Two Creations

Gen 1:1—God creating the heavens and the earth

Is the rest summary?  If so, how is the earth already existing in v. 2? 

Either the earth is eternal, or it has a beginning.  If it has a beginning, it isn’t described in Gen. 1.

Heb 1—That which was seen was created from that which was unseen

Gen 1 isn’t describing the creation of earth.  In fact, earth, sea, and darkness already existed by v. 2 without any word.  But we know they were created by God because all things that we see are created. 

All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. (Joh 1:3 NAU)

All this is to say that Gen 1 is an inadequate creation story.

Where did the earth come from?  Did it begin as void, or was it made that way?

Where did the sea come from?  Did God create it?  Or was it already there?

What scientists have as the base problem with young earth creationist theory:  All evidence shows a progression over time, not an instant creation.  Christian theories of creation insist upon a one-time, never-will-change-again creation, which is against all evidence found in the earth itself.

But isn’t the flood a repeat of the original creation?  The earth existed, it was covered with water, God re-formed it by his word.  After the flood, he set man to re-form it, which makes sense with Gen 1 and Psalm 8.  If there are two descriptions of the re-formation of the earth, isn’t it possible that there were others?

A professor once told me, “The problem with I have with young earth creationists isn’t their science, but their Bible.”  They throw assumptions around and hope that they will stick.  Assumptions about Gen 1 being the first and only creation.  Assumptions about the meaning of certain words.  They take one poor interpretation of the Bible and then make it the stick by which they measure who is a true believer in the Bible.

A better interpretation:

1.       God created the heavens and the earth by His word.  This was done in time immemorial, in the beginning, which cannot be measured or determined. 

2.       Jesus is the Word.  He was with God in the beginning, and assisted his creation.  God spoke the Word and the Word created. 

3.       When God created the heavens, he also created spirits.  These are powerful beings like God, but not as powerful as God.  They also assisted in creation.

4.       When God created the heavens and the earth, he made it as “good”.  God does not make chaos or void.   He makes order and peace. 

5.       The earth and heavens could very well have gone through many transformations over a very long period of time.  In the Bible we have at least three “creations” described: The initial creation of the heavens and earth; the establishment of the human earth; and the re-creation after the flood.  Other creations could have occurred since time immemorial.  And it could be that modern scientists are finding evidence of these earlier creations.

6.       How did the earth become chaotic if God made it good?  His enemies made it so.  But that requires more background…

Ancient Religion based on Pagan Myths

1.       The cosmos and earth related to the beings of the spirit world

The earth and cosmos were not only physical beings, but there were also personalities behind them, called spirits, the most powerful of which are called gods.   Yom or Yamm or Poseidon are the various names of the god of the sea, who ruled the oceans, lakes and rivers, and who, in some ways were the oceans, lakes and rivers.  Baal or Marduk or Zeus is a storm god, who is also the most powerful warrior god.  Astarte or Ishtar or Aphrodite are fertility and sex goddesses, also associated with spring.  Mot or Hades is the god of death, also ruler of the realm of death where souls go after they die.   The powerful gods of the spirit realm are, in the Cannanite religion, called Elohim, the plural of El, the Creator god (also known as Ea in Babylon). 

2.       Gods vie for positions of authority over other gods

Although the creator/father god is initially the dominating power of the cosmos, the children of that god struggle for ultimate power over the cosmos, with the creator god being too weak to stop them.  In some cases a warrior god battles with the creator god, but more often than not the creator god just stands back to see which god will prevail.   In many ancient cultures, the warrior god prevails, with his strongest opponent being the sea god.

3.       Events on earth correlate with events in the cosmos/spirit world

A flood or a volcano erupting, is the claim of one god over another.  Famine is judgment from the heavens.  People’s lives are directed by the god’s star under which they are born.  Every battle is a determination of which god is superior over another.

