Malachi 4:2
Verse
Context
The Day of the LORD
1“For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble; the day is coming when I will set them ablaze,” says the LORD of Hosts. “Not a root or branch will be left to them.” 2“But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings, and you will go out and leap like calves from the stall.3Then you will trample the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day I am preparing,” says the LORD of Hosts.
Sermons
Leonard RavenhillLeonard Ravenhill
T. Austin-SparksT. Austin-SparksSummary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The effect of the judgment on the righteous, as contrasted with its effect on the wicked (Mal 4:1). To the wicked it shall be as an oven that consumes the stubble (Mat 6:30); to the righteous it shall be the advent of the gladdening Sun, not of condemnation, but "of righteousness"; not destroying, but "healing" (Jer 23:6). you that fear my name--The same as those in Mal 3:16, who confessed God amidst abounding blasphemy (Isa 66:5; Mat 10:32). The spiritual blessings brought by Him are summed up in the two, "righteousness" (Co1 1:30) and spiritual "healing" (Psa 103:3; Isa 57:19). Those who walk in the dark now may take comfort in the certainty that they shall walk hereafter in eternal light (Isa 50:10). in his wings--implying the winged swiftness with which He shall appear (compare "suddenly," Mal 3:1) for the relief of His people. The beams of the Sun are His "wings." Compare "wings of the morning," Psa 139:9. The "Sun" gladdening the righteous is suggested by the previous "day" of terror consuming the wicked. Compare as to Christ, Sa2 23:4; Psa 84:11; Luk 1:78; Joh 1:9; Joh 8:12; Eph 5:14; and in His second coming, Pe2 1:19. The Church is the moon reflecting His light (Rev 12:1). The righteous shall by His righteousness "shine as the Sun in the kingdom of the Father" (Mat 13:43). ye shall go forth--from the straits in which you were, as it were, held captive. An earnest of this was given in the escape of the Christians to Pella before the destruction of Jerusalem. grow up--rather, "leap" as frisking calves [CALVIN]; literally, "spread," "take a wide range." as calves of the stall--which when set free from the stall disport with joy (Act 8:8; Act 13:52; Act 20:24; Rom 14:17; Gal 5:22; Phi 1:4; Pe1 1:8). Especially the godly shall rejoice at their final deliverance at Christ's second coming (Isa 61:10).
John Gill Bible Commentary
But unto you that fear my name,.... The few that were of this character among that wicked nation; See Gill on Mal 3:16, shall the Sun of righteousness arise; not the Holy Ghost, who enlightens sinners, convinces of righteousness, and gives joy, peace, and comfort to the saints, but Christ: and thus it is interpreted of him by the ancient Jews, in one of their Midrashes or expositions (a); they say, Moses says not they shall be for ever pledged, that is, the clothes of a neighbour, but until the sun comes, until the Messiah comes, as it is said, "unto you that fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise", &c.; and Philo the Jew (b) not only observes, that God, figuratively speaking, is the sun; but the divine "Logos" or Word of God, the image of the heavenly Being, is called the sun; who, coming to our earthly system, helps the kindred and followers of virtue, and affords ample refuge and salvation to them; referring, as it seems; to this passage: indeed, they generally interpret it of the sun, literally taken, which they suppose, at the end of the world, will have different effects on good and bad men; they say (c), "in the world to come, God will bring the sun out of its sheath, and burn the wicked; they will be judged by it, and the righteous will be healed by it:'' for the proof of the former, they produce the words in the first verse of this chapter, "behold, the day cometh that shall burn as an oven"; and of the latter these words, "but unto you that fear my name &c."; and a very ridiculous notion they have, that Abraham their father had a precious stone or pearl hanging about his neck, and every sick person that saw it was healed by it immediately; and, when he departed out of the world, God took it, and fixed it to the orb of the sun; hence the proverb, the sun rises, and sickness decreases (d); and as it is elsewhere quoted (e), this passage is added to confirm it, as it is said, "to you that fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings": unless this fable should be intended to mean, as Abarbinel (f) interprets it, that Abraham, while he lived, clearly proved the unity of God and his perfections; and that, after his death, the same truth was taught by the wonderful motion of the sun: but, be this as it will, those are undoubtedly in the right who understand these words figuratively of the Messiah; who is compared to the "sun", because, as the sun is a luminous body, the light of the whole world, so is Christ of the world of men, and of the world of saints; particularly of the Gentiles, often called the world; and of the New Jerusalem church state, and of the world to come: and as the sun is the fountain of light, so is Christ the fountain of natural and moral light, as well as of the light of grace, and of the light of glory: as the sun communicates light to all the celestial bodies, so Christ to the moon, the church; to the stars, the ministers of the word; to the morning stars, the angels: as the sun dispels the darkness of the night, and makes the day, so Christ dispelled the darkness of the ceremonial law, and made the Gospel day; and he dispels the darkness of ignorance and unbelief, and makes the day of grace; and will dispel the darkness of imperfection, and will make the day of glory; as the sun is a pure, clear, and lucid body, so is Christ, without the least spot of sin; and so are his people, as they are clothed with his righteousness: as the sun is a glorious body, so is Christ both his natures, divine and human; in his office as Mediator; and will be in his second coming: as the sun is superior to all the celestial bodies, so is Christ to angels and saints: as the sun is but one, so there is but one Son of God; one Mediator between God and man; one Saviour and Redeemer; one Lord and Head of the church: its properties and effects are many; it lays things open and manifest, which before were hid; communicates heat as well as light; make the earth fruitful; is very exhilarating; has its risings and settings, and of great duration: so Christ declares the mind and will of his Father, the hidden mysteries of grace; lays open the thoughts of men's hearts in conversion; and will at the last day bring to light the hidden things of darkness: he warms the hearts of his people with his love, and causes them to burn within them, while they hear his Gospel, and he makes them fervent in spirit while they serve the Lord; he fills them with the