THE MEANING AND NATURE OF “THE DAY OF THE LORD” IN MALACHI 4:1-6

Abstract

The expression, “the day of the LORD” is a notable theme in the prophetic writings. Its usage in Malachi 4:1-6 has generated divisive opinions. It is described as a day of holy war. Some suggests it is a day of judgment, darkness and a time of doom for all nations. The expression has also been taken to mean an immediate historical act of God or Yahweh's ultimate eschatological visitation. However, in the context of Malachi 4:1-6 is the phrase “the day of the LORD” only a reference to a day of divine wrath? Is it local or cosmic, historical or eschatological? It is the concern of this paper to study how the day of the Lord is to be understood in the context of Malachi’s eschatology through the exegetical appreciation of the text. The study shows that the day of the LORD is not only for punishment of the wicked but also for the blessing and restoration of the long-suffering righteous(Micah 4:6-8).Thus, the day of the LORD has a singular goal with two sides of a coin–reward for the wicked and reward for the righteous. Hence, Malachi’s day of the LORD will bring about the total annihilation of the wicked and total vindication and restoration of the righteous. The study suggests that the day has not been fulfilled. It is apocalyptic and will have a cosmic fulfillment at the end of this world as reechoed in the New Testaments.