Malachi 4: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Malachi 4 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh declares that the day will come, burning like a furnace for the proud and wicked, leaving them 'neither root nor branch' (v. 1). In contrast, for those who fear His name, the 'sun of righteousness' will arise, bringing healing (v. 2). The faithful will tread down the wicked, as they will be ashes under their feet on that day (v. 3). Yahweh commands remembrance of the law given to Moses at Horeb (v. 4). He promises to send Elijah the prophet before His great day (v. 5). Elijah will restore familial relationships, turning the hearts of fathers to their children and vice versa (v. 6).

Key verse

“But to you who fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing in its wings. You will go out, and leap like calves of the stall.”
Malachi 4:2 (WEB)

Outline

Malachi 4:1 Judgment on the Wicked
Malachi 4:2 Promise of Righteousness
Malachi 4:3 Victory Over Evil
Malachi 4:4 Call to Remember the Law
Malachi 4:5 Coming of Elijah
Malachi 4:6 Turning Hearts

Discussion questions

In v1, what does the 'day' that comes do to the proud and wicked?
What does the 'sun of righteousness' do for those who fear God's name in v2?
The reference to Elijah in v5: why is this figure significant before the 'great and terrible day'?
In v6, what does turning the hearts of 'fathers' and 'children' imply about relationships in that context?
When have you experienced a time of healing that felt like the 'sun of righteousness' in your life?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Malachi 4: Luke 1, Malachi 3, Psalm 84.

Before next time: read Matthew 1.