4.       Rituals by humans determine the actions of gods

Gods only eat if humans provide sacrifices to them.  Sacrifices can appease judgment.   Priestly sexual activity relates to the god’s provision of fertility and fruitfulness in pregnancies and harvests.

5.       Moral activity/justice determine the actions of gods

6.       The god one believes in is related to one’s view of the world and relationship to other people

7.       A creation myth is primarily the way one communicates the greatness of one god over others

The Three Fold Ministry

And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons.

 (Matt 10:7-8 )

1.      Proclaiming the kingdom of God

Problem: Sin, rebelliousness, separation from God, injustice

Action: Speaking and giving the message of Jesus—repentance from sin and rebelliousness, good news for the outcast (forgiveness, justice, and deliverance)

Faith: Boldness in proclaiming Jesus’ message.

2.      Healing

Problem: Ailments that separate one from God or his community

Action: Praying for individuals who are needy to be into a whole life.

Faith: Acting on the belief that God will heal the ailment.

3.      Spiritual Warfare

Problem: Enslavement to idols or demonic spirits; attack by unseen powers.

Action: Rebuke and casting out attacking powers in the name of Jesus.

Faith: Seeing the realm of the powers and their authority structure as being more significant than this world’s.

Results of three-fold ministry:

a.       Establishing new communities of the kingdom of God

b.      Judgment of those who reject the gospel of God

c.       Persecution of the representatives of Jesus.

Ministry of the Anawim

1.      The Anawim do not focus on their own needs, but on the needs of other poor, outcast and Anawim around them.

Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.  Philippians 2:4

See also: Luke 6:27-38; John 13:34-35; Romans 12:9-10; Galatians 6:10; Philippians 2:3-8; Ephesians 6:25-30.  The teaching of Jesus and the apostles is to love everyone, and do good to them, especially to those who are of the needy among the followers of Jesus.

2.      The service to the Anawim takes place in the following ways:

1. The calling of the outcast to join the kingdom of God through humility, repentance and commitment to Jesus.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. Luke 4:18

See also: Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 2:1-17; Luke 4:18-19; Luke 15:1-32; Luke 18:9-15; Luke 19:1-10; John 6:26-27; Acts 10:1-48.

2. The deliverance of the vulnerable from things that separate them from God’s kingdom through the power of God.

Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness.  Matthew 10:1

See also: Matthew 8:1-9:33; 10:1, 8; Mark 6:34-44; Luke 9:1; John 6:1-14; Acts 2:43; 3:1-8; 14:8-10.  These fall in the category of “signs and wonders”, but they are very much a part of the ministry in the NT.  While blindness and leprosy and continual bleeding would separate one from the kingdom, today, mental illness and other ailments might separate one from the kingdom and need just as much of the power of God in order to gain deliverance.

3. The deliverance of the oppressed from the spiritual powers and bondages that separate them from God’s kingdom, using the authority of Jesus.

See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. Luke 10:19

See also: Matthew 8:28-33; 10:8; 12:28-29; Mark 16:17; Luke 9:1; 10:17-20; Acts 19:11-16; Ephesians 6:10-17.  To do the work of God’s kingdom is to directly oppose the work of Satan and his kingdom.  This means to stand against temptations, and also, through the authority of Jesus, to separate people from the bondages they have in Satan. 

4. A continuing encouragement and correction to live in accordance with the teaching and life of Jesus.

Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24

See also: Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 10:24-25.

5. Giving food, warmth, housing, support and healing to those who are vulnerable and in need, especially to those who follow Jesus, in accordance with the resources available.

Do good to everyone, especially to those of the household of faith.  Galatians 6:10

See also: Matthew 5:43-48; 10:40-42; 25:31-46; Luke 6:35; Romans 12:20-21; Galatians 6:10; Hebrews 13:1-3.