fruits of righteousness, and with joy unspeakable, and full of glory; but he is not always seen, is sometimes under a cloud, and withdraws himself; yet his name is as the sun before the Lord, and wilt abide for ever. He is called "the sun of righteousness", because of the glory of his essential righteousness as God; and because of the purity and perfection of his righteousness as man, which appeared in all his actions, and in the administration of all his offices; and because of the display of the righteousness of God in him, in his sufferings and death, in atonement, pardon, and justification by him; and because he is the author and bringer in of righteousness to his people, the glory of which outshines all others, is pure and spotless like the sun, and is everlasting; those who have it are said to be clothed with the sun, and on such he shines in his beams of divine love, grace, and mercy, which righteousness sometimes signifies; and his rays of grace transform men into righteousness and true holiness. The "arising" of this sun may denote the appearance of Christ in our nature; under the former dispensation this sun was not risen, it was then night with the world; John the Baptist was the morning star, the forerunner of it: Christ the sun is now risen; the dayspring from on high hath visited mankind, and has spread its light and heat, its benign influences, by the ministration of the Gospel, the grace of God, which has appeared and shone out, both in Judea, and in the Gentile world: it may be accommodated to his spiritual appearance: this sun is sometimes under a cloud, or seems to be set, which occasions trouble, and is for wise ends, but will and does arise again to them that fear the Lord. The manner is, with healing in his wings; by which are meant its rays and beams, which are to the sun as wings to a bird, by which it swiftly spreads its light and heat; so we read of the wings of the morning, Psa 139:9. Christ came as a physician, to heal the diseases of men; he healed the bodily diseases of the Jews, and he heals the soul diseases of his people, their sins; which healing he has procured by his blood and stripes: pardon of sin by the blood of Christ is meant by healing, which is universal, infallible, and free, Psa 103:3 it may denote all that preservation, protection, prosperity, and happiness, inward and outward, which they that feared the Lord enjoyed through Christ, when the unbelieving Jews were destroyed; and which is further expressed by what follows: and ye shall go forth; not out of the world, or out of their graves, as some think; but either out of Jerusalem, as the Christians did a little before its destruction, being warned so to do (g), whereby they were preserved from that calamity; or it intends a going forth with liberty in the exercise of grace and duty, in the exercise of faith on Christ, love to him, hope in him, repentance, humility, self-denial, &c.; and in a cheerful obedience to his will; or else walking on in his ways; having health and strength, with great pleasure and comfort; and, as Aben Ezra says, by the light of this sun. And grow up as calves of the stall; such as are fat, being put up there for that purpose; see Amo 6:4. Bochart (h) has proved, from many passages out of the Talmud (i), that the word which the Targum here makes use of, and answers to that in the Hebrew text, which is rendered "stall", signifies a yoke or collar, with which oxen or heifers were bound together, while they were threshing or treading out of corn; so that the calves or heifers here referred to were such as were not put up in a stall, but were yoked together, and employed in treading out the corn; now as there was a law that such should not be muzzled while they were thus employed, but might eat of the corn on the floor freely and plentifully, Deu 25:4 these usually grew fat, and so were the choicest and most desirable, to which the allusion may be here, and in Jer 46:21 Amo 6:4 and are a fit emblem of saints joined together in holy fellowship, walking together in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord; where they get spiritual food for their souls, and are in thriving circumstances; where they meet with the corn of heaven, with that corn which makes the young men cheerful, and that bread which nourishes up to everlasting life. The apostle alludes to the custom of oxen yoked together, either in ploughing, or in treading out the corn, when he says, speaking of church fellowship and communion in the ordinances of the Gospel, "be ye not unequally yoked with unbelievers", Co2 6:14 for this hinders spiritual edification, as well as the promotion of the glory of God; but where they are equally yoked, and go hand in hand together in the work and ways of the Lord, they grow and flourish; they are comfortable in their souls, and lively in the exercise of grace; and they are the most thriving Christians, generally speaking, who are in church communion, and most constantly attend the means of grace, and keep closest to the word and ordinances: for the metaphor here used is designed to express a spiritual increase in all grace, and in the knowledge of Christ, and a growing up into him in all things, through the use of means, the word and ordinances; whereby saints become fat and flourishing, being fed with the milk of the word, and the breasts of ordinances, and having fellowship with one another; and, above all, this spiritual growth is owing to the dews of the grace of God, the shining of the Sun of righteousness, and the comfortable gales of the south wind of the Spirit of God, which cause the spices to flow out. The Septuagint version, and those that follow it, render it, "ye shall leap" or "skip as calves loosed from bonds"; as such creatures well fed do when at liberty; and may denote the spiritual joy of the saints upon their being healed, or because of their secure, safe, and prosperous estate: and so the word is explained in the Talmud (k), they shall delight themselves in it; and where the Rabbins interpret this and the preceding verse Mal 4:1 of the natural sun in the firmament, which will be the hell (l) in the world to come, and which will burn the wicked, and heal the righteous. (a) Shemot Rabba, sect. 31. fol. 134. 2. (b) De Somniis, p. 578. (c) T. Bab. Nedarim, fol. 8. 2. & Avoda Zara, fol. 3. 2. (d) T. Bab. Bava Bathra, fol. 16. 2. (e) Apud Yalkut in loc. (f) Comment. in Mal. i. 11. (g) Euseb. Hist. l. 3. c. 5. (h) Hierozoic. par. 1. l. 2. c. 31. col. 303. (i) T. Bab. Gittin, fol. 53. 1. Bava Metzia, fol. 30. 1. Pesachim, fol. 26. 1. Eruvin, fol. 17. 2. (k) T. Bab. Avoda Zara, fol. 4. 1. Nedarim, fol. 8. 2. (l) A notion they elsewhere frequently inculcate, and is not improbable; and which has been of late advanced and defended by a very learned man of our own country, Mr. Tobias Swinden, in a Treatise called "An Inquirer into the Nature and Place of Hell."
