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, the day has come, burning as a furnace, When all the proud and all those doing wickedness have been stubble, And the day that came has burned them,” said YHWH of Hosts, “That there is not left to 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 for you fearing My Name, The Sun of Righteousness has risen with healing in His wings, And you have gone forth, And have bounded as calves of a stall.
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 have trodden down the wicked, For they are ashes under the soles of your feet, In the day that I am appointing,” said YHWH of Hosts.
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.]
“Remember the Law of My servant Moses, That I commanded him in Horeb, For all Israel—statutes and judgments.
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].
Behold, I am sending Elijah the prophet to you, Before the coming of the great and fearful Day of YHWH.
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].”
And he has turned back the heart of fathers to sons, And the heart of sons to their fathers, Before I come and have utterly struck the land!”
