"Earth" can also mean "land" as we will see from the following passages. The word "meek" in the KJV Dictionary means, "gentle, tender; free from pride." It also expresses the dual meaning of self-control and the gentleness of strength.
The following is a quote from Bob Deffinbaugh to describe this gentleness. "It is difficult to be harsh with others in an area where we ourselves fail. Once we have come to acknowledge our own sinfulness and waywardness, we will be less quick to criticize others."
Psalm 37: 3, 9, 11, 29-"Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. 9:For evildoers shall be cut off; 11:But those who wait on the LORD, shall inherit the earth. But the meek shall inherit the earth, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. 29:The righteous shall inherit the land, And dwell in it forever."
6: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness For they shall be filled."
Isaiah 51:1, "Listen to Me, you who follow after righteousness, You who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were hewn, And to the hole of the pit from which you were dug.
In the next passage, we see the righteousness of God's judgment for those who have sought righteousness, Isaiah 65:13, "Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: "Behold, My servants shall eat, But you shall be hungry; Behold, My servants shall drink, But you shall be thirsty; Behold, My servants shall rejoice, But you shall be ashamed;"
This next passage is a clear description of how we should seek abundance and feed on righteousness in the spiritual. Isaiah 55:1-2, "Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price. 2:Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance."
7: "Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy."
If someone wrongs or hurts us, we need to show forgiveness and mercy instead of reacting in the flesh. If we show mercy, we will be shown mercy.
James 2:13, "For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
If someone is needy, we need to show mercy by helping to fulfill that need. For one to be truly merciful of others, means to not give place to selfishness.
Psalm 41:1-2, "Blessed is he who considers the poor; The LORD will deliever him in time of trouble. 2:The LORD will preserve him and keep him alive, And he will be blessed on the earth;"
8: "Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God."
The word "pure" is the Greek word 'katharos' which means 1) free from corrupt desire, from sin and guilt 2)free from every admixture of what is false, sincere, genuine 3) blameless, innocent.
Psalm 15:1-2, "LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? 2:He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart;"
Psalm 24:3-4, "Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand in His holy place? 4:He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully."
"Clean hands" refers to our actions and the term "pure heart", refers to our iinner attitude.
9: "Blessed are the peacemakers For they shall be called the sons of God."
The word "peacemakers" come from the Greek word "eirenopoios" which means "pacific; loving peace."
Paul told us in Hebrews 12:14 to pursue peace with all, "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:"
James 3:18, "Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."
10-12: "Blessed are those who are persectuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11:Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
This is referring to those who choose believe, speak and live what is right and true in the spiritual, over what the flesh and society thinks is right. In the face of all adversity; threats, verbal and/or physical attacks, we must continue to stand for what is righteous.
1 Peter 3:14 says, "But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled."
2 Timothy 2:12, If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He will also deny us."
