416 BC · AM 3588 · Return

The messenger, the day of the LORD, and Elijah promised

Malachi promised a messenger who would prepare the way before the Lord, called the people to return through faithful giving, and recorded a book of remembrance for those who feared God. His final word looked toward the day of the LORD and the coming of Elijah, who would turn hearts before that day (Malachi 3:1-4:6).

regnal dating
📖 Malachi 3:1

1“Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts.

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Connections

Quotation

The messenger sent ahead

Jesus identified John the Baptist as the promised messenger sent ahead to prepare the way, using wording drawn from Malachi.

Matthew 11:7–9

As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear fine clothing are found in kings’ palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

Malachi 3:1 promises that God will send His messenger to prepare the way; in Matthew 11:10 Jesus uses the same promise and says that John is the one about whom it was written.

Read Matthew 11:7–9 (BSB) →Go there on the timeline →
Sources: BradyStephenson/bible-data
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