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:2 The source for the title Sun of Righteousness might have been the winged sun disk that is ubiquitous in ancient Near Eastern iconography. Here it might be a title for the Messiah or a figurative description of a new era of righteousness in which God will overturn the curse of sin. Israel’s spiritual restoration, or healing, would be based on God’s cleansing the people and forgiving their sins (see Jer 33:6-8; cp. Jer 8:14-15). It would result from a collective confession of sin and their turning back to God (Mal 3:7; cp. Jer 14:19-20). • in his wings: Outstretched wings are a symbol of God’s protection and rescue (see Exod 19:4; Deut 32:10-11; Ps 17:8; 18:10).
Malachi 4:2
The Day of the LORD
1“For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble; the day is coming when I will set them ablaze,” says the LORD of Hosts. “Not a root or branch will be left to them.” 2“But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings, and you will go out and leap like calves from the stall.3Then you will trample the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day I am preparing,” says the LORD of Hosts.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(1 Peter - Part 8): Whom Having Not Seen, Ye Love
By A.W. Tozer10K37:20Loving JesusPSA 148:9MAL 4:2MAT 6:33MAT 17:1JHN 20:291PE 1:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the revelation of God's glory through the creation of all things. He refers to the vision described in the book of Ezekiel, where the prophet sees a whirlwind, a great cloud, and fire enfolding itself. Out of this fire, four living creatures appear, each with the likeness of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle. These creatures represent a heavenly and visible representation of God's creation. The preacher emphasizes that all things were created to set forth the glory of Jesus Christ, who is described in the Bible as the Star of the Shulun on Jacob, the one who comes down as rain upon the earth, and who is likened to a great sea and a strong cedar.
Fire of God
By Leonard Ravenhill7.4K1:06:15Fire Of GodMAL 4:2MAT 1:4MAT 6:33JHN 16:8ACT 2:1ACT 2:40In this sermon transcript, the speaker describes a gathering where the bishop, who has been acting strangely, stands up and weeps while struggling to deliver a text. It is revealed that the bishop has not been eating and has been praying with a woodcutter. The speaker then references a Bible verse about Moses and the Israelites seeing God and having a meal with Him. The speaker also mentions the story of Peter speaking on the day of Pentecost and draws a comparison between a drunken person and a spirit-filled person. The sermon concludes with the speaker reflecting on the declaration of war in 1939.
Lost Dimension in Christian Living
By Leonard Ravenhill4.2K1:04:17Christian LivingPSA 84:11MAL 4:2MAT 6:33LUK 7:36JHN 1:6JHN 14:6JHN 17:3In this sermon, the preacher challenges the audience to reflect on their personal relationship with God. He emphasizes the importance of worshiping God and the cost it may require, such as revising one's social calendar. The preacher also discusses the need for discipline in the Christian life, citing examples of early Christian leaders who had strict devotional practices. He distinguishes between praise and worship, stating that praise is the prelude to true worship. The preacher also highlights the danger of relying on entertainment as a substitute for joy, and encourages the audience to find joy in Jesus, who offers his joy to his disciples.
Christ in You the Hope of Glory - Version 1
By A.W. Tozer4.0K16:21Hope Of GloryPSA 18:2ISA 2:2MAL 4:2JHN 1:29COL 1:271PE 1:10REV 22:16In this sermon, the preacher explores the identity and significance of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that the answer to who Jesus is and why He holds such a high position can be understood by anyone with a humble heart. The preacher refers to various biblical references, such as the sun, stars, mountains, and rock, to symbolize Jesus' role as the healer, the morning star, the great mountain, and the rock of salvation. He explains that Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promises and the mystery of godliness. The preacher also delves into the concept of the Trinity, highlighting the eternal nature of the Father and the Son, and how Jesus, being both fully God and fully human, could assume the created nature.
