2:12 My father, my father. This title of respect for a person of authority (Gen. 45:8; Judg. 17:10; Matt. 23:9) will later be used for Elisha (6:21; 13:14). The prophet Malachi declared that Elijah would return before the coming of the “day of the Lord” (Mal. 4:5 and note). Elijah would prepare the people for the Lord’s ministry (1:8 note).