Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
The effect of the judgment on the righteous, as contrasted with its effect on the wicked (Malachi 4:1). To the wicked it shall be as an oven that consumes the stubble (Matthew 6:30); to the righteous it shall be the advent of the gladdening Sun, not of condemnation, but "of righteousness"; not destroying, but "healing" (Jeremiah 23:6).
you that fear my name—The same as those in Malachi 3:16, who confessed God amidst abounding blasphemy (Isaiah 66:5; Matthew 10:32). The spiritual blessings brought by Him are summed up in the two, "righteousness" (I Corinthians 1:30) and spiritual "healing" (Psalms 103:3; Isaiah 57:19). Those who walk in the dark now may take comfort in the certainty that they shall walk hereafter in eternal light (Isaiah 50:10).
in his wings—implying the winged swiftness with which He shall appear (compare "suddenly," Malachi 3:1) for the relief of His people. The beams of the Sun are His "wings." Compare "wings of the morning," Psalms 139:9. The "Sun" gladdening the righteous is suggested by the previous "day" of terror consuming the wicked. Compare as to Christ, II Samuel 23:4; Psalms 84:11; Luke 1:78; John 1:9; John 8:12; Ephesians 5:14; and in His second coming, II Peter 1:19. The Church is the moon reflecting His light (Revelation 12:1). The righteous shall by His righteousness "shine as the Sun in the kingdom of the Father" (Matthew 13:43).
ye shall go forth—from the straits in which you were, as it were, held captive. An earnest of this was given in the escape of the Christians to Pella before the destruction of Jerusalem.
grow up—rather, "leap" as frisking calves [CALVIN]; literally, "spread," "take a wide range."
as calves of the stall—which when set free from the stall disport with joy (Acts 8:8; Acts 13:52; Acts 20:24; Romans 14:17; Galatians 5:22; Philippians 1:4; I Peter 1:8). Especially the godly shall rejoice at their final deliverance at Christ's second coming (Isaiah 61:10).
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Malachi 4:2:
Song of Solomon 2:11
Song of Solomon 3:1
Isaiah 60:1
Isaiah 66:24
Daniel 9:17
Daniel 9:26
Joel 3:12
Habakkuk 1:8
Zechariah 3:8
Malachi 4:1
Matthew 23:37
Luke 1:78
Luke 1:79
John 3:16
John 8:12
Romans 10:18
2 Corinthians 4:6
2 Peter 1:19
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