Malachi 4:4-6

Conclusion. The book closes with an exhortation to observe the Torah or instruction given through Moses; the mention of Horeb, a Deuteronomic trait (P prefers Sinai) perhaps indicates that Malachi has especially in mind the moral and spiritual teachings of Dt. These, if faithfully observed, would heal the strife spoken of in Malachi 4:6, and avert the impending doom. Before the judgment falls, another way of escape is promised: Elijah will reappear (with Malachi 4:5 cf. Joel 2:31), to set right the social and family discord which is wrecking the community (cf. Micah 7:1). The frequent references to Elijah in the Gospels (e.g. Mark 9:11 f; Mark 15:35 Luke 1:17; Matthew 11:14; John 1:21; John 1:25) show how largely the prophet bulked in late Jewish thought. See also Ecclus. 481- 11, Justin Martyr, Trypho, §§ 8, 49, and Schü rer, § 29. In Malachi 4:6 mg., with necessitates our supplying to God in the text; mg., land is better than the earth Malachi is speaking of Israel. It is possible that these three concluding verses are an appendix to the whole Book of the Twelve.