How does Matthew 5:5 connect with Psalm 37:11 about inheriting the earth? Shared promise of inheritance • Psalm 37:11 — “But the meek will inherit the land and delight in abundant prosperity.” • Matthew 5:5 — “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” • Jesus does not introduce a new idea; He echoes David’s Spirit-inspired words, showing one unified promise stretching from the Psalms to the Sermon on the Mount. Defining meekness biblically • Not weakness or timidness, but humble strength submitted to God (cf. Numbers 12:3; Galatians 5:22-23). • Psalm 37 portrays meek people as those who: – trust in the LORD (v. 3) – commit their way to Him (v. 5) – refrain from anger and envy (v. 8) • Jesus draws on that picture, calling disciples to the same yielded spirit that rests in God’s justice (Matthew 5:38-45). Continuity between David and Jesus • David wrote while Israel awaited full possession of the covenant land promised to Abraham (Genesis 17:8). • Jesus speaks while Israel lives under Roman occupation, yet He repeats the promise because God’s word stands (Isaiah 40:8). • By citing Psalm 37, Jesus affirms the reliability of Old Testament prophecy and shows He is bringing it to completion (Luke 24:44). Scope of “earth/land” in each passage • Psalm 37 focuses on the promised land of Israel. • Matthew broadens the term to “earth” (Greek, gē) without contradiction, revealing the ultimate reach of God’s kingdom (Psalm 2:8; Romans 4:13). • The inheritance expands from Canaan to the entire renewed creation—“new heavens and a new earth” (Isaiah 65:17; Revelation 21:1). Timing of the inheritance • Present foretaste: Meek believers enjoy spiritual rest and contentment now (Philippians 4:11-13). • Future fullness: At Christ’s return the meek will reign with Him on a restored earth (2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 5:10). • Psalm 37 emphasizes waiting: “Wait patiently for Him” (v. 7). Jesus maintains that tension—blessed now, inheritance fully realized later. Living the promise today • Choose trust over striving. God guarantees the land; we need not grasp for it. • Cultivate gentleness in speech and action (Ephesians 4:2). • Reject envy and fretfulness when the wicked seem to prosper (Psalm 37:1-2). • Serve faithfully, knowing the earth belongs to our Father and will soon be ours in Christ (1 Corinthians 3:21-23). |
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