Revelation of Jesus Christ - Part 1 of 10
By T. Austin-Sparks3.5K47:03Jesus ChristGEN 1:1MAL 4:2MAT 6:33MAT 28:18EPH 1:9REV 1:3REV 22:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the purpose of God in the eternal government of the universe and specifically the earth. The book of Revelation is seen as a summation of all the ages and the consummation of this age. It encompasses the entire Bible, including creation, redemption, and perdition, as well as the roles of God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and Satan. The book is acknowledged as a bewildering one, often causing people to give up on understanding it, but the speaker encourages believers to persevere in studying and seeking to comprehend its message.
Ye Are Come to Zion - Part 1
By T. Austin-Sparks2.3K52:23ZionGEN 2:8EXO 20:1JDG 2:16MAL 4:2MAT 6:33HEB 12:22HEB 12:24In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that man was created by God to have a potential friendship with Him and to ultimately experience glory. The message highlights the spiritual significance of the creation story in Genesis, explaining that everything necessary for man's glorious destiny has already been accomplished by God through Christ. The speaker acknowledges that there is a deficiency in our understanding and faith in this truth, urging listeners to seek a deeper appreciation and worship of God. The sermon also emphasizes that God's plan for man's inheritance and fulfillment is centered in Christ and transmitted to His church, encompassing all sections of the Old Testament.
Dvd 37 - the Nations in the Purposes of God
By Art Katz1.6K1:21:43ISA 9:6JOL 2:28MAL 4:2ROM 9:15EPH 6:12
This sermon delves into deep spiritual warfare, emphasizing the importance of understanding the invisible realm and the ultimate combat we face against rulers and powers of darkness. It highlights the significance of the church in identifying and defeating these spiritual forces, the mercy of God towards Israel, and the prophetic role of the church in the last days. The speaker challenges the congregation to wrestle in prayer and spiritual warfare, to extend mercy to Jews fleeing persecution, and to embrace God as the God of Israel. The sermon calls for a deeper commitment to God's purposes and a willingness to engage in the spiritual battles of the end times.
Three Characteristics of God's House
By Zac Poonen1.6K56:47ChurchGEN 3:15NUM 21:9PSA 119:105ISA 66:1MAL 4:2LUK 24:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a solid foundation in God's word. He encourages the congregation to develop a habit of listening to God's word daily, regardless of the amount of time available. The speaker also highlights the need for the fire of the Holy Spirit in our lives, as it is a sign of God's presence. He shares a story from Luke's Gospel about two disciples who were sad until they encountered Jesus and had their hearts set on fire. The speaker warns against the false sense of security offered by worldly teachings and urges listeners to seek the true word of God.
Signs of His Presence
By Dennis Kinlaw1.2K53:32Presence of GodGEN 1:1GEN 2:7MAL 4:2MAT 1:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the historic meaning of comedy and how it relates to the future of human history. He emphasizes that the end result of history will be a wedding and an eternal relationship between the body of Christ and his people. The speaker also references Dante's Paradiso and highlights a significant insight from the passage. He concludes by discussing the importance of remaining faithful to God and not losing sight of Him, using the example of Dante taking his eyes off Beatrice as they approach God.
Jesus Is the Light of the World - Part 1
By Joshua Daniel1.2K09:42EXO 20:15PRO 11:1PRO 22:6MAL 4:2JHN 8:12JHN 8:23EPH 5:8
This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus as the light of the world and the need for transparency and integrity in our lives. He challenges listeners to live in the light of Christ, exposing and repenting of hidden sins and dishonest practices. The message highlights the significance of moral revival beyond just economic prosperity, stressing the foundational role of God's Word in restoring integrity and righteousness in society.
Grace of God
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.2K18:04Grace Of GodISA 6:5MAL 4:2ACT 9:1ROM 7:24PHP 2:5REV 2:4In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his childhood experience of receiving a camera and how much it meant to him. He contrasts this with the lack of appreciation he sees in today's generation. The speaker then transitions to discussing the importance of seeking Jesus and relying on Him for everything, as without Him, we can do nothing. He emphasizes that there is only one life, which is Jesus' life, and that through Him, blessings can flow and curses can be overcome. The speaker concludes by acknowledging that he realized his entire being was under a curse until he found Jesus.
(John) the Silence Is Broken
By Brian Brodersen88750:58MAL 4:2MAT 6:33MAT 21:12MAT 23:13MAT 24:33JHN 1:6JHN 1:15JHN 1:19JHN 1:26REV 3:20In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the power of God's word and the significance of silence in our spiritual journey. He highlights the story of John the Baptist and how his ministry broke the long period of silence from God. The speaker encourages believers who may be experiencing a season of silence to continue waiting and watching for God's intervention. He also discusses historical periods, such as the dark ages, where there was a lack of understanding and neglect of the word of God, leading to spiritual bondage. Ultimately, the sermon emphasizes the transformative power of preaching the word of God and the impact it can have on individuals and society.
Holy Communion - His Body and Blood
By Michael Koulianos4931:20Holy CommunionCommunionHealing and SurrenderPSA 103:2PSA 107:19PSA 147:3PRO 3:7ISA 53:5JER 17:14JER 33:6EZK 47:8MAL 4:2MAT 26:28Michael Koulianos emphasizes the significance of Holy Communion, inviting the congregation to surrender fully to Jesus and experience His healing presence. He highlights the power of Christ's sacrifice, reminding believers of the forgiveness and healing available through His body and blood. Koulianos encourages attendees to release their burdens and receive peace, emphasizing that Jesus is the great physician who heals both physical and emotional wounds. The sermon culminates in a heartfelt communion service, where participants are invited to reflect on the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice.
