Abstract of the Commentary
by Michael Schneider, israel today, Jerusalem:
The Shabbat before Passover is called “The Great Shabbat” because we end our Torah Portion with Malachi 4:5, which says, “See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great (gadol) and dreadful (nora) day of the LORD comes.”

In this passage, which is the last prophecy in the Bible, we are shown a glimpse of the greater Passover redemption – expectation of the Messiah.

The messenger (forerunner) to the Messiah was Elijah. As a
symbol of this prophecy, we pour an additional cup of wine during our
Passover Seder (on the 18th April eve).

The prophet Malachi, whose name means angel or messenger, prophesy’s of Israel’s final redemption at the end of time. During the end of days the cycle of God’s salvation plan for Israel draws to a close. It began with Israel’s exodus from Egypt and ends with Israel recognizing her Messiah in the final redemption.

The Jewish sages said just like the first redemption occurred during the Jewish month of Nissan so the final redemption will happen during
Nissan!

Further, there is a belief that as the message of the redemption was
given on the Sabbath before Passover / Exodus, likewise on a Sabbath before the final end-time redemption comes THE message will be heard!

Hag Sameach / Happy Passover and Shabbat Shalom!

see also >> Archetype Exodus >>

Commentary:
The Shabbat before Passover is called “The Great Shabbat” because we end
our Torah Portion with Malachi 4:5, which says, “See, I will send you
the prophet Elijah before that great (gadol) and dreadful (nora) day of the LORD comes.”

In this passage, which is the last prophecy in the Bible, we are shown a
glimpse of the greater Passover redemption: The Return of Messiah
Yeshua. The messenger (forerunner) to the Messiah was Elijah. As a
symbol of this prophecy, we pour an additional cup of wine during our
Passover Seder (on the 19th April eve).

The prophet Malachi, whose name means angel or messenger, prophesy’s of
Israel’s final redemption at the end of time. During the end of days the
cycle of God’s salvation plan for Israel draws to a close. It began with
Israel’s exodus from Egypt and ends with Israel recognizing her Messiah
in the final redemption.

The Jewish sages said just like the first redemption occurred during the
Jewish month of Nissan so the final redemption will happen during
Nissan!

Further, there is a belief that as the message of the redemption was
given on the Sabbath before Passover / Exodus, likewise on a Sabbath
before the final end-time redemption comes THE message will be heard!

Hag Sameach / Happy Passover and Shabbat Shalom!

*see also “Current Themes”: From the true feast of Passah: Are you a Jewess, a Jew?