Abstract

Many studies of the identity of “the messenger of the covenant” in Mal 3:1 conclude that it is a reference to Yhwh or his covenant angel. This article offers a close reading of this verse with special attention to lexical and rhetorical analyses and concludes that the figure is the same as “my messenger” in 3:1 and later identified as “Elijah the prophet” in 4:5 (HB 3:23). Some brief observations are given concerning the messianic use of Mal 3:1 in the Gospels.

Malachi, messenger of the covenant, my messenger, rhetoric, rhetorical criticism, irony, prophetic disputation, Angel of the Lord, Elijah the prophet, Christology, Messiah, messianism, John the Baptist, forerunner
Copyright © 2019 by The Pennsylvania State University. All rights reserved. No copies may be made without the written permission of the publisher.
2019
The Pennsylvania State University
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