6. The sacrifice of one’s well being and even life for the sake of meeting the needs of the Anawim.

No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for the ones he loves. John 15:13

See also: Isaiah 53; Mark 10:43-45; John 15:12-13; Ephesians 5:25-28;Colossians 1:24

3.      All service to the Anawim needs to be done in a spirit of love, being concerned for the needs of others before one’s own needs and desires.  This means that the service is done in a spirit of humility, gentleness, reconciliation, politeness, and joy.

If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.  I Corinthians 13:3

See also: Matthew 7:12;  Mark 12:28-31; Romans 13:8; I Corinthians 13:1-13; Galatians 6:1-2; Philippians 2:1-8; James 2:8.

4.      Because this is ministry done by the Anawim—those who are vulnerable and who usually have few resources—it is done from dependence on God, recognizing that no ministry will be done without him.

Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear?' But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Matthew 6:31, 33.

See also: Matthew 6:25-34; 10:8-10, 19-20; Acts 3:1-8; II Corinthians 12:12.  Most of the ministry of the NT is done depending on God alone, for signs and wonders and exorcisms cannot be done by any power except God’s.  To be sure of dependence on God, Jesus sent his apostles without money or resources.

Ministry and Support in the teachings of the apostles

1.      Jesus’ pattern of ministry at Capernum

(Mark 1:14-4: )

            Called Simon, Andrew, James and John at Sea (Lake in Luke)

            Taught and exorcised in synagogue on Sabbath

            Healed at Simon’s home—mother in law

            Received hospitality at Simon’s home

            Ministered to other’s at Simon’s home

            Went away from people to pray (unusual!)

            Traveled to other villages (in Galilee-Mk- or Judea-Lk?)

            Returned to Simon’s home (now called “his house”)

            Taught and healed in that house

            Called Levi at the lake

            Ate at Levi’s house with outcasts

            Healed again in “the” synagogue (the one at Capernum)

            Spent at least 3 sabbaths there, probably more

            Possibly teaching in a different house in 3:20, not descriptive

            Because of crowds, he taught outside.

Summaries: Pattern: Disciple- Synagogue-Disciple’s home-overcrowding-outside ministry

The teaching leads to persecution, causing others to doubt the healings and exorcisms.

2.      Village tour

Mark 1:38-45

Traveled with small group of disciples, proclaiming the kingdom

Did not remain in any village, but traveled from place to place

Healed and cast out demons

The popularity of the ministry required that he not travel to villages anymore, but remain in the outlying areas.

3.      Three-fold ministry

a.       Teaching of the kingdom of God (a “new” teaching—one that people had not heard before

b.      Exorcising demons with authority

c.       Healing the sick by God’s power

Jesus’ pattern: Matt. 4:23; Mark 1:39—teaching and exorcising; Mark 1:32-34; Matt. 8:16-17; Mk. 1:21-28; Luke 4:31-37;

Jesus telling the disciples to follow this pattern: Matthew 10:7-8 (specifying healing lepers, raise the dead); Luke 9:1-2 (Gave power to exorcise demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom and to heal); Luke 10:1-18 (sent them to proclaim the kingdom and they had authority over demons)

Apostles following this pattern: Phillip Acts 8:4-8, 11-13

4.      Two-fold ministry

1. Teaching of the apostles
2. Signs and wonders

Apostles following this pattern: Acts 2:42-43; 4:33; 5:12ff; 5:42; 6:8ff.; 8:4-8; 14:1-7

5.      Jesus’ teaching about those being sent out  (Mark 3:12 ff; Mark 6:7ff; Matthew 10; Luke 9; Luke 10)

1. Authority from Jesus to cast out demons and heal the sick
2. Called a specific number from his followers to do this—not all of them (12, then 70)
3. Sent out two by two
4. Told specifically to go to the house of Israel, not Gentiles or Samaritans. (later expanded to the Gentiles/world—Matt. 28; Acts 1)
5. Told to proclaim the good news of the kingdom

Luke 10—70 told to say the kingdom is near to you, just before Jesus comes

Mark 6—Disciples proclaimed repentance

6. Told to heal

Mark 6—Disciples anointed oil on those needing healing

7. Told to cast out demons
8. They were not to require payment for the teaching or healings
9. What they were not to bring:

Matthew: Gold, silver, copper, bag, two tunics, sandals or a staff.

