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Y8 Theology: Elijah and Malachi

Key facts

  • These are the oldest and newest of our prophets – Elijah (900-849BC)  and Malachi (430BC)
  • Elijah is a very important prophet – but he doesn’t mention the Messiah at all
  • The bible says that Elijah did not die, but was taken up to heaven in a fiery chariot – remember the ‘wagon load of angels’ in the song Swing Low, Sweet Chariot?
  • Malachi says that Elijah will return to announce the coming of the Messiah
  • Malachi wasn’t his real name – the name just means ‘messenger’. Who was this mystery prophet? Possibly the scribe Ezra, but no-one is entirely sure.

 

Image credits: Elijah Taken Up in a Chariot of Fire by Giuseppe Angeli and The Prophet Malachi (Interior Mosaics in the St. Marks Basilica, 12th century)

Christian vs Jewish interpretation

Christian vs Jewish interpretation

Christians and Jews both say that the coming of the Messiah will be announced by a new Elijah

  • Jews are still waiting…
  • Christians say the John the Baptist was the new Elijah, announcing the arrival of Jesus

Key quotes

Christian and Jewish Messianic quotes

Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. (Malachi 3:1-2)

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. (Malachi 4:5)

 

Christian Messianic quotes

For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, 14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear. (Matt 11:13-15)

Further sources: Elijah

Bible Project

 

Video resources:

Further sources: Malachi

Bible Project

 

Video resources:

Musical interlude

Traditional Jewish music

Eliyahu HaNavi (Elijah the Prophet)

Classical music

Handel's Messiah:

  • (“Thus saith the Lord...") "The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.” (Malachi 3, v.1)
  • "Who may abide the day of his coming?" and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire.” (Malachi 3, v.2)
  • “And he shall purify the sons of Levi, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.” (Malachi 3, v.3)

Modern worship songs and hymns

References from resource pack

Resources provided

Downloadable info pack

What's in a name? The meanings of biblical names

Elijah: a combination of "El" (God) and "Yah" (Yahweh or Jehovah), translating to "My God is Yahweh" (Hebrew)

Malachi: "my messenger" or "my angel" (Hebrew)

Documentary clip

Things you might want to include in your documentary clip:

  • Some scenes from Elijah’s life and how they might foreshadow the coming Messiah
  • Mystery man Malachi predicting that Elijah will return…
  • Elijah’s place at the Passover meal

End your documentary clip with the prophet or interview giving a summary to the camera – “I predicted that the Messiah would…”