NOTES for Mal 4:1-2
All the world systems of criminal and private laws are built, generally on the Old Testament. If it is not “eye for eye”, then in the spirit of the Law it is the immediate punishment without reprieve for the crime. The arguments of the defenders of the death penalty are based on this principle of reward while alive, if the conversation arrives to arguments. But with the prophet Malachi, we encounter completely with another Old Testament. This is the Testament of a total delegation to God of the power to render justice, execute or have mercy. This justice of mercy, which in another place is expressed by the words "Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense". It is not a shout "step aside a bit; I will walk here to execute". It is completely the opposite: " stop judging, live with mercy and truth, and I shall take care of the justice Myself".