Luke: “Take nothing” staff, bag, bread, money, extra tunic.

Luke 10: Purse, bag, sandals;

Mark 6: Take nothing except a staff, no bread, bag money, bring sandals, one tunic

10. Greet no one on the road (Luke 10; See I Kings 13)
11. They were to receive what hospitality was offered to them, for “the laborer is worthy of his hire”
12. Find a worthy man, stay at his house
13. Do not go from house to house in the village, but stay in one place.
14. Say “peace” in the house, if the house is worthy, let the peace remain if it is not, let it return to you.
15. For those not “welcoming”, shake the dust off feet and leave
16. The town not welcoming will be judged (See Gen. 18-19)
17. Persecution and rejection will naturally come from this ministry
18. I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves
19. When you are persecuted in one town, go to the next
20. When you are handed over to the courts, don’t worry, but allow the Holy Spirit to speak through you.
21. What Jesus speaks covertly, proclaim publically
22. Love Jesus more than family relations, etc.
23. Those who welcome disciples will receive their reward.
24. Don’t rejoice that you have power over Satan, but that your names are written in heaven.
25. These disciples who go out are called “children” or “little ones”
26. Disciples returned to Jesus and reported back to him

6.      Travel to Geresenes (Mark 5:1ff)

In land of Decopolis

Cast out demons

Asked to leave

Man cured asked to follow Jesus, Jesus told him to proclaim God’s work in him in that place

Jesus left

7.      Not worrying about provision Mark 8:14ff; Matthew 6; Luke 12

If the multitudes were fed by a few loaves, why worry about whether bread is forgotten or not?

Don’t worry about provision or clothes—God cares for all of creation, and he will certainly care for his children.  Focus on God’s kingdom and righteousness and all the rest will be provided.

Offering Sacrifice to Human Beings in the Bible

Sacrifice offering to men/tribute

(same word as "offering to the Lord"-- minha)

Gen 32-- Jacob sending a sacrifice offering to Esau

Genesis 43-- Jacob sending an offering to Joseph

Judges 3:15-- Israel sends an offering to Eglon, king of Moab through Ehud

I Samuel 10:27-- Some refused to give Saul an offering

II Samuel 8:2-- Moabites brought offering to David after he defeated them.

II Sam 8:6-- Arameans brought offering to David after he defeated them

I Kings 5:1; I kings 10:24-25-- Kingdoms bringing offerings to Solomon

II Kings 8:8-- Offering from the King of Aram to Elisha so that Elisha might ask something of Yahweh

II Kings 17:3-- Hosea gave offerings to Shalmaneser, king of Assyria

II Kings 20:12-- King of Babylon sent an offering to Hezekiah

II Chron 17:5-- Judah brought offerings to Jehosephat

II Chron 17:11-- The Philistines and Arabians brought Jehosephat offerings.

II Chron 26:8-- The Ammonites gave offerings to Uzziah

II Chron 32:23-- Many nations were bringing offerings to Hezekiah

Psalm 37

Encouragement for the Righteous Poor

(Psalm 37)

Who is the Lord?

He is the God of justice and righteousness, who watches over those who follow him.  He is the God of the poor, those who watch over the oppressed.  He is the God of power, who has the ability, the right and the desire to judge between the righteous and the wicked, to give the former what is good and the latter their punishment.

Who are the Wicked?

They are those with many resources who use those resources to oppress those who are not able to defend themselves.  They are those who hate righteousness and who do what they can to get what they can from the righteous in order to increase their gain. 