Song of Solomon - the Journey of Love
By Phil Beach Jr.331:09:17God's LoveLoveIntimacy with ChristPSA 139:14SNG 1:2MAL 4:2MAT 11:28LUK 5:8JHN 17:6ROM 7:182CO 5:211JN 4:19REV 2:4Phil Beach Jr. shares a profound message on the 'Song of Solomon,' emphasizing the deep, romantic love that God has for His people. He illustrates how understanding this love can heal our insecurities and fears, allowing us to embrace our identity as beloved children of God. Through a vision of a high school sweetheart, he conveys the importance of being secure in Christ's love, which liberates us from the opinions of others. The sermon calls for a return to our first love, urging believers to seek intimacy with Christ rather than mere service. Ultimately, Beach encourages the congregation to experience the unspeakable love of Jesus, which transforms and empowers us.
Epistle 411
By George Fox0Unchanging Nature of GodIdentity in ChristJER 31:33MAL 4:2JHN 1:3JHN 8:12JHN 17:32CO 5:172CO 6:18GAL 3:27REV 12:1REV 22:13George Fox emphasizes the identity of believers as sons and daughters of God, highlighting that they possess God's law in their hearts and know eternal life through Jesus Christ. He describes believers as new creatures clothed in Christ, who is unchanging and the true light of the world. Fox contrasts the eternal nature of Christ with the changeable aspects of worldly religions and practices, urging believers to walk in the light of Christ and remain steadfast in their faith. He reassures that the true church of Christ, which is unchanging, stands firm above the transient nature of worldly influences. Ultimately, he calls for a life that glorifies God through the unchanging truth of Jesus.
Grow Up
By C.H. Spurgeon0Spiritual GrowthFellowship with ChristPSA 23:1ISA 58:11MAL 4:2JHN 10:9EPH 4:15PHP 1:9COL 1:10HEB 5:121PE 2:22PE 3:18C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth in his sermon 'Grow Up', encouraging believers to leave behind the confines of despondency and embrace the joy and confidence found in fellowship with Christ. He likens this growth to young calves that thrive in the open pastures, urging the faithful to seek the abundant life that Jesus offers. Spurgeon calls on the congregation to rise from spiritual immaturity and to actively pursue growth in grace and knowledge, reminding them that they have the nurturing care of their Redeemer. He encourages believers to respond to the light of the Sun of Righteousness and to expand their hearts in faith.
Never Despair
By C.H. Spurgeon0Hope in ChristOvercoming DespairPSA 30:5ISA 60:1MAL 4:2JHN 8:12ROM 5:1C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the hope found in the promise of the Sun of Righteousness, who brings healing and light even in the darkest times. He reassures believers that despite the deepening darkness, despair is unnecessary as the dawn of Christ's righteousness is near. Spurgeon highlights that Jesus embodies both justice and mercy, ensuring that our deliverance is safe and righteous. He encourages the faithful to maintain reverence for God, assuring them that the night of sorrow will be brief and followed by joy and healing. Ultimately, he calls for patience and trust in the Lord's timing, as the Sun will surely rise.
The Fear of the Lord
By H.J. Vine0PRO 8:13MAL 4:2MAT 3:16ACT 9:311CO 1:29EPH 5:332TI 2:22HEB 5:7REV 22:16H.J. Vine preaches on the importance of being in the fear of the Lord throughout the day, emphasizing the reverent trustfulness and hatred of evil that comes with it. The presence of the Lord brings joy and reality to those who maintain this fear. By walking in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Ghost, true prosperity and unity are experienced, as seen in the early assemblies in the Acts.
Ecstatic Feelings
By Harmon A. Baldwin0JOB 23:10MAL 4:2MAT 4:11CO 2:14JAS 1:12Harmon A. Baldwin discusses the concept of the Sun of Righteousness always shining on the holy man, emphasizing that while clouds of trials and temptations may temporarily obscure one's consciousness of God's presence, the sanctified individual can still experience inner light and victory through faith. Baldwin challenges the notion that continual mountain-top ecstasies are inseparable from a pure heart, highlighting the importance of soul victory and obedience to God's will as true triumph in Christ, regardless of earthly circumstances. He concludes by affirming that living a holy life involves detecting and resisting temptations, maintaining purity of heart even in the face of adversities.
Letter 188.
By James Bourne02SA 23:4PSA 23:4PSA 72:6ZEC 14:3MAL 4:2James Bourne reflects on the inevitability of afflictions in life, sharing personal struggles with fear, bodily afflictions, and the constant battle against Satan's deceptions. Despite the challenges, Bourne finds solace in the everlasting covenant with God and the assurance of salvation through Christ. He draws strength from the imagery of the Sun of righteousness bringing healing and the tender grass springing after rain, symbolizing the graces of the Spirit. Bourne also witnesses the peaceful passing of a friend, highlighting the true fruits of a ministry appointed by God and the importance of seeking a testimony approved by Him.
