4:6 turn the hearts of fathers to their children. Repentance and turning to God will be seen in the restoration of family relationships (Luke 1:17).

lest I come and strike the land with a decree. Malachi began with the announcement of God’s electing love, yet the book ends with the threat of a curse. Malachi’s dual thrust of mercy and judgment is echoed by Paul’s pronouncement, “Note then the kindness and the severity of God” (Rom. 11:22).