The Secret Codes in Matthew: Examining Israel’s Messiah, Part 4, by Kevin M. Williams
The third Beatitude in verse 5 reads, “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.” Remember that Yeshua claims that even the Psalms reveal Him (Luke 24:44).
For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked [shall] not [be]: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it [shall] not [be]. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace (Psalm 37:9-11).
Again, a passage about redemption, of God’s judgment on wicked man, and His redemptive arm being stretched out for those whose faith rests on Him.
Verse 6 of the Beatitudes says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Compare this with Isaiah 49:8-10. “Thus says the Lord, ‘In a favorable time I have answered You, and in a day of salvation I have helped You; and I will keep You and give You for a covenant of the people, To restore the land, to make [them] inherit the desolate heritages; saying to those who are bound, “Go forth,” to those who are in darkness, “Show yourselves.” Along the roads they will feed, And their pasture will be on all bare heights. They will not hunger or thirst, Neither will the scorching heat or sun strike them down; For He who has compassion on them will lead them, And will guide them to springs of water.’”
Was Yeshua, the Messiah of Israel, indirectly telling the people “And I will keep You and give You for a covenant of the people,”? The capital “Y” is not my idea. It is embedded in the English translation as an interpretive form. If this was an indirect proclamation, those who had ears would hear.
Verse 7: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” Contrast this with Psalm 37: 21-24 (KJV), “The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth. For [such as be] blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and [they that be] cursed of him shall be cut off.” Another Psalm of promised, eternal redemption. Who can bestow everlasting mercy and an eternal inheritance? Only the Redeemer.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God,” is our eighth verse. Psalm 24:3-5 promises, “Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness” Here is a direct blessing from on high, being promised by a man standing in front of them.
Category: Biblical Studies, Pneuma Review, Winter 2002