The wicked plot against the righteous, and gnash their teeth at them (v. 12)

The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows to bring down the poor and needy, to kill those who walk uprightly (v. 14)

The abundance of many wicked. (v. 16)

The wicked borrow, and do not pay back (v. 21)

Those cursed by him (v. 22)

The wicked watch for the righteous, and seek to kill them. (v. 32)

I have seen the wicked oppressing, and towering like a cedar of Lebanon. (v. 35)

Transgressors (v. 38)

Who are the Righteous?

These are those who look to God for how they should live their lives.  They are always giving, always speaking good, always seeking peace, always looking to the Lord.  They are humble and meek on the earth, allowing others to do evil to them, and who wait for God to vindicate them. Because of their humility and righteousness they are often poor and needy, and others take advantage of them.

Those who wait for the LORD (v.9)

The meek (v. 11)

Better is a little that the righteous person has (v. 16)

The righteous are generous and keep giving (v. 21)

He delights in our way (v. 23)

They are ever giving liberally and lending, and their children become a blessing. (v. 26)

Depart from evil, and do good (v. 27)

His faithful ones (v. 28)

The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak justice.

The law of their God is in their hearts; their steps do not slip. (v. 30-31)

The poor and needy (v. 14)

Peaceable, blameless (v. 37)

They take refuge in the Lord (v. 40)

The Lord’s response to the wicked

God has contempt for the wicked, because he sees that their prosperity is only temporary—soon their wickedness will be punished.

The LORD laughs at the wicked, for he sees that their day is coming. (v. 13)

The Lord’s response to the righteous

God watches over the righteous, remaining always faithful to his promises to them.  They gain justice from God, even when everyone else tries to oppress them.  God will help them in trouble and save them from the wicked.

He will give you the desires of your heart. (v. 4)

The LORD upholds the righteous. (v. 17)

The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their heritage will abide forever;

They are not put to shame in evil times, in the days of famine they have abundance.  (v. 18-19)

Those blessed by the LORD (v. 22)

Our steps are made firm by the LORD, when he delights in our way;

Though we stumble, we shall not fall headlong, for the LORD holds us by the hand. I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. (v. 23-25)

For the LORD loves justice; he will not forsake his faithful ones. (v. 27)

The LORD will not abandon them to their (the wicked’s) power, or let them be condemned when they are brought to trial. (v. 33)

The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their refuge in the time of trouble. The LORD helps them and rescues them; he rescues them from the wicked, and saves them, because they take refuge in him. (v. 39-40)

The final end of the wicked

In justice, God will come and punish the wicked.  Their riches will be taken away from them, their power will be gone, they will be separated from the land and people of God.  They will be destroyed.

For the wicked shall be cut off (v.9)

Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look diligently for their place, they will not be there. (v. 10)

Their sword shall enter their own heart, and their bows shall be broken. (v. 15)

The arms of the wicked shall be broken (v. 17)

But the wicked perish, and the enemies of the LORD are like the glory of the pastures; they vanish-- like smoke they vanish away. (v. 20)

Those cursed by him shall be cut off. (v. 22)

The children of the wicked shall be cut off. (v. 28)

The destruction of the wicked (v. 34)

Again I passed by, and they were no more; though I sought them, they could not be found. (v. 36)

But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the posterity of the wicked shall be cut off. (v. 38)

For they will soon fade like the grass, and wither like the green herb (v. 2)

The final end of the righteous

God will give the righteous the rule of the land.  They will be secure and prosperous.  They will be declared right before the wicked and they will see the wicked punished.  And they shall live well in the land of God among the people of God for all ages.

You will live in the land, and enjoy security (v. 3)

He will act. He will make your vindication shine like the light, and the justice of your cause like the noonday. (v. 5-6)

He will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on the destruction of the wicked. (v. 8)

But those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land. (v. 9)

The meek shall inherit the land, and delight themselves in abundant prosperity. (v. 11)

Those blessed by the LORD shall inherit the land (v. 22)

Depart from evil, and do good; so you shall abide forever. (v. 27)

The righteous shall be kept safe forever (v. 28)

The righteous shall inherit the land, and live in it forever. (v. 29)

He will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on the destruction of the wicked (v. 34)

For there is posterity for the peaceable (v. 37)

The LORD helps them and rescues them; he rescues them from the wicked, and saves them (v. 40)

The righteous response to the wicked

The righteous should not get upset about the wicked, about their unrighteousness or the seeming injustice of their wealth.  They should not be envious of the wicked, their power or wealth, because their end indicates that there is nothing to be jealous about.

