Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Matthew 5:5 - 5:5

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Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Matthew 5:5 - 5:5


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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Mat_5:5

 5"Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth."

Mat_5:5 "gentle" This is literally "meek" or " humble." Jesus used this term for Himself (cf. Mat_11:29; Mat_21:5). Its origin implies domesticated strength, like a trained horse. Recognizing our need for God and His provision in Christ makes believers humble and teachable (cf. 1Pe_3:4). God wants to direct our strengths to His purposes (He gave them, cf. Psalms 139; 1 Corinthians 12), not break them.

▣ "inherit the earth" This was often associated with the Promised Land (cf. Psa_37:11), but it could be an eschatological reference for the entire earth (cf. Isa_11:6-9). This reflects the ambiguity of the Hebrew term erets (BDB 75). Again God's OT promises have been universalized.