Blessed Are the Meek
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The Meek
The Meek
Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.
The word meek carries two different meaning in Jewish and Greek contexts.
In the Hebrew tradition, “the meek” (‘anawim) are virtually synonymous with “the oppressed”; the term is generally descriptive of a social condition (lack of power) rather than a virtue
humble, poor, oppressed, afflicted, lowly, needy
Bowed or without property
Powell, M. A. (2011). meek. In M. A. Powell (Ed.), The HarperCollins Bible Dictionary (Revised and Updated) (Third Edition, p. 618). New York: HarperCollins.Definition of the word meek in the Greek tradition( days of Jesus)
In Greco-Roman literature, however, “meekness” is comparable to humility and is often listed as a virtue of slaves and others who do not try to rise above their station.
Powell, M. A. (2011). meek. In M. A. Powell (Ed.), The HarperCollins Bible Dictionary (Revised and Updated) (Third Edition, p. 618). New York: HarperCollins.
Being meek as equated with humility is a virtue, but in this context the word meek should be interpreted as oppressed, afflicted, without property or power more of a social condition
The word meek contrasts with someone who lacks, who is inadequate
This same text is from one of psalms of David from the Old Testament making reference to the Hebrew tradition behind the word meek!
But the meek shall inherit the earth,
And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
In this context the word meek isn’t a virtue but a condition of lack!
Also when we look at the context we see Jesus making reference to those who are poor in spirit, those who mourn and now the meek.
the first two conditions aren’t necessarily virtues but conditions in which a person might find himself.
Other biblical references in the New Testament translate the word meek to mean humility. Humility is the absence of Pride or arrogance! both of which are sin! Humility is beautiful and powerful. The context of humility as meekness can lead to many misinterpretations of how we should live.
Here is an example:
Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
When describing the beauty of a woman Peter uses the same word but here translated as the word “gentle”. The truth behind gentle in this context is proportionate with the truth. It doesn’t mean to demean yourself or put yourself down but to have a sober perspective of who you are!
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Jesus is our benchmark!
He is gentle (meek) and lowly in heart. Yet many of His words and actions are not in line with our cultural understanding of the word meek. He knows who He is so He doesn’t have to fight to prove Himself. No need to force himself on anyone
“Tell the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your King is coming to you,
Lowly, and sitting on a donkey,
A colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”
For these reasons above mentioned The best approach to this word in this text is lack, without property.
The Blessing of God in these situations is due to the lack or poverty in us that God promises to fill! to restore! renew! Fulfill!
How do we overcome our Lack? our oppression our lack of property? Lack of influence? Lack of voice!
O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
You maintain my lot.
The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
Yes, I have a good inheritance.
I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel;
My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.
I have set the Lord always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will rest in hope.
For You will not leave my soul in Sheol,
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
First you have to believe with all your heart that this blessing is for you!
Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”
First believe and your faith will make the weak strong!
And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
By the Power of God in us we are to act and respond to the challenges laid before us in faith and courage!
By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.
Be proactive! Give God something to work with!
Give God Something… of you. first your heart, then let Him occupy your mind and teach youHis ways and then let Him and Give Him yourself as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.
But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Men and women in the bible that lacked land, influence, power. social position. but God gave them an inheritance!
Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, The Hebrew nation, Moses,Ruth, Ester, David, Daniel and his friends! The disciples of Jesus! And now you and I!