Mal. 4 God’s judgment on the wicked, Mal. 4:1, and his blessing on the good, Mal. 4:2–3. He exhorteth to the study of the law, Mal. 4:4, and telleth of Elijah’s coming and office, Mal. 4:5–6.

The words immediately foregoing (which, as we have the chapters divided, did end the third chapter) foretold a day to come then, though it is now long since past, in which such judgments should be executed upon the Jewish nation, as should make the stoutest contemners of God to see and acknowledge…

You that fear my name; so are they described to us who were written in the book of remembrance, Mal. 3:16; who loved the law of their God, and kept it; who believed his promises, and rejoiced in expectation of the good promised; who believed his threats and trembled at them, that they might rest in…

And ye: see Mal. 4:2. Shall tread down the wicked: now the ungodly, proud, and atheistical despisers of God, providence, and future judgments. do tread down those that fear God and are godly, but it shall not be so always; that word, Ps. 58:10–11, and that, Isa. 66:24, and that, Rev.

Now take leave of all prophecy, for you shall have no more till the great Prophet, till Shiloh come; and attend ye diligently to the law of Moses, keep its precepts and directions. The law; in the full extent: the moral precepts; rules of a holy and religious life for all.

I will send; though the spirit of propheey cease for four hundred years, yet at the expiring of those years you shall have one sent, as great as Elijah, and therefore he is now called Elijah, that shall prepare Messiah’s way.

And he; John the Baptist, who comes in the spirit and power of Elias. Shall turn; it shall be his office and work to turn, as it is the office of every preacher.