Moody Chasing His Shadow
By D.L. Moody0God's ForgivenessPursuing the LightPSA 34:5PSA 103:12ISA 60:1MAL 4:2LUK 15:20JHN 8:12ROM 5:8EPH 5:8JAS 4:81JN 1:7D.L. Moody shares a personal childhood experience of chasing his shadow, illustrating how pursuing the light of God brings peace and joy, while turning away leads to darkness. He emphasizes that just as his shadow followed him when he faced the sun, the Son of Righteousness will accompany those who seek Him. Moody encourages listeners not to doubt God's forgiveness, asserting that it is their own will that prevents them from receiving it. The sermon calls for a turn towards God's light to experience His love and grace.
Continuous Spiritual Growth
By Dougan Clark0MAL 4:2EPH 4:15COL 1:101PE 2:22PE 3:18Dougan Clark preaches about the continuous spiritual growth in the inner life of holiness, emphasizing the expansion of spiritual graces without hindrance in the sanctified heart, leading to a perpetual and eternal growth in love and maturity. He highlights the importance of removing hindrances to growth, feeding on the Word of God, and growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ to experience constant spiritual growth. Clark urges believers to seek sanctification, spiritual health, and growth in grace to thrive and serve effectively in the Kingdom of God.
The General Plan of the Tabernacle
By George Warnock0Identity in ChristGod's PresenceEXO 19:6NUM 23:9NUM 24:5MAL 4:2ROM 10:17PHP 3:121PE 2:9George Warnock emphasizes the significance of the Tabernacle as the dwelling place of God among His people, illustrating how it symbolizes a new beginning and a holy nation set apart. He reflects on the disobedience and discouragement of the Israelites despite God's glory surrounding them, contrasting their covenant with the life-giving covenant available through Christ. Warnock urges believers to embrace their identity as a royal priesthood and to pursue the fullness of God's promises, emphasizing the importance of faith and the Word of God in experiencing His glory. He calls for spiritual awakening, encouraging the congregation to remove barriers of unbelief and to walk in the light of God's truth. Ultimately, he reminds them that true communion with God is available to all who seek Him wholeheartedly.
Of the Fear of God.
By John Gill0True WorshipFear Of GodPSA 2:11PSA 34:9PSA 103:13PSA 130:4PRO 8:13ECC 12:13ISA 50:10MAL 4:2MAT 10:28HEB 12:28John Gill emphasizes the profound significance of the fear of God in true worship, asserting that it encompasses both internal and external expressions of faith. He explains that fearing God is not about being afraid of Him, but rather about reverence and respect, which leads to obedience and a life aligned with His commandments. Gill contrasts this godly fear with various forms of ungodly fear, such as servile or hypocritical fear, and highlights that true fear of God results in a hatred of sin and a commitment to righteousness. He concludes by affirming the blessings and promises that come to those who fear the Lord, including His protection, provision, and acceptance.
Epistle 375
By George Fox0Unity in ChristLiving a Holy LifeJOL 2:28MAL 4:2MAT 5:16MAT 5:45ROM 5:51CO 12:31GAL 5:22EPH 4:16PHP 2:31PE 5:6George Fox emphasizes the importance of glorifying God in all meetings, urging friends to maintain unity, humility, and love among one another. He encourages believers to keep their gatherings focused on the life and truth of Christ, avoiding strife and reflecting on each other in a spirit of kindness. Fox highlights the necessity of living out the virtues of love, peace, and righteousness, as these qualities edify the body of Christ and serve as a testimony to the world. He warns against losing one's spiritual savor and encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith and good works, which ultimately glorify God. The sermon concludes with a call to live holy lives, reflecting the light of Christ in a world that often dishonors God.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The effect of the judgment on the righteous, as contrasted with its effect on the wicked (Mal 4:1). To the wicked it shall be as an oven that consumes the stubble (Mat 6:30); to the righteous it shall be the advent of the gladdening Sun, not of condemnation, but "of righteousness"; not destroying, but "healing" (Jer 23:6). you that fear my name--The same as those in Mal 3:16, who confessed God amidst abounding blasphemy (Isa 66:5; Mat 10:32). The spiritual blessings brought by Him are summed up in the two, "righteousness" (Co1 1:30) and spiritual "healing" (Psa 103:3; Isa 57:19). Those who walk in the dark now may take comfort in the certainty that they shall walk hereafter in eternal light (Isa 50:10). in his wings--implying the winged swiftness with which He shall appear (compare "suddenly," Mal 3:1) for the relief of His people. The beams of the Sun are His "wings." Compare "wings of the morning," Psa 139:9. The "Sun" gladdening the righteous is suggested by the previous "day" of terror consuming the wicked. Compare as to Christ, Sa2 23:4; Psa 84:11; Luk 1:78; Joh 1:9; Joh 8:12; Eph 5:14; and in His second coming, Pe2 1:19. The Church is the moon reflecting His light (Rev 12:1). The righteous shall by His righteousness "shine as the Sun in the kingdom of the Father" (Mat 13:43). ye shall go forth--from the straits in which you were, as it were, held captive. An earnest of this was given in the escape of the Christians to Pella before the destruction of Jerusalem. grow up--rather, "leap" as frisking calves [CALVIN]; literally, "spread," "take a wide range." as calves of the stall--which when set free from the stall disport with joy (Act 8:8; Act 13:52; Act 20:24; Rom 14:17; Gal 5:22; Phi 1:4; Pe1 1:8). Especially the godly shall rejoice at their final deliverance at Christ's second coming (Isa 61:10).
