Malachi’s eschatological figures’ arrival motif in the Gospel of Luke and its relation to the other Gospels

Abstract

This study belongs to one of the categories of hermeneutical issues - the New Testament use of the Old Testament. The writer assumes that Luke uses Malachi’s motifs, especially “Malachi’s eschatological figures’ arrival” motif in Malachi 3 and 4. Malachi’s eschatological figures are the messenger of the Lord (Mal. 3:1)/Elijah (Mal. 4:5-6). Ha Adon is the messenger of the covenant (Mal. 3:1). The writer identifies Ha Adon with the messenger of the covenant. Ha Adon is the “One who comes in the name of the Lord” in Luke. The writer attempts to prove that Luke was greatly influenced by “Malachi’s eschatological arrival” motif. According to the writer’s view, the literary and thematic structure of the Gospel of Luke reflects Malachi’s motif: temple emphasis, the infancy narratives including John’s and Jesus’ births, and the beginnings of John’s and Jesus’ ministries. John’s preaching is reminiscent of Malachi’s oracle. The Lord’s messenger and Ha Adon/the messenger of the Lord are identified as John the Baptist and Jesus respectively, and their missions are fulfilled in Luke. John the Baptist is seen as Malachi’s eschatological Elijah in Luke. The prophecy of Ha Adon’s sudden coming to His temple is fulfilled in Jesus’ three visits to the temple in Luke. The Travel Narrative in Luke echoes “the Way of the Lord” idea in Malachi; “the Way of the Lord” motif has thematically a long history in the Old Testament. “The Way of the Lord” concept in Exodus and Isaiah is reused in Malachi, and is theologically expanded in its meaning in Luke. This study shows that Luke alludes to or reflects Malachi’s themes in addition to “Malachi’s eschatological figures’ arrival” motif. The Gospel of Luke can be seen in the perspective of “the Way of the Lord” motif: the preparation of the Lord’s Way (1:1- 4:13); the presentation of the Lord’s Way (4:14-19:46), and the perfection of the Lord’s Way (19:47-24:53). There are simple allusions to Malachi, and thematic and literary parallels between Malachi and Luke: for example--“the Day of the Lord” theme and “the sending of messengers” motif. “Malachi’s eschatological figures’ arrival” motif is clearly shown in Luke.