Malachi 3:16-4:6

We conclude our study of the Post-exilic books with the concluding Scriptures of the Old Testament. Despite the wickedness of the leadership and people of Israel, there were a faithful few who feared the Lord. God was going to act in judgment, but the 'treasured possession' would be spared. This sparing would demonstrate the distinction b/w the righteous and the wicked. The wicked will be burned in the judgment, but the righteous will escape. This will occur after God has sent 'Elijah' whose ministry will purpose to turn the hearts of Israel back to God.

Jesus, of course, declared that John the Baptist was the fulfillment of this 'Elijah' prediction. This would seem to indicate that AD70 was, at least the initial, fulfillment of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. Surely the events of that time fit the imagery, as the unfaithful Jews remained in Jerusalem as it was burned to the ground, but the faithful few escaped the judgment.

Thus, in the 1st century events, John the Baptist played the role of Elijah. Jesus played the role of God. AD70 played the role of the Judgment Day. There is debate, within Christianity, as to whether these 1st century fulfillments were complete or partial. Some believe another 'Elijah' will appear before the '2nd Coming' of Jesus Christ and the future final 'Judgment Day.'

In any case, John did come. Jesus did declare that He was Elijah. The Jews, in large part, did NOT turn their hearts toward God and so, as the final verse predicts, the land was struck with a curse. Yet in the midst of the judgment, a community of those who feared the Lord and accepted the Messiah were delivered.