< Malachi 4 >
1 [This is also what] the Commander of the armies of angels says: “There will be a time that I will judge [and punish] people. [When that happens, it will be] like [SIM] a very hot furnace. At that time, all the proud and wicked people will be burned up like [MET] stubble burns. They will be burned up completely, [like] roots and branches [and everything else on a tree burns completely in a very hot fire].
For, behold, a day comes burning as an oven, and it shall consume them; and all the aliens, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that is coming shall set them on fire, says the Lord Almighty, and there shall not be left of them root or branch.
2 But [as for] you who revere me [MTY], [the one who will save you will come to you] like [MET] [the sun shines in the morning, and enable you to] become righteous (OR, [do what is] righteous); he will restore you [and protect you like a bird protects its chicks] [MET] under its wings. [When he comes, ] you will [be very joyful], like [SIM] calves that go out from a barn into the pasture leaping [joyfully].
But to you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise, and healing [shall be] in his wings: and you shall go forth, and bound as young calves let loose from bonds.
3 At the time when I judge people, you will tread on wicked people as though [SIM] they were the dirt under your feet. [That is what I], the Commander of the armies of angels, promise.
And you shall trample the wicked; for they shall be ashes underneath your feet in the day which I appoint, says the Lord Almighty.
4 Be sure to obey the laws that I gave to Moses, who served me [well]. [Obey all] the commandments and regulations that I gave him on Sinai [Mountain], for all [you people of] Israel [to obey.]
And, behold, I will send to you Elias the Thesbite, before the great and glorious day of the Lord comes;
5 Listen [to this: Some day] I will send to you the prophet Elijah. [He will arrive] before the great and dreadful/terrible day when [I], Yahweh, [will judge and punish people].
who shall turn again the heart of the father to the son, and the heart of a man to his neighbor, lest I come and strike the earth grievously.
6 Because of what he [preaches], parents and their children will [love] each other [again] [IDM]. If that does not happen, I will come and curse your country [and destroy it].”
Remember the law of my servant Moses, accordingly as I charged him [with it] in Choreb for all Israel, [even] the commandments and ordinances.