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Bible Q

Does the Bible predict the return of Elijah and Enoch?

The Bible never mentions the future of Enoch. All we know is that God “took him” (Gen 5:24; Heb 11:5).

On the other hand, there is a prophecy of the return of Elijah:

Malachi 4:5-6
“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes.
And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.”

This was partially fulfilled by John the baptist (Luke 1:16-17). Jesus indicated that the prophecy would be fulfilled a second time:

Matthew 17:10-13
And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” He answered,

“Elijah does come, and he will restore all things.
But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.”

Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

Note that Jesus indicates that although John fulfilled the prophecy, “Elijah” will come again. Whether the second fulfilment of the prophecy involves the resurrected Elijah, or another person in the spirit of Elijah, we don’t know.

 

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