In response to the people's despair over the prosperity of the wicked and their questioning of divine justice, God issues a firm promise. He outlines a gradual process of purification and revelation that will ultimately restore balance to the world. This unfolding plan involves clearing the path, a sudden arrival of leadership or the Divine presence, and a dedicated mission to uphold the covenant.
The process begins with God sending a messenger to remove obstacles and clear the path [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The primary approach among commentators is that this action prepares the world for the ultimate revelation of God at the end of days. An angel from heaven will purge the world of sinners and rebels [מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. Others view this messenger as a prophet tasked with inspiring the people to repent; if God were to reveal Himself immediately and punish the wicked, humanity would be overwhelmed by fear, completely losing their free will [מלבי״ם]. Additional perspectives identify this messenger as the Messiah son of Joseph [אבן עזרא], or as a protective force eliminating dangers for the exiles returning to their homeland [רד״ק]. Conversely, some understand this as a present reality, identifying the messenger as the prophet Malachi himself, sent to address the immediate complaints of the people [אברבנאל]. A much harsher interpretation suggests that the messenger removing the wicked is actually the Angel of Death, clearing them away to face their punishment in Gehenna [רש״י, אברבנאל].
Once the path is cleared, the eagerly sought master will suddenly arrive at his sanctuary. This arrival will happen without warning, as the exact time of the final redemption remains entirely hidden from human knowledge [רד״ק]. The identity of this awaited master is debated. One approach maintains that this is the God of justice Himself, returning to rest His presence and glory within the Temple [רש״י, אבן עזרא, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ, אברבנאל]. A second approach identifies him as the King Messiah, the leader for whom all humanity yearns [מצודת דוד, רד״ק].
The final stage involves the arrival of the desired messenger of the covenant. Some commentators suggest that this figure is identical to the previously mentioned master, referring either to the glory of God [אבן עזרא] or the King Messiah [רד״ק]. Others argue that he is a distinct entity, specifically appointed to guard the covenant and enact justice upon those who break it [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. A prominent view identifies this messenger as Elijah the prophet. Known for his zealotry regarding the covenant of circumcision, Elijah will bring the world into a covenant of faith, heralding the redemption and the resurrection of the dead [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, רד״ק]. A unique historical perspective suggests the messenger was the King of Persia, who acted as God's agent to destroy Babylon and establish a peace treaty that enabled the construction of the Second Temple [אברבנאל].
This arrival is framed as an event that has already taken place. Commentators explain this perspective in several ways. It can be understood as a prophetic certainty, expressing absolute confidence that the arrival will happen at its designated time [רד״ק]. Alternatively, it signifies that by the time the Messiah or the Divine presence is revealed, Elijah will already be present, having arrived beforehand to prepare the way [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. According to the historical interpretation, this framing is literal: the King of Persia had already completed his mission, serving as living proof to the people that God faithfully fulfills His promises [אברבנאל].