Malachi 4:2 (NASB)

Bible Commentary

Malachi 4:2 is a Bible verse in the Old Testament where the promise of God’s healing Presence is described as the sun of righteousness—Jesus Christ.

It’s important to understand who God is talking to in the first part of Malachi 4:2—you who fear My name. The word “fear” in Hebrew means: morally reverent, afraid. “Revere” is defined like this: to regard with deep respect, love.

Many of God’s promises in the Bible have this condition. His best blessings are for those who regard Him with deep respect and love. Just like a good father, God delights in giving His children the finest of His kingdom. The children who love and respect their father receive those rewards.

In the middle part of Malachi 4:2, it’s fascinating that in the phrase sun of righteousness, the word “sun” is used to refer to Jesus, instead of “son.” Let’s look at the Hebrew meaning of sun: brilliant, the sun, a ray.

There are multiple places in the Bible where the appearance of Jesus is described as a brilliant light. Though He was a man here on earth, the beauty of His glory emerged and was seen by some of his disciples (Matthew 17:2). Keep that in mind as we look at the Hebrew meanings of righteousness, which are: rightness, justice, virtue, prosperity.

Unlocking the Truth – Light of Jesus Christ

Read the first part of Malachi 4:2 again: But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings;

As the sun of righteousness (the brilliant light of Jesus Christ) rises, it shines down like a laser beam into the shadows to make known the truth, which in turn brings justice, rightness, prosperity and virtue. Those who fear His name will reap the rewards of the comforting rays of His healing light.

The ugliness that hides in the dark will be brought to light, and justice will prevail. The devil is routed out and in the place where we were held captive, the rays of the Lord’s healing light come in to heal and bring peace. This is how God heals us from the inside out.

His mercy pursues  the righteous—those who know Him and fear His name—then healing takes place after the truth surfaces. If you don’t already know the saving grace of God through Jesus, now is the time. Don’t get caught in the light. Be saved by the light—the love and grace of Christ.

He will forgive you. All you need to do is ask Him. He sees all the pain hidden in your heart, and longs to remove it from you as you acknowledge the truth and follow Him. He knows your name and all your ways, and He yearns for you to know His. He loves you, seeks after you, and came to save you from your sins.

A good father rescues his children. He came to rescue you. Won’t you let Him? Reach out your hand to His, so He can pull you out of the dark, out of the shadows and into the life and light of His unfailing love.

He is a good Father.

Study the Bible verse of Malachi 4:2, and understand the urgency with which we must know and revere His name.