Moses, Elijah and the messianic hope. A new reading of Malachi 3,22-24

It is claimed that Mal 3,22-24 is primarily a conclusion to the Book of Malachi. The idea of the coming of Elijah before the Day of the Lord is totally new and does not appear in any other biblical source. The aim of the paper is to present the idea that stands behind this new concept that is presented for the first time in Malachi. The period of restoration included hopes for the renewal of the Davidic king who will complete the process of restoration. When these messianic hopes did not materialize there followed disappointment and despair. The People's expectations turned now to the coming of a prophet messiah. Malachi announces that the prophet Elijah will appear before the Day of the Lord, but first it was necessary to renew the covenantal relationship between God and the people.