Do not fret because of the wicked; do not be envious of wrongdoers, (v. 1)

Do not fret over those who prosper in their way, over those who carry out evil devices. Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath. Do not fret-- it leads only to evil. (v. 7-8)

The righteous response to the Lord

Rather, the righteous should wait on God and his justice which is coming soon.  Those who are oppressed should do what is right before God, not wickedly do what the wicked do, but instead walk in the way of the Lord. Always do good, always depend on God and he will do right to you, even as he does the righteous.

Wait for the LORD, and keep to his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on the destruction of the wicked.

Trust in the LORD, and do good (v. 3)

Take delight in the LORD (v. 4)

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him (v. 5)

Be still before the LORD, and wait patiently for him (v. 7)

Wait for the LORD, and keep to his way (v.8)

Poor in Spirit

A.      Definition of “poor in spirit”

“Poverty” includes, but is not limited to, material or financial poverty.  It is those who are in a position of weakness that is taken advantage of by those who are wicked.  It could be termed “oppressed” or “destitute.”  It is in the same range of meaning to “persecuted.”    “In spirit” refers to the Holy Spirit, who has already been mentioned earlier in Matthew, and is the only uses of the word pneuma thus far in Matthew—and is used that way almost exclusively in Matthew (13 out of 14 undisputed meanings—two contexts are unclear whether it is Spirit or spirit, our text here and 26:41).

B.      Understanding of Beatitudes

Summary: Poor in the Spirit gain the eschatalogical kingdom of heaven

                The suffering gain the kingdom: 3 verses

                                Those who mourn (due to opposition) will be comforted (by having opposition negated)

                                The meek (those who chose/have it thrust upon them to be helpless in the face of opposition) will inherit the earth (will rule in God’s kingdom)

                                Those who greatly desire justice (a correct balance in favor of the innocent) will be satisfied (will have that justice realized)

                The righteous guided by the Spirit gain the kingdom: 3 verses

                                Those who are merciful (display benevolance to others) will receive mercy (gain benevolance from God on the final day)

Those who are pure in heart (those who do not hold sin in their hearts, the source of all sin) will see God (thus, they are holy, for God can abide only holiness in his presence).

Those who make peace (cause reconcilliation between brothers or between brothers and God) will be called sons of God (those who are imitators of God and who inherit his kingdom).

                Summary: Those who are persecuted for righteousness gain the kingdom of heaven

C.      OT Sources

Isaiah 61—Focus in on the afflicted receiving Justice from God.  It is a prophecy of the salvation of God on those who have suffered in their lives.

Psalm 37—In the context of the Anawimic psalms (where the Psalmist cries out for the Lord to deliver him from affliction), the focus is on those who have suffered oppression from the “wicked”, who are judged on the final day.

D.      Contexts of Passage

Context of Sermon on the Mount: If only due to following the law of Jesus, the follower of Jesus is ripe for affliction and suffering and poverty—they are persecuted, plead for daily bread, rightfully wonder where tomorrow’s bread and clothing will come from, do not store up possessions, do not serve Mammon— then justice may be their rallying cry.

Context of Matthew: In two long passages, the persecution of the disciples are spelled out (chs. 10 and 24).  And the suffering of the disciples is mentioned in many logoi (16, 19, etc.).  Jesus himself is the fulfillment of these beatitudes, having suffered at the hands of evil doers, then receiving salvation as his just due.

E.      Conclusion

Those who receive the rewards of the kingdom are not just those who are righteous, but those who suffer due to the lowly position righteousness places one.

