1. Malachi 4:2 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Why does the Lord repeatedly speak in this prophecy about “fearing” his name?

Malachi 4:2 (ESV)

2 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.

Fearing God’s name is a key theme in Malachi’s prophecy. It is referred to in Malachi 2:5, Malachi 3:5, Malachi 3:16, and now here. It is an essential requirement in the intimate covenant relationship with God (Malachi 2:5) and is one important incentive to keeping God’s covenant law (Deuteronomy 5:29).