Judah after Jewish exile in Babylon
Israel after the Exile in what is now Iraq
The scenes in Malachi probably took place in the Persian province of Yehud, which is translated Judah or Judea. It was roughly a 40-mile-wide square plug of ground (60 km), in territory that became known as Palestine. The Jewish province included Jerusalem and beyond, into what are now central parts of Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories. Jerusalem is where Jews sacrificed animals to God. And this was a topic Malachi covered with emotion and blunt words.Jerusalem Temple Mount
Jerusalem Temple Mount
Map of the Jerusalem Temple Mount, with Jericho and the Jordan River Valley in the distance.
Map of Elijah at Jesus’ Transfiguration
Map of Elijah at Jesus' Transfiguration
Map of Elijah at Jesus' Transfiguration. "Suddenly, Elijah and Moses appeared. They started talking with Jesus. ..Jesus changed into another form...His face started shining."
Bible writers say it happened on a mountain. But they don't say which one. There are several contenders.
Malachi predicted Elijah would come back to prepare the way for the LORD.
Elijah at Jesus' Transfiguration