Exact phrase "poor in spirit"

Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling.

 19 It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly Than to divide the spoil with the proud.

(Those who are poor, socially lowly)

Similar phrases

"oppressed" or "hard" in spirit-- I Samual 1:15  (wife mocked for inability to conceive)

anguish of my spirit/bitterness of my soul-- Job 7:11  (Disease, death of family, loss of riches)

Brokenhearted/crushed in spirit-- Psalm 34:18  (troubled, afflicted)

forsaken and grieved in spirit-- Isaiah 54:6  (wife cast away)

Contrite and humble spirit-- Isaiah 57:15  (judged by God for sin)

Spirit of fainting-- Isaiah 61:3 (imprisoned for debt)

Spirit is troubled-- Lamentations 1:20; 2:11 (distress over destruction of Jerusalem)

Heat of my spirit-- Ezekiel 3:14 (confusion over vision of seeing God)

Spirit troubled-- Daniel 2:1-- (disturbing dream)

my spirit distressed-- Daniel 7:15-- (disturbing visions)

Hannah's and Mary's Song

I Samuel 2:1-10 and Luke 1:46-55

My heart rejoices in Yahweh

                My horn is made high in my God.

My mouth is made large above my enemies

                I rejoice in your deliverance!

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord

                My spirit is glad in God my Savior.

Because he has regarded the humble station of his servant

                From now on, all generations will call me blessed.

The Lord’s name is holy

                His mercy continues from generation to generation

                On all who fear Him.

No one is holy like Yahweh;

                There is no Rock like our God.

Do not boast in your pride

                Do not let arrogance ooze out of your mouth.

For Yahweh is a God of knowledge

                And he judges by one’s deeds.

The bows of the mighty ones are shattered

                But those who stumble gird on strength.

Those satisfied with food are now selling themselves for bread;

                While those who starved grow fat.

A barren woman gave birth to seven

                While the mother of many children is exhausted.

Yahweh kills some while he makes others alive;

                He sends some to Sheol, and rescues others from death.

Yahweh makes some poor, and others rich

                He lowers some, and exalts others.

The poor he raises from the dust

                The needy he lifts up from shit.

He seats them with the powerful

                And he makes them inherit an honorable station.

Yahweh has shown His arm’s strength

                He has scattered the lofty in the thoughts of their hearts.

He has lowed the mighty from their high stations

                And lifted up those in the low place.

The hungry are filled with good things

                While the rich are sent away empty-handed.

He has helped his servant, Israel

                In rememberance of His mercy

As He spoke to our fathers

                To Abraham and his children forever.

For the foundations of the earth is Yahweh’s

                Yahweh has put the world on them.

The feet of the righteous he protects;

                But the wicked are made silent in darkness.

For no one is delivered by their own strength.

The enemies of Yahweh are shattered;

                The God Most High thunders in heaven.

                Yahweh judges the whole earth—to the very ends.

May his king be strengthened;

                May the horn of the Messiah be raised high.

Notes on the Beatitudes in Matthew

Matthew 5:3-10

Outline--

Summary: Blessed are the poor in the Spirit

Section 1: The poor of God

A. Those that mourn

B. Those who are meek

C. Those who hunger and thirst (greatly desire) justice

Section 2: The righteous of God

A. The merciful

B. The pure in heart

C. The peacemakers

Final Summary: Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness

Strong parallels—Isa 61:1-4; Isa 65:13-66:5; Psalm 37

Blessed are the poor in the Spirit--

One of two summary statements of the Beattitudes

Poor, probably "anawim" in Hebrew, in which context it means "those who are poor, but depending on God for salvation";  "In the Spirit" rather than "in spirit."  a. Ta pneuma is used a number of times before Matt. 5--

Matt. 1:18-- Mary was found to be of child by (ek) the Holy Spirit

Matt. 1:20- The child who has been conceived in her is of (ek) the spirit, who is holy.

