Malachi 4:1-3
Summary for Mal 4:1-3: 4:1-3 a This message shifts away from the disputation format, directly warning the people that repentance is the only proper response to the Lord’s message because God’s judgment is inescapable.4:2 b The source for the title Sun of Righteousness might have been the winged sun disk that is ubiquitous in ancient Near Eastern iconography. Here it might be a title for the Messiah or a figurative description of a new era of righteousness in which God will overturn the curse of sin. Israel’s spiritual restoration, or healing, would be based on God’s cleansing the people and forgiving their sins (see Jer 33:6-8 c; cp. Jer 8:14-15 d). It would result from a collective confession of sin and their turning back to God (Mal 3:7 e; cp. Jer 14:19-20 f).
• in his wings: Outstretched wings are a symbol of God’s protection and rescue (see Exod 19:4 g; Deut 32:10-11 h; Ps 17:8 i; 18:10 j).
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