The concept of "The Blessed" in the context of the righteous is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the favor and approval of God upon those who live according to His commandments and statutes. The righteous are often depicted as individuals who embody the virtues and moral standards set forth by God, and as a result, they experience His blessings in various forms.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding the blessedness of the righteous. In the Psalms, the righteous are frequently contrasted with the wicked, highlighting the blessings that come from living a life aligned with God's will. Psalm 1:1-3 states, "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does."

The wisdom literature, particularly the Book of Proverbs, also underscores the blessings of righteousness. Proverbs 10:6 declares, "Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence." This verse, among others, illustrates the tangible and intangible benefits that accompany a life of righteousness, including peace, prosperity, and divine protection.

The Covenant and the Law

The Mosaic Covenant and the Law given to Israel further elucidate the relationship between righteousness and blessing. Deuteronomy 28 outlines the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience, making it clear that adherence to God's commandments results in divine favor. Deuteronomy 28:1-2 promises, "If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all His commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings will come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the LORD your God."

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus Christ further illuminate the blessedness of the righteous. The Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-12) provide a profound insight into the nature of true blessedness. Jesus begins with, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven," and continues to describe various attributes of the righteous, such as meekness, mercy, and purity of heart, each accompanied by a corresponding blessing.

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, reiterates the theme of righteousness leading to blessing. In Romans 4:7-8 , he quotes David, saying, "Blessed are those whose lawless acts are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him." Here, Paul emphasizes the ultimate blessing of righteousness through faith in Christ—justification and forgiveness of sins.

The Righteous in the Life of the Believer

For the believer, righteousness is both a gift and a pursuit. It is a gift through faith in Jesus Christ, who imputes His righteousness to those who believe (2 Corinthians 5:21). It is also a pursuit, as believers are called to live out their faith through righteous deeds and a holy lifestyle (Ephesians 2:10).

The righteous are assured of God's presence and guidance. Psalm 37:23-24 affirms, "The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey. Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the LORD is holding his hand." This assurance provides comfort and strength to the righteous, knowing that their lives are under the sovereign care of God.

Eternal Blessings

The ultimate blessing for the righteous is eternal life with God. Revelation 22:14 proclaims, "Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by its gates." This promise of eternal communion with God is the culmination of the blessings bestowed upon the righteous, affirming the eternal significance of living a life pleasing to the Lord.Psalm 5:12
For you, LORD, will bless the righteous; with favor will you compass him as with a shield.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

As Love is Righteous in Glorifying Itself and Making Its Object ...
... THE SECOND CENTURY 27 As Love is righteous in glorifying itself and making its object
blessed: so is it in all its dealings and dispensations towards it. ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/27 as love is righteous.htm

The virgins, the Righteous Ancients; the Church, the one Only ...
... Chapter VII."The Virgins, the Righteous Ancients; The Church, the One Only Spouse ...
Therefore, also, she is blessed and praised by all, because she saw and ...
/.../chapter vii the virgins the righteous.htm

Reward of the Righteous, Although they May Suffer.
... Chapter XIX."Reward of the Righteous, Although They May Suffer. ... Blessed are they
who obey these commandments, even if for a brief space they suffer in this ...
/.../keith/the epistles of clement/chapter xix reward of the righteous.htm

The Reward of the Righteous
... This alone teaches him to say, "Doubtless there is a reward for the righteous;"
"there is ... shall the King say to them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 99 the reward of.htm

Let us do those Things that Please God, and Flee from those He ...
... And does he that is ready in speech deem himself righteous? Blessed [4145] is he
that is born of woman, who liveth but a short time: be not given to much ...
/.../keith/the epistles of clement/chapter xxx let us do those.htm

That all Good and Righteous Men Suffer More, but Ought to Endure ...
... 4216] Also in the same place: "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but out ...
hath taken away: as it hath pleased the Lord, so it is done; blessed be the ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/6 that all good and.htm

Blessed be that First Day of Thine, Lord, Wherewith this Day of ...
... Blessed be that first day of thine, Lord, wherewith this day of Thy Feast is ... Thou
righteous One, keep Thou the glory of Thy birth; for even Herod honoured the ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn iii blessed be that.htm

2 Timothy iv. 13-Sep
... The same thing is observable of those blessed and righteous men, who were
before them, as in the case of Moses, whose voice was weak. ...
/.../homily x 2 timothy iv.htm

Blessed be the Messenger that was Laden, and Came
... Blessed be Mary, who without vows and without prayer, in her Virginity conceived ...
of her companions, who have been or shall be chaste and righteous, priests and ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn vi blessed be the.htm

Epistle Lxxx. Cyprian to Sergius, Rogatianus, and the Other ...
... and persecutions; because, although many are the afflictions of the righteous, yet
those are delivered from them all who trust in God. 3. Blessed women also ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lxxx cyprian to sergius.htm

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