John Gill Bible Commentary
But unto you that fear my name,.... The few that were of this character among that wicked nation; See Gill on Mal 3:16, shall the Sun of righteousness arise; not the Holy Ghost, who enlightens sinners, convinces of righteousness, and gives joy, peace, and comfort to the saints, but Christ: and thus it is interpreted of him by the ancient Jews, in one of their Midrashes or expositions (a); they say, Moses says not they shall be for ever pledged, that is, the clothes of a neighbour, but until the sun comes, until the Messiah comes, as it is said, "unto you that fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise", &c.; and Philo the Jew (b) not only observes, that God, figuratively speaking, is the sun; but the divine "Logos" or Word of God, the image of the heavenly Being, is called the sun; who, coming to our earthly system, helps the kindred and followers of virtue, and affords ample refuge and salvation to them; referring, as it seems; to this passage: indeed, they generally interpret it of the sun, literally taken, which they suppose, at the end of the world, will have different effects on good and bad men; they say (c), "in the world to come, God will bring the sun out of its sheath, and burn the wicked; they will be judged by it, and the righteous will be healed by it:'' for the proof of the former, they produce the words in the first verse of this chapter, "behold, the day cometh that shall burn as an oven"; and of the latter these words, "but unto you that fear my name &c."; and a very ridiculous notion they have, that Abraham their father had a precious stone or pearl hanging about his neck, and every sick person that saw it was healed by it immediately; and, when he departed out of the world, God took it, and fixed it to the orb of the sun; hence the proverb, the sun rises, and sickness decreases (d); and as it is elsewhere quoted (e), this passage is added to confirm it, as it is said, "to you that fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings": unless this fable should be intended to mean, as Abarbinel (f) interprets it, that Abraham, while he lived, clearly proved the unity of God and his perfections; and that, after his death, the same truth was taught by the wonderful motion of the sun: but, be this as it will, those are undoubtedly in the right who understand these words figuratively of the Messiah; who is compared to the "sun", because, as the sun is a luminous body, the light of the whole world, so is Christ of the world of men, and of the world of saints; particularly of the Gentiles, often called the world; and of the New Jerusalem church state, and of the world to come: and as the sun is the fountain of light, so is Christ the fountain of natural and moral light, as well as of the light of grace, and of the light of glory: as the sun communicates light to all the celestial bodies, so Christ to the moon, the church; to the stars, the ministers of the word; to the morning stars, the angels: as the sun dispels the darkness of the night, and makes the day, so Christ dispelled the darkness of the ceremonial law, and made the Gospel day; and he dispels the darkness of ignorance and unbelief, and makes the day of grace; and will dispel the darkness of imperfection, and will make the day of glory; as the sun is a pure, clear, and lucid body, so is Christ, without the least spot of sin; and so are his people, as they are clothed with his righteousness: as the sun is a glorious body, so is Christ both his natures, divine and human; in his office as Mediator; and will be in his second coming: as the sun is superior to all the celestial bodies, so is Christ to angels and saints: as the sun is but one, so there is but one Son of God; one Mediator between God and man; one Saviour and Redeemer; one Lord and Head of the church: its properties and effects are many; it lays things open and manifest, which before were hid; communicates heat as well as light; make the earth fruitful; is very exhilarating; has its risings and settings, and of great duration: so Christ declares the mind and will of his Father, the hidden mysteries of grace; lays open the thoughts of men's hearts in conversion; and will at the last day bring to light the hidden things of darkness: he warms the hearts of his people with his love, and causes them to burn within them, while they hear his Gospel, and he makes them fervent in spirit while they serve the Lord; he fills them with the fruits of righteousness, and with joy unspeakable, and full of glory; but he is not always seen, is sometimes under a cloud, and withdraws himself; yet his name is as the sun before the Lord, and wilt abide for ever. He is called "the sun of righteousness", because of the glory of his essential righteousness as God; and because of the purity and perfection of his righteousness as man, which appeared in all his actions, and in the administration of all his offices; and because of the display of the righteousness of God in him, in his sufferings and death, in atonement, pardon, and justification by him; and because he is the author and bringer in of righteousness to his people, the glory of which outshines all others, is pure and spotless like the sun, and is everlasting; those who have it are said to be clothed with the sun, and on such he shines in his beams of divine love, grace, and mercy, which righteousness sometimes signifies; and his rays of grace transform men into righteousness and true holiness. The "arising" of this sun may denote the appearance of Christ in our nature; under the former dispensation this sun was not risen, it was then night with the world; John the Baptist was the morning star, the forerunner of it: Christ the sun is now risen; the dayspring from on high hath visited mankind, and has spread its light and heat, its benign influences, by the ministration of the Gospel, the grace of God, which has appeared and shone out, both in Judea, and in the Gentile world: it may be accommodated to his spiritual appearance: this sun is sometimes