The phrase “great and dreadful day of the Lord” in Malachi 4:5 refers to the second coming of Jesus Christ. It will be a day of both salvation and judgment. Here is an in-depth look at what the Bible says about this important prophetic event:
Old Testament Background
The “day of the Lord” is referenced many times in the Old Testament prophets. It speaks of a future time when God will directly intervene in human affairs to judge sin and rebellion. Some key passages include:
- Isaiah 13:9 – Judgment on Babylon
- Ezekiel 30:3 – Judgment on Egypt
- Joel 1:15 – Judgment on Judah
- Joel 2:1-2 – Coming “day of darkness and gloom”
- Joel 2:31 – Celestial disturbances preceding the day
- Joel 3:14 – Judgment in the valley of decision
- Amos 5:18-20 – No escape for the wicked
- Zephaniah 1:7-18 – Judgment on Judah
- Zephaniah 2:2-3 – Seek righteousness before the day comes
The day of the Lord is thus associated with darkness, judgment, and wrath on the wicked. But it also has a redemptive purpose in saving the righteous remnant who trust in God.
New Testament References
The New Testament continues the theme of the coming day of the Lord:
- Acts 2:20 – Signs and wonders preceding the day
- 1 Thessalonians 5:2 – Comes unexpectedly like a thief
- 2 Thessalonians 2:2 – Cannot come until the rebellion and man of lawlessness are revealed
- 2 Peter 3:10 – Heavens destroyed by fire and elements melt
- Revelation 6-19 – Vivid descriptions of God’s wrath poured out
From these passages we see the day of the Lord includes heavenly signs, the coming of Christ, God’s wrath on the wicked, and the overthrow of Satan’s dominion. But it also leads to the ushering in of a new heavens and new earth (2 Peter 3:13).
The Setting of Malachi
Malachi ministered after the rebuilding of the temple around 430 BC. His prophecy rebukes the priests and people of Judah for their apathy toward God and violation of the covenant. Key themes include:
- Questioning God’s love (Malachi 1:2)
- Offering defective sacrifices (Malachi 1:6-14)
- Neglecting tithes and offerings (Malachi 3:8-10)
- Intermarrying with pagans (Malachi 2:11-12)
- Doubting God’s justice (Malachi 2:17)
- Robbing God (Malachi 3:8)
- Challenging obedience (Malachi 3:13-15)
It’s in this context of religious formalism and social injustice that Malachi points to the coming day of the Lord.
Details about the Day of the Lord in Malachi
Malachi 4:5 gives the most details about the day of the Lord. Here are some key points:
- “Great” – It will be a monumental event in human history, unlike any other.
- “Dreadful” – It will inspire awe and fear of God’s power and judgment.
- “Coming of the Lord” – Jesus Christ will personally return (see Matthew 24:30).
- “Sending Elijah” – This is fulfilled in John the Baptist coming in the spirit of Elijah (Luke 1:17).
- “Before…the Lord comes” – John preceded Christ and prepared the way for Him.
- “Turn…hearts” – People will repent in expectation of coming judgment.
- “Strike the land with a curse” – Judgment will come on all who refuse to repent.
So Malachi reveals key details like the preparatory ministry of John, the personal coming of Christ in judgment, the call to repentance beforehand, and impending curses on the unrepentant.
New Testament Fulfillment
The New Testament confirms Malachi’s prophecy was fulfilled in the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus:
- John came in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:17).
- John fulfilled Isaiah 40:3 and Malachi 3:1 by preparing the way (Matthew 3:3).
- Jesus affirmed John as the Elijah who was to come (Matthew 11:10-14).
- John preached repentance to flee the coming wrath (Matthew 3:2,7-8).
- Those rejecting John’s message were under the curse (Matthew 21:32-36).
- Jesus inaugurated the kingdom and executed judgment (Matthew 12:28, 21:43-44).
- The great and dreadful day is equated with Christ’s return (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2).
So John and Jesus fulfilled the prophecies about the forerunner and the Messiah who inaugurates the “great and dreadful day of the Lord.”
The Greatness of the Day
What makes the day of the Lord so great?
- End of injustice – God will make all things right (2 Thessalonians 1:5-10).
- Vindication of the righteous – The righteous will shine like the sun (Matthew 13:43).
- Satan defeated – The devil who deceived the nations will be thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).
- Creation liberated – The curse will be removed and creation set free (Romans 8:20-21).
- Christ glorified – Every knee shall bow to the King of Kings (Philippians 2:9-11).
- Death defeated – The last enemy death will be destroyed (1 Corinthians 15:26).
- New creation – God will create a new heaven and new earth (Isaiah 65:17).
What an amazing day when all that is wrong is made right, evil is vanquished, and God makes all things new for eternity!
The Dread of the Day
Why is the day of the Lord so dreadful and fearful?
- Unexpected – It will come at an hour no one expects (Matthew 24:44).
- Inescapable – There is no way to avoid God’s righteous judgment (Amos 5:18-20).
- Wrath – The day means wrath and fury upon God’s enemies (Revelation 6:17).
- Judgment – The day reveals God’s righteous judgment (Romans 2:5).
- Eternal loss – The wicked will suffer eternal destruction (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).
- Horror – People will long to die rather than face God’s wrath (Revelation 9:6).
- Weeping and gnashing – There will be utter dismay and anguish (Matthew 13:42).
For those who reject Christ, the day of the Lord will be one of unimaginable horror and anguish.
How Should We Respond?
In light of the coming day of the Lord, the Bible urges us to:
- Seek the Lord while He may be found (Isaiah 55:6-7)
- Kiss the Son in submission to Christ (Psalm 2:12)
- Repent and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15)
- Be ready for Christ’s return (Matthew 24:42-44)
- Pursue holiness and godliness (2 Peter 3:11-14)
- Labor for the kingdom in light of eternity (1 Corinthians 15:58)
- Comfort one another with the hope of resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:18)
Rather than fear or dread, the coming day of the Lord is meant to stir us to repentance, holy living, and urgent kingdom mission. Maranatha! “Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).
Key Theological Themes
The great and dreadful day of the Lord centers around key theological themes:
- God’s sovereignty – The day displays God’s supreme power and kingship over all creation.
- Christ’s supremacy – Jesus is exalted above all as universal Lord.
- Judgment & justice – Evil and rebellion are judged as God makes right all wrongs.
- Human accountability – All people face judgment based on their response to Christ.
- End times – The day consummates God’s eschatological program in history.
- Covenant fulfillment – God’s covenant promises and threats find ultimate fulfillment.
- Hope & restoration – The day brings hope and renewal for the people of God.
This epic day in redemptive history showcases God’s glorious attributes and perfect will.
Interpretive Issues
There are some key questions about interpreting the day of the Lord:
- Is it a single day or longer period? Most see an extended campaign of judgment.
- When does it occur? Views range from AD 70 to a future consummation.
- Is judgment on nations literal/political? Or is it more spiritual in nature?
- Does it include a literal 1000 year millennium? Revelation 20 is controverted.
- To what extent are the prophecies conditional based on repentance?
- How are the images and language used – figurative or literal?
While minor details are debated, most agree the day of the Lord centers on the return of Christ to judge evil and usher in God’s eternal kingdom.
Conclusion
The great and dreadful day of the Lord, prophesied in Malachi and elsewhere, refers to the consummate moment in salvation history when Jesus returns to vindicate His name, judge the wicked, reward the righteous, defeat Satan, and establish God’s permanent kingdom. It will be great for the redeemed and dreadful for the unrepentant. This important biblical theme should instill reverence in our hearts along with urgency to proclaim the gospel while there is still time.