Definition: Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Malachi 4:5. It’s a pretty dramatic and serious verse, and it speaks to a huge shift happening in the world. Here's an explanation in simple terms: What it means: This verse is saying that God is preparing for something very significant – a time of great change and judgment. He’s sending a messenger named Elijah before the “great and dreadful day of the LORD” arrives. Let’s unpack that: “Malachi”: This is a prophet in the Old Testament, known for speaking to people in distress and warning about impending disaster. “I will send you”: God is actively choosing to communicate with someone. He’s not just thinking about it; he's taking action. “Elijah the prophet”: Elijah was a very important prophet in the Old Testament, known for his prophetic gifts – speaking truths that often startled and challenged people. He was seen as a messenger of God. “before the coming of…” This is key. The verse doesn't mean Elijah is coming now . It means he’s coming before something else happens. It’s about the time leading up to a major event. “the great and dreadful day of the LORD”: This is a very powerful phrase. “The Lord” refers to God, and “the GREAT and DREADED day” means a time of intense punishment or judgment. It's not just any bad day; it’s a day that will be incredibly severe. In simpler terms, the verse says: God is sending a messenger – Elijah – to warn people about a very serious event that will happen in the future. This event will be devastating and transformative. What's happening metaphorically? Think of it like this: The "great and dreadful day of the LORD" represents a time when God’s justice is fully revealed, and things are about to change dramatically. Elijah is acting as a warning signal, preparing people for what’s coming. Important Note: The Bible often uses symbolic language. This verse isn't necessarily saying exactly what will happen in the future. It’s more about a period of intense spiritual upheaval and impending judgment. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with examples? Discuss its significance within the Old Testament context? Explore what the "great and dreadful day of the LORD" could mean in more detail?