NoWW 10/2025 Healing Wings

1. Introduction to the Phrase “Healing in His Wings”

Malachi 4:1–3 ““For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,” Says the Lord of hosts, “That will leave them neither root nor branch. But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves. You shall trample the wicked, For they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet On the day that I do this,” Says the Lord of hosts.”

Context and Background

Malachi was the last prophet of the Old Testament, speaking to a spiritually weary and compromising people around 430 B.C. The priests had become careless, the people cynical, and faithfulness had faded. Chapter 4 of Malachi closes the Old Testament with a contrast between the wicked and the righteous—between those who reject God and those who fear His name.

Verse 1 describes judgment: the day comes “that shall burn as an oven.” But verse 2 brings hope: “Unto you that fear my name...” — a promise of light, healing, and joy.

This prophecy bridges the 400 silent years before the coming of Jesus Christ—the dawn after a long night.

What does "Healing in His Wings" signify?.

“Unto you that fear my name”

This speaks of reverence, honor, and obedience to God.

Psalm 25:14 — “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him.”

God always distinguishes between those who fear Him and those who forget Him (Malachi 3:16–18

Malachi 3:16–18 NKJV

Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, And the Lord listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the Lord And who meditate on His name. “They shall be Mine,” says the Lord of hosts, “On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them As a man spares his own son who serves him.” Then you shall again discern Between the righteous and the wicked, Between one who serves God And one who does not serve Him.

Below unfolds a comprehensive exploration of the phrase’s historical context, its Old Testament imagery, and the prophetic fulfilment in Christ.

2. Old Testament Context and Usage

2.1 Linguistic Background of “Wings”

The Hebrew word often translated as “wings” is “כְּנָפַיִם” (kanaphim, singular kanaph). This term can literally mean the wings of a bird but also denotes an edge, extremity, or corner of a garment.

Throughout Scripture, the expression “under His wings” or “in His wings” portrays God’s protection (e.g., Psalm 91:4: “He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge”).

Psalm 91:4 NKJV

He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.

2.2 Symbolic Significance of Wings in the Old Testament

In ancient Near Eastern cultures and within Israelite worship, wings often signified divine covering, protection, and deliverance.

The cherubim carved atop the Ark of the Covenant, whose wings overshadowed the mercy seat, were a reminder of God’s holy presence (Exodus 25:20).

Exodus 25:20 NKJV

And the cherubim shall stretch out their wings above, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and they shall face one another; the faces of the cherubim shall be toward the mercy seat.

“sun of righteousness,” rising in the midst of spiritual darkness, with ultimate healing for those who faithfully revere His name.

Connection to the “Sun of Righteousness”

3.1 A Title for the Messiah

The phrase “sun of righteousness” in Malachi 4:2 resonates with images of God’s light breaking forth and banishing all shadows of sin and sickness. Early Jewish interpreters and later Christian expositors have frequently seen a Messianic implication in this. This firm link between the “sun of righteousness” and the Messiah is reinforced by New Testament passages proclaiming Jesus as the light of the world (John 8:12), who brings salvation, forgiveness, and healing.

3.2 The Healing Aspect

The language in Malachi 4:2 directly anchors on healing, suggesting a comprehensive restoration that extends beyond physical ailments to spiritual renewal. Beyond reinforcing faith in a final day of redemption, this prophecy anticipates the healing ministry that Jesus demonstrated throughout the Gospels.

4. Messianic Fulfillment in the Gospels

4.1 The Hem of Jesus’ Garment

A striking account in the New Testament serves as a vivid illustration of Malachi’s prophecy. In several parallel passages-

Matthew 9:20–22 NKJV

And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.

Mark 5:25–34 NKJV

Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.” Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?” But His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ ” And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”

 Luke 8:43-48-a woman with a bleeding condition for twelve years touches the fringe (the “corner”) of Jesus’ cloak and is instantly healed.

