The Sending of Elijah Malachi 4:5

After commending and giving promises to those within the nation of Israel who “feared the Lord”, “the LORD of hosts” through the prophet Malachi reminded these faithful few to “remember the law of Moses” along with it's “statutes and judgments”. In chapter four and verse five of the prophecy of Malachi a promise is given concerning “Elijah the prophet” where we read:

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:

The verse begins, “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet...” “Behold I will send” or “let go, set free or extend”“you Elijah the prophet” whose name means “my God is Jehovah” and who first appeared in Israel's past and can be found in the book of First Kings. This mighty prophet of God did not die but rather was taken up in a chariot by a whirlwind to heaven as we are told in Second Kings chapter two and verse eleven:

And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

The Lord promised to send this great prophet back to Israel, and the timing of his appearing would be according to the Lord's divine plan.

The verse continues, “...before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:” We are told of the timing of “Elijah's” appearance which was to be “before” or “in advance of, in front of, or before-time” “the coming of the great and dreadful” which means “loud, important, intensive, to be feared, revered, honored and stood in awe” “day of the LORD”. This “day of the LORD” is to be a time period when the earth and its inhabitants will be judged by the LORD God, and before the judgment falls, “Elijah” will be sent as a fore-runner to provide warning for those who are still alive.

As we consider these words, we may be inclined to ask more questions about this one called “Elijah the prophet” who will come. It is certain that the Lord desired for the people of Israel to know that He will send Elijah, and since “the day of the LORD” has not come as yet, we too should pay attention to this promise. In the New Testament Jesus made reference to John the Baptist being “Elijah” as found in the gospel of Matthew in chapter eleven and verses twelve and thirteen:

For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

And if you will receive it, this is Elijah, which was for to come.

Verse five and six in Malachi chapter four are predictions of a two-fold coming of the fore-runner to the Messiah. The first was when Jesus came - this was John the Baptist, and the second will be before Jesus returns the earth to rule and reign. Much more can be studied about these things, but let this suffice us for now, “Elijah” will be sent “before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD”. May all who read come to know the Lord Jesus personally before Elijah reappears on the earth.

Next time we will finish the book of Malachi and see what the Lord says about fathers and children, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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