Topical Encyclopedia The concept of blessing in the Bible is intricately linked to obedience to God's commandments. Throughout Scripture, those who adhere to God's laws are often described as blessed, enjoying a special relationship with God and the benefits that come with it. This entry explores the biblical understanding of the blessedness of those who keep the commandments of God, drawing from various passages and themes within the Bible.Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament lays a strong foundation for the connection between obedience and blessing. In Deuteronomy 28:1-2 , Moses speaks to the Israelites, saying, "If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all His commandments 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 voice of the LORD your God." This passage highlights the conditional nature of blessings based on obedience. The Psalms also emphasize this theme. Psalm 1:1-2 states, "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or 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." Here, the blessed individual is one who delights in and meditates on God's law, suggesting a deep, personal commitment to living according to divine commandments. Wisdom Literature The wisdom literature of the Old Testament, particularly the Book of Proverbs, frequently associates wisdom with obedience to God's commandments. Proverbs 3:1-2 advises, "My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life." The promise of a long and peaceful life is directly tied to the keeping of commandments, underscoring the practical benefits of obedience. Prophetic Writings The prophets also echo the theme of blessing through obedience. In Isaiah 56:1-2 , the prophet declares, "Thus says the LORD: 'Preserve justice and do righteousness, for My salvation is about to come, and My righteousness to be revealed. Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath without profaning it, and keeps his hand from doing any evil.'" The prophetic call to righteousness and justice is linked with the promise of blessing, reinforcing the idea that obedience to God's commandments is integral to experiencing His favor. New Testament Continuation The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus Himself affirming the blessedness of those who keep God's commandments. In John 14:21 , Jesus states, "Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him." Here, love for Christ is demonstrated through obedience, and such obedience results in a deeper relationship with both the Father and the Son. The Book of Revelation also speaks to the blessedness of those who keep God's commandments. 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 eschatological promise highlights the ultimate blessing of eternal life and access to the heavenly city for those who remain faithful to God's commandments. Theological Implications The consistent biblical witness underscores that obedience to God's commandments is not merely a legalistic requirement but a pathway to experiencing the fullness of life that God intends for His people. The blessedness of those who keep the commandments is both a present reality and a future hope, as they live in harmony with God's will and anticipate the ultimate fulfillment of His promises. Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 22:14Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Keeping the Commandments. On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xix. 17, "If Thou Wouldest Enter ... Psalm CXIX. Man's Inability to Keep the Moral Law The Decalogue: I --Man and God Obedience to God the Way to Faith in Christ. Moreover, as to this Word which is Written in the Gospel... Obedience: Its Place in Holy Scripture. The Ten Commandments. The Blessedness of Obeying God's Word. Resources What does “blessed are the meek” mean? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does “blessed are the peacemakers” mean? | GotQuestions.org What is a blessing according to the Bible? What does the Bible mean by bless? | GotQuestions.org Blessed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Blessed: Saints at the Judgment Day The Blessed: The Children of the Just The Blessed: The Generation of the Upright The Blessed: The Poor in Spirit The Blessed: The Pure in Heart The Blessed: To Whom God Imputes Righteousness Without Works The Blessed: Who are not offended at Christ The Blessed: Who Avoid the Wicked The Blessed: Who Delight in the Commandments of God The Blessed: Who Die in the Lord The Blessed: Who Endure Temptation The Blessed: Who Favour Saints The Blessed: Who Frequent the House of God The Blessed: Who Have Part in the First Resurrection The Blessed: Who Have the Lord for Their God The Blessed: Who Hear and Keep the Word of God The Blessed: Who Hunger and Thirst After Righteousness The Blessed: Who Keep the Commandments of God The Blessed: Who Know the Gospel The Blessed: Who Rebuke Sinners The Blessed: Who Shall Eat Bread in the Kingdom of God The Blessed: Who Suffer for Christ The Blessed: Who Wait for the Lord The Blessed: Who Watch Against Sin The Blessed: Who Watch for the Lord The Blessed: Whom God Chastens The Blessed: Whose Sins are Forgiven The Blessed: Whose Strength is in the Lord Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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