under a cloud, or seems to be set, which occasions trouble, and is for wise ends, but will and does arise again to them that fear the Lord. The manner is, with healing in his wings; by which are meant its rays and beams, which are to the sun as wings to a bird, by which it swiftly spreads its light and heat; so we read of the wings of the morning, Psa 139:9. Christ came as a physician, to heal the diseases of men; he healed the bodily diseases of the Jews, and he heals the soul diseases of his people, their sins; which healing he has procured by his blood and stripes: pardon of sin by the blood of Christ is meant by healing, which is universal, infallible, and free, Psa 103:3 it may denote all that preservation, protection, prosperity, and happiness, inward and outward, which they that feared the Lord enjoyed through Christ, when the unbelieving Jews were destroyed; and which is further expressed by what follows: and ye shall go forth; not out of the world, or out of their graves, as some think; but either out of Jerusalem, as the Christians did a little before its destruction, being warned so to do (g), whereby they were preserved from that calamity; or it intends a going forth with liberty in the exercise of grace and duty, in the exercise of faith on Christ, love to him, hope in him, repentance, humility, self-denial, &c.; and in a cheerful obedience to his will; or else walking on in his ways; having health and strength, with great pleasure and comfort; and, as Aben Ezra says, by the light of this sun. And grow up as calves of the stall; such as are fat, being put up there for that purpose; see Amo 6:4. Bochart (h) has proved, from many passages out of the Talmud (i), that the word which the Targum here makes use of, and answers to that in the Hebrew text, which is rendered "stall", signifies a yoke or collar, with which oxen or heifers were bound together, while they were threshing or treading out of corn; so that the calves or heifers here referred to were such as were not put up in a stall, but were yoked together, and employed in treading out the corn; now as there was a law that such should not be muzzled while they were thus employed, but might eat of the corn on the floor freely and plentifully, Deu 25:4 these usually grew fat, and so were the choicest and most desirable, to which the allusion may be here, and in Jer 46:21 Amo 6:4 and are a fit emblem of saints joined together in holy fellowship, walking together in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord; where they get spiritual food for their souls, and are in thriving circumstances; where they meet with the corn of heaven, with that corn which makes the young men cheerful, and that bread which nourishes up to everlasting life. The apostle alludes to the custom of oxen yoked together, either in ploughing, or in treading out the corn, when he says, speaking of church fellowship and communion in the ordinances of the Gospel, "be ye not unequally yoked with unbelievers", Co2 6:14 for this hinders spiritual edification, as well as the promotion of the glory of God; but where they are equally yoked, and go hand in hand together in the work and ways of the Lord, they grow and flourish; they are comfortable in their souls, and lively in the exercise of grace; and they are the most thriving Christians, generally speaking, who are in church communion, and most constantly attend the means of grace, and keep closest to the word and ordinances: for the metaphor here used is designed to express a spiritual increase in all grace, and in the knowledge of Christ, and a growing up into him in all things, through the use of means, the word and ordinances; whereby saints become fat and flourishing, being fed with the milk of the word, and the breasts of ordinances, and having fellowship with one another; and, above all, this spiritual growth is owing to the dews of the grace of God, the shining of the Sun of righteousness, and the comfortable gales of the south wind of the Spirit of God, which cause the spices to flow out. The Septuagint version, and those that follow it, render it, "ye shall leap" or "skip as calves loosed from bonds"; as such creatures well fed do when at liberty; and may denote the spiritual joy of the saints upon their being healed, or because of their secure, safe, and prosperous estate: and so the word is explained in the Talmud (k), they shall delight themselves in it; and where the Rabbins interpret this and the preceding verse Mal 4:1 of the natural sun in the firmament, which will be the hell (l) in the world to come, and which will burn the wicked, and heal the righteous. (a) Shemot Rabba, sect. 31. fol. 134. 2. (b) De Somniis, p. 578. (c) T. Bab. Nedarim, fol. 8. 2. & Avoda Zara, fol. 3. 2. (d) T. Bab. Bava Bathra, fol. 16. 2. (e) Apud Yalkut in loc. (f) Comment. in Mal. i. 11. (g) Euseb. Hist. l. 3. c. 5. (h) Hierozoic. par. 1. l. 2. c. 31. col. 303. (i) T. Bab. Gittin, fol. 53. 1. Bava Metzia, fol. 30. 1. Pesachim, fol. 26. 1. Eruvin, fol. 17. 2. (k) T. Bab. Avoda Zara, fol. 4. 1. Nedarim, fol. 8. 2. (l) A notion they elsewhere frequently inculcate, and is not improbable; and which has been of late advanced and defended by a very learned man of our own country, Mr. Tobias Swinden, in a Treatise called "An Inquirer into the Nature and Place of Hell."
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:2 The source for the title Sun of Righteousness might have been the winged sun disk that is ubiquitous in ancient Near Eastern iconography. Here it might be a title for the Messiah or a figurative description of a new era of righteousness in which God will overturn the curse of sin. Israel’s spiritual restoration, or healing, would be based on God’s cleansing the people and forgiving their sins (see Jer 33:6-8; cp. Jer 8:14-15). It would result from a collective confession of sin and their turning back to God (Mal 3:7; cp. Jer 14:19-20). • in his wings: Outstretched wings are a symbol of God’s protection and rescue (see Exod 19:4; Deut 32:10-11; Ps 17:8; 18:10).