Matthew Henry Commentary Malachi 4:4-6

"Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, even statutes and ordinances. Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of Jehovah come. And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers; lest I come and smite the earth with a curse." — Malachi 4:4-6 (ASV)

Here is a solemn conclusion, not only of this prophecy, but of the Old Testament. Conscience bids us remember the law. Though we do not have prophets, yet, as long as we have Bibles, we may keep up our communion with God. Let others boast in their proud reasoning, and call it enlightening, but let us keep near to that sacred word, through which this Sun of Righteousness shines upon the souls of his people.

They must keep up a believing expectation of the gospel of Christ and must look for its beginning. John the Baptist preached repentance and reformation, as Elijah had done. The turning of souls to God and their duty is their best preparation for the great and dreadful day of the Lord. John will preach a doctrine that will reach men's hearts and work a change in them.

Thus he will prepare the way for the kingdom of heaven. The Jewish nation, by wickedness, laid themselves open to the curse. God was ready to bring ruin upon them; but he will once more try to see if they will repent and return; therefore he sent John the Baptist to preach repentance to them. Let the believer wait with patience for his release, and cheerfully expect the great day, when Christ will come the second time to complete our salvation.

But those who do not turn to Him who smites them with a rod must expect to be smitten with a sword, with a curse. None can expect to escape the curse of God's broken law, nor to enjoy the happiness of his chosen and redeemed people, unless their hearts are turned from sin and the world, to Christ and holiness. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all.

Amen.