember the law of Moses and to obey God's commands, and those who are faithful will be rewarded. As seen in Malachi 4:4, the people are called to remember the law of Moses and to obey God's commands.
3. The Coming of Elijah (Malachi 4:5-6) — The chapter looks forward to the coming of Elijah, who will prepare the way for the Lord's return. Malachi 4:5-6 describes Elijah's role in preparing the way for the Lord's return.
4. The Promise of Blessing (Malachi 4:2) — The chapter ends with a promise of blessing to those who fear God's name, and a warning to those who do not. As seen in Malachi 4:2, the promise of blessing is given to those who fear God's name.
5. Conclusion (Malachi 4:4-6) — The chapter concludes with a final warning to those who do not fear God, and a promise of blessing to those who do. As seen in Malachi 4:4-6, the chapter concludes with a call to faithfulness and obedience to God's commands.

Core Doctrines

The Day of the Lord

This chapter teaches that the day of the Lord is a time of judgment and purification, when God will come to judge the wicked and reward the righteous. As seen in Malachi 4:1-3, the day of the Lord is a time of great judgment and purification.

The Importance of Faithfulness

The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands, and urges the people to remember the law of Moses and to obey God's commands. As seen in Malachi 4:4, the people are called to remember the law of Moses and to obey God's commands.

The Coming of Elijah

The chapter looks forward to the coming of Elijah, who will prepare the way for the Lord's return. Malachi 4:5-6 describes Elijah's role in preparing the way for the Lord's return.

The Promise of Blessing

The chapter ends with a promise of blessing to those who fear God's name, and a warning to those who do not. As seen in Malachi 4:2, the promise of blessing is given to those who fear God's name.

Lessons from Malachi 4

1. The Importance of Faithfulness — This chapter teaches us the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands. We must remember the law of God and obey his commands, and live lives that are pleasing to him. As seen in Malachi 4:4, the people are called to remember the law of Moses and to obey God's commands.
2. The Coming of Elijah — The chapter looks forward to the coming of Elijah, who will prepare the way for the Lord's return. We must prepare ourselves for this coming by living lives of repentance and faithfulness. Malachi 4:5-6 describes Elijah's role in preparing the way for the Lord's return.
3. The Day of the Lord — The chapter describes the day of the Lord as a time of judgment and purification. We must prepare ourselves for this day by living lives of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands. As seen in Malachi 4:1-3, the day of the Lord is a time of great judgment and purification.
4. The Promise of Blessing — The chapter ends with a promise of blessing to those who fear God's name. We can experience this blessing in our lives by living in faithfulness and obedience to God's commands. As seen in Malachi 4:2, the promise of blessing is given to those who fear God's name.
5. Conclusion — The chapter concludes with a final warning to those who do not fear God, and a promise of blessing to those who do. We must take heed of this warning and live lives that are pleasing to God. As seen in Malachi 4:4-6, the chapter concludes with a call to faithfulness and obedience to God's commands.

Themes from Malachi 4

1. The Day of the Lord — This chapter teaches us about the day of the Lord, a time of judgment and purification when God will come to judge the wicked and reward the righteous. As seen in Malachi 4:1-3, the day of the Lord is a time of great judgment and purification.
2. Faithfulness and Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands. We must remember the law of God and obey his commands, and live lives that are pleasing to him. As seen in Malachi 4:4, the people are called to remember the law of Moses and to obey God's commands.
3. The Coming of Elijah — The chapter looks forward to the coming of Elijah, who will prepare the way for the Lord's return. Malachi 4:5-6 describes Elijah's role in preparing the way for the Lord's return.
4. The Promise of Blessing — The chapter ends with a promise of blessing to those who fear God's name. We can experience this blessing in our lives by living in faithfulness and obedience to God's commands. As seen in Malachi 4:2, the promise of blessing is given to those who fear God's name.
5. Conclusion — The chapter concludes with a final warning to those who do not fear God, and a promise of blessing to those who do. We must take heed of this warning and live lives that are pleasing to God. As seen in Malachi 4:4-6, the chapter concludes with a call to faithfulness and obedience to God's commands.

Questions for Meditation

1. What is the day of the Lord, and how should we prepare for it?
2. What is the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands?
3. Who is Elijah, and what is his role in preparing the way for the Lord's return?
4. What is the promise of blessing to those who fear God's name, and how can we experience this blessing in our lives?
5. How can we apply the teachings of this chapter to our lives, and live in faithfulness and obedience to God's commands?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Malachi 4

	Sermon	Description
	(Godly Home) Part 1 - the Holy Art of Training Children by Denny Kenaston	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a green thumb and the art of polishing stones. He compares these skills to the art of preaching and teaching the wor
	Women in the Church - Part 2 by Derek Prince	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being called by God to be a teacher of the Scriptures. He shares his personal experience of being called by God to be a tea
	(1 Peter - Part 8): Whom Having Not Seen, Ye Love by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the revelation of God's glory through the creation of all things. He refers to the vision described in the book of Ezekiel, where the prophet
	A Cry Against the Wicked Youth of America by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher talks about a man, a Hebrew, who is running through the streets proclaiming that there are only 40 days left before everyone will die because of their
	Purity and Fire - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker shares stories of revival and the power of prayer. He talks about a meeting where there was no piano, but the presence of God was felt through the music
	Christless Pentecost - Part 2 by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for repentance and holiness in the church. He predicts a revival among young people and the downfall of drug abuse, alcoholism, and
	Fire of God by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon transcript, the speaker describes a gathering where the bishop, who has been acting strangely, stands up and weeps while struggling to deliver a text. It is revealed
	A Vision of the Latter-Day Glories by C.H. Spurgeon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unstoppable growth of the church and the gathering of all nations to worship God. He uses the imagery of a dry riverbed gradually fillin
	A Message to Fathers and Children by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the current state of families and the influence of children over their parents. He mentions the controversy of television in Christian homes,
	Changing the Heart of a Rebel by S.M. Davis	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of parents being committed to long-term change rather than seeking quick fixes when dealing with rebellious children. The spea

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Malachi 4

In this chapter, we see the day of the Lord, a time of judgment and purification, when God will come to judge the wicked and reward the righteous. The people are urged to remember the law of Moses and to obey God's commands, and those who are faithful will be rewarded. The chapter looks forward to the coming of Elijah, who will prepare the way for the Lord's return. As Matthew Henry notes, the day of the Lord is a time of great solemnity and importance, and we must prepare ourselves for it by living lives of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands. The promise of blessing to those who fear God's name is a promise of reward and blessing to those who live in faithfulness and obedience to God's commands. As seen in Malachi 4:1-6, the chapter concludes with a call to faithfulness and obedience to God's commands, and a warning to those who do not fear God. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?