מלאכי, פרק ג׳, פסוק כ״ג

Right before the climax of human history and the dawn of redemption, a dramatic event will prepare the world for absolute justice. God Himself promises that, in the merit of studying the Torah [מצודת דוד], He will send Elijah the prophet [אבן עזרא]. This arrival is scheduled to take place beforehand [מצודת ציון], exactly one day prior to the coming of the Messiah [צאינה וראינה]. The mission occurs just before a terrifying time of judgment for all living things, a day of strict consequence [רד״ק, אברבנאל, מצודת דוד]. On this threatening day, absolute justice will be served to the wicked, and the righteous will receive their reward [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Elijah's reappearance marks the return of prophecy to Israel through the greatest of the prophets [מלבי״ם]. Commentators differ on how he will physically return to the world. One perspective suggests that he remains miraculously alive, in both body and soul, residing in the earthly Garden of Eden. A contrasting view argues that his physical body perished after his death, making him the very first person to rise in the resurrection of the dead [אברבנאל]. A similar approach explains that because his original body returned to the earth, his soul, which ascended to heaven, will be placed into a brand-new body created specifically for him [רד״ק].

Ultimately, this mission is an act of divine kindness meant for the benefit of the nation. The final redemption depends entirely on repentance, which will emerge from a period of suffering and financial hardship, reaching its peak when Elijah arrives [צאינה וראינה]. In an unredeemed world, deep rifts and distance exist between parents and children. As the herald of redemption, Elijah's role is to heal this divide. He will warn the nation and inspire fathers and sons to unite and return to God with a whole heart. Those who achieve this complete repentance will be saved from the terror of the approaching day of judgment [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ, צאינה וראינה].