And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. (Malachi 4:6)
The message here foretold would be a message leading to true repentance, and many would “turn to the Lord their God” (Luke 1:16). See on Mal. 3:7.
Children.
Literally, “sons,” a reference to the literal children of Israel, many of whom would return to the true faith of their fathers, the patriarchs. For further comment see on Luke 1:16, 17.
Curse.
Heb. cherem, “a thing devoted to destruction” (see on Joshua 7:12; 1 Sam. 15:21). The OT closes with this solemn warning. Those who do not truly repent must be numbered with the wicked and suffer their fate (Mal. 4:1). Nevertheless, Malachi presents a message of hope, for the same God who destroys the guilty brings everlasting “healing” (v. 2) to the repentant.