Malachi 4:2 But to you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and you shall go forth… I. THE PROMISE WHICH IS MADE. 1. The metaphor under which the coming of Christ is spoken of. The rising of the Sun of Righteousness. Malachi assimilates Christ's coming to that of the sun rising upon the earth. Is He not well entitled to this appellation? 2. The manner in which Jesus is to come to His saints. "With healing in His wings." It is a bold poetical figure used by the prophet for the beams or rays of the sun; and such bold painted figures are by no means uncommon with Eastern writers. II. THE PERSONS TO WHOM THIS PROMISE IS MADE. "To them who fear the name of the Lord." This expression is used in Scripture for religion in general. Without a certain mixture of fear, taking the term in its most literal signification, no worship can be accept able to Jehovah. Without a certain mixture of fear, no worship can produce any deep or lasting impressions on the worshipper himself — no sanctifying effects on his heart and conscience. The term may, however, be limited and applied to some particular classes of saints. 1. To them who are spiritual mourners. 2. To them persecuted for the sake of religion. 3. To them who sit in heathen darkness. 4. To the elect on the day of judgment.To the righteous on that day Christ shall "arise with healing in His wings." To them shall He come with joy and songs of triumph. (James Watson.) Parallel Verses KJV: But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. |
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