In many Jewish traditions, the corners of a garment (tassels or tzitzit, as commanded in Numbers 15:37-41

Numbers 15:37–41 NKJV

Again the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the children of Israel: Tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a blue thread in the tassels of the corners. And you shall have the tassel, that you may look upon it and remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them, and that you may not follow the harlotry to which your own heart and your own eyes are inclined, and that you may remember and do all My commandments, and be holy for your God. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the Lord your God.”

were considered symbolic reminders of the commandments and, by extension, represented a place of divine presence and blessing. Aligning with Malachi 4:2, this account underscores that from the very “wings” or “edges” of the Messiah’s garment, supernatural healing power is manifested.

Testimony of Christ’s Healing Authority

Jesus’s consistent demonstration of healing-restoring sight

(e.g., Mark 10:46-52

Mark 10:46–52 NKJV

Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.” And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus. So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.

curing leprosy (Mark 1:40-45

Mark 1:40–45 NKJV

Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed. And He strictly warned him and sent him away at once, and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” However, he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every direction.

even reviving the dead (Luke 7:11-15

Luke 7:11–15 NKJV

Now it happened, the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd. And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother.

-corresponds with the prophetic anticipation of His divine authority. This not only affirms Malachi 4:2’s promise but points to the broader reality of Christ’s mission as Savior.

5. Biblical Theology of Divine Healing

5.1 God’s Covenant Faithfulness

Scripture presents healing as woven into God’s covenant love and faithfulness. Passages like Exodus 15:26 

Exodus 15:26 NKJV

and said, “If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.”

highlight Yahweh as “the LORD who heals you.” In the Old Testament, God’s interventions-through prophets like Elijah and Elisha-foreshadow the ultimate healing ministry of Christ.

5.2 Fulfillment Through Christ

In the New Testament, healing is neither incidental nor peripheral. Christ’s atoning work-culminating in His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15

1 Corinthians 15 NKJV

Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed. Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. For “He has put all things under His feet.” But when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all. Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead? And why do we stand in jeopardy every hour? I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!” Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame. But someone will say, “How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?” Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies. And what you sow, you do not sow that body that shall be, but mere grain—perhaps wheat or some other grain. But God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body. All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of animals, another of fish, and another of birds. There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

-secures a spiritual restoration that will ultimately culminate in the redemption of our physical bodies (Romans 8:23

Romans 8:23 NKJV

Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.

Thus, “healing in His wings” foreshadows a comprehensive plan: liberation from sin, restoration of relationship with God, and the hope of resurrection.

7. Practical and Spiritual Implications

7.1 Assurance of Divine Care

Understanding “Healing in His Wings” reminds believers of God’s unwavering care. It inspires confidence that God-not distant or indifferent-shields, restores, and sanctifies those who turn to Him. Beyond physical healing, it brings reassurance of spiritual wholeness.

7.2 Invitation to Seek Refuge

Much like a bird gathers its chicks under its wings (cf. Matthew 23:37), God invites anyone burdened by sin, sickness, or despair to come under His protective covering. This invitation, while intimate, is also universal in scope-the ultimate expression of mercy through Christ’s sacrificial work.

7.3 A Call to Rejoice

Malachi 4:2 describes those who see the “sun of righteousness” rising as “leaping like calves from the stall.” This exuberant language conveys that healing and renewal in God’s presence inspire joy and freedom. For believers, this is both a present reality (in part) and a future promise (in fullness) at Christ’s return.

Here’s a comprehensive sermon on Malachi 4:2, complete with biblical analysis, Christ-centered fulfillment, and modern application:

Sermon Title: “The Sun of Righteousness Shall Rise”

Main Text:

Malachi 4:2 (KJV)

“But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.”

2. Key Phrases Explained

b. “The Sun of Righteousness”

This is not just a metaphor—it is a messianic title.

The “Sun” (not son) represents light, life, and revelation.

In Hebrew, “שֶׁמֶשׁ צְדָקָה” (Shemesh Tsedaqah)—literally “the radiant light of righteousness.”

