The phrase “healing in His wings” comes from Malachi 4:2, which says “But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.” This verse paints a beautiful picture of the healing and restoration that Jesus brings. Here are a few key things to understand about the meaning behind “healing in His wings”:
1. It refers to the wings of the sunrise or the dawn.
The literal Hebrew refers to the “wings of the dawn” or the “wings of the sunrise.” As the sun begins to rise in the morning, its rays spread out and chase away the darkness. The sunrise brings light, warmth, and a new day. In the same way, Jesus is the “sun of righteousness” who brings spiritual light, warmth, and restoration to those who follow Him. His arrival is like the wings of the dawn bringing healing.
2. It speaks of deliverance and restoration.
When the sunrise comes, it signals the end of the cold, dark night. The sun’s warmth and light deliver the earth from darkness and restore life and activity. In the same metaphorical way, when Jesus comes into someone’s life, He delivers them from spiritual darkness, coldness, and inactivity. He brings light, warmth, and restoration to their soul. The healing in His wings speaks of the deliverance and restoration Jesus brings.
3. It connects to Jesus’ wings of compassion.
The reference to wings could connect to several Bible verses that speak of God hiding His people under the shadow or protection of His wings (Psalm 17:8, 36:7, 57:1, 61:4, 63:7, 91:4). Like a mother bird sheltering her young under her wings, Jesus brings us healing through the protective shadow of His love and compassion. His wings speak of His tender care and concern for His people. The healing comes through His overflowing compassion.
4. It may foreshadow the wings of the cherubim above the Ark.
In the Old Testament tabernacle, two golden cherubim with outstretched wings overshadowed the Ark of the Covenant, representing God’s presence and protection over His people (Exodus 25:18-22). These wings of the cherubim picture God spreading His wings of loving protection over His followers. The “healing in His wings” phrase may connect back to the wings above the Ark, now fulfilled in Christ’s coming.
5. It echoes the comfort of a mother hen’s wings.
Jesus lamented over Jerusalem, saying He longed to gather its people together like a hen gathers her chicks under her wings (Luke 13:34). A mother hen’s wings represent comfort, shelter, and maternal care. The “healing in His wings” reminds us of the tender comfort Christ offers us, like a mother caring for her children. His wings bring comfort and reassurance.
6. It implies speed, action, and purpose.
The phrasing “with healing in its wings” mirrors other Hebrew phrases that include the word “wings” to connote speed, action, and purposeful movement. It gives the sense that Christ is coming rapidly on the wings of the dawn to bring swift deliverance, like a bird swooping down to rescue its young. The sunrise does not delay in spreading its healing light.
7. It evokes soaring like eagles.
The verse says “You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.” This pictures people freely exiting their confinements and soaring through the sky like eagles on the updrafts. Eagles’ wings represent strength, freedom, and rising above earthly limits. The healing in Christ’s wings enables us to soar like eagles, no longer hindered by the confines of sin and darkness. We are liberated and empowered.
8. It conveys complete restoration and joyful vitality.
Not only does the sunrise chase away darkness, but it renews the entire landscape with light, warmth, color, and growth. Plants turn their leaves upward again. Animals awake with energy. Similarly, the healing Christ brings is not partial but complete. We leap like joyful calves released from the stall. The word pictures indicate full restoration, energy, freedom, and vitality.
9. It requires opening ourselves to receive the light.
For the sun’s healing rays to have their effect, we must position ourselves to receive its light. We must face the dawn, open our eyes, and take in the sunrise. Likewise, to experience Christ’s healing, we must orient our hearts toward Him, open up spiritually, and receive His light into the deepest parts of our souls. As we open all of our lives to Him, His healing shines in.
10. It shows Christ has two roles: Judge and Savior.
The preceding verses portray Christ coming in judgment on the wicked. Then verse 2 transitions to show Him arising with healing for those who fear God. Jesus came twice – first as sacrifice and Savior, and second as Judge. The two pictures of judgment and salvation balance each other. Healing shines on those who accept Him as Savior before the judgment.
In summary, the beautiful phrase “healing in His wings” captures the fullness of salvation, deliverance, restoration, and vibrant life that Jesus came to bring. It is packed with evocative word pictures and rich theological meaning about Christ’s compassion, deliverance, protection, completeness, and life-giving restoration. As we open ourselves to the daylight of His presence, His healing shines into every corner of our lives. What a blessing that there is “healing in His wings”!