Just as the sun dispels darkness and brings warmth, Christ dispels spiritual darkness and brings life.

c. “Arise with healing in His wings”

“Wings” (Hebrew: kanaph) can mean the edges or rays of the sun, but also the hem of a garment (cf. Numbers 15:38 — tassels on the corners of garments).

Healing here is both spiritual (forgiveness, restoration) and physical (miracles, renewal).

The woman with the issue of blood touched the “hem” of Jesus’ garment (Matthew 9:20–22), symbolically touching the “wings” of the Sun of Righteousness and was healed—fulfilling this prophecy in a personal way.

3. Fulfillment in Jesus Christ

a. The Dawn of a New Covenant

Luke 1:78–79 — “Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness…”

Jesus is the Sunrise of God’s mercy, ending the long night of sin and law.

b. Jesus as the Light

John 8:12 — “I am the light of the world.”

John 1:4–5 — “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.”

Through Christ, God’s righteousness shone forth to humanity.

c. Healing in His Wings

Matthew 4:23–24 — Jesus went about healing all manner of sickness.

1 Peter 2:24 — “By His stripes ye were healed.”

The spiritual “wings” of Jesus extend over those who come under His grace and lordship.

d. Joy and Freedom

“Ye shall go forth and grow up as calves of the stall.” This picture describes freedom and exuberant joy—like calves released to run and leap.

Through Christ’s resurrection, believers are freed from the bondage of sin (Romans 6:4).

4. Theological Implications

Christ as Righteousness

Jeremiah 23:6 — “The Lord our righteousness.”

He not only brings righteousness but is righteousness personified.

Christ as Healer

Healing is part of salvation (Greek sozo, meaning to save, heal, restore).

Psalm 103:2–3 — “Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases.”

Christ as Light and Life

Malachi 4:1–2 contrasts darkness and light—judgment for the wicked, dawn for the righteous.

Isaiah 60:1–3 — “Arise, shine; for thy light is come.”

5. Practical Application for Believers

a. Fear the Lord

Reverence brings revelation.

Those who honor God see His light even when others walk in darkness.

b. Walk in His Light

Ephesians 5:8 — “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.”

Avoid compromise; live transparently before God.

c. Receive His Healing

Healing flows in His presence. Physical, emotional, and spiritual wholeness are available through Christ.

d. Reflect His Righteousness

Just as the moon reflects the sun’s light, we are called to reflect Christ’s righteousness in the world.

Matthew 5:14–16 — “You are the light of the world.”

e. Rejoice in Freedom

Like the calves leaping from the stall, let believers live with joy, freedom, and purpose—no longer bound by guilt or sin.

6. Prophetic and Eschatological Insight

Malachi 4:2 also looks ahead to the Second Coming of Christ — when His glory will fully rise upon the earth.

Isaiah 60:19–20 — “The Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light.”

Revelation 21:23 — “The Lamb is the light thereof.”

The first coming of Jesus was the dawn; His return will be the full day.

7. Summary

AspectOld Testament PromiseFulfilled in JesusBeliever’s ExperienceLightMalachi 4:2John 8:12Walk in light (Eph. 5:8)HealingMalachi 4:2Matthew 9:20–22; 1 Pet. 2:24Restoration and wholenessRighteousnessMal. 4:22 Cor. 5:21Imputed righteousnessFreedom & JoyMal. 4:2bJohn 10:10Abundant life

8. Conclusion

The Sun of Righteousness has already risen in Jesus Christ. His light still shines through the Gospel, offering healing, forgiveness, and righteousness to all who fear His name.

Let us walk in His light, live under His wings, and reflect His glory until the full day of His return.

Prayer Points

Lord, let the Sun of Righteousness arise over every dark area of my life.

Heal me, Lord, from every wound—physical, emotional, and spiritual.

Restore my joy and help me to walk in Your righteousness daily.

Let Your light shine through me to dispel darkness around others.

Would you like me to format this sermon into a preaching outline (with key points, transitions, and speaking flow) or a written manuscript style for delivery?