Matt 3:11-- He will baptize you with the Spirit (en pneumati) who is holy

Matt. 3:16-- He saw the Spirit of God (to pneuma tou theou) dedscending like a dove

Matt. 4:1-- He was led by the Spirit (hupo pneumatos)

Unclean spirits--(plural) 8:16; 10:1; 12:45

10:20-- The Spirit of the Father speaks through you (to pneuma)

12:18-- I will put my Spirit on him (quote of Isa.)

12:28-- By the Spirit of God I cast out demons (en pneumati)

12:31- Blasphamy against the Spirit (tou pneumatos)

12:32-Speaking against the Holy Spirit (kata tou pneumatos)

12:43- Unclean spirit

22:43- David speaks by the Spirit (en pneumati)

26:41-The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak

27:50- Jesus yeilded up the spirit (to pneuma)

28:19-- Name of Father Son, Holy Spirit (tou agiou pneumatos)

Blessed are those who mourn

Mourning—different meanings

1. Sorrow over sin

(LXX-- Ezra 10:6

I Corinthians 5:2-- mourned over the sin of a brother

James 4:9-- Mourned over sin

II Cor 12:21

2. Sorrow over separation

(supported in LXX-- I Sam 16:1; II Sam 13:37; Hos 10:5)

Matthew 9:15/Luke 6:25

Mark 16:10

I Corinthians 5:2

Revelation 18:11, 15, 19

3. Sorrow over punishment of Yahweh (LXX)

Locust plague/day of the Lord-- Joel 1:9-10

Isaiah-- the earth mourns, comfort to those who are mourning over Jerusalem

Jeremiah-- mourning over the punishment Jerusalem will receive.

4. Sorrow over other sad events

The continuing state of Jerusalem in shambles-- Neh. 1:4

Holy place desecrated-- I Mac 2:14

Friends betrayal-- Psalm 34:14

5. Action of humility

Daniel 10:2; 10:12

James 4:9-10

II Corinthians 12:21

Even in cases where “mourning” does mean sorrow over sin, it is in a context of humility/humiliation.  There is clearly social lowliness in this context, and there is no reason to limit it for the sake of sin alone, even as neither the NT nor (especially) the LXX limits the meaning in this way. 

Comfort

(Parakaleo-- entreat, implore, exort, urge)

Used often in Deutero-Isaiah-- 40:1-2, 11, 41:27; 49:10, 13;  51:3, 12, 18, 19; 54:11; 57:18; 61:2; 66:12-13-- Most frequently used as causing a stop to mourning for the suffering and/or punishment inflicted on them.  Comfort comes from God alone

Matt 2:18

Note especially the use of “mourn” and “comfort” in Isaiah 40—Israel is to be comforted because the time of her punishment for sin is over.  The focus is not so much on the repentance of the people, but the ending of punishment for sin.  This fits Jesus’ theme of kingdom come and his healing ministry.  Those who have been punished for sin and so were mourning for their suffering caused by that punishment will be “comforted”—no longer punished, no longer suffering for their sin.  This may be a better way of understanding Isa 66:1ff through the eyes of Jesus, rather than a “sabbatical year” context.  This would be a “day of the Lord” context, which better fits Jesus’ teaching and is not opposed to  the teaching of Deutero-Isaiah.

Blessed are the lowly for they shall inherit the earth

Praus-- Meek, humble,

Numbers 12:3-- Charataristic of Moses-- perhaps, not asserting one's own authority

Humble (anawim in Hebrew)

Ps 25:9; Ps 37:11; Ps 76:10; Ps 147:6; Ps 149:4; Job 36:15; Zeph 3:12; Zech 9:9; Isa 26:6

Used of Jesus-- Matthew 11:29; 21:5

I Peter 3:4-- Lowly, gentle?

The lowly are the anawim, those who depend on God for deliverance.  This is a direct quote of Psalm 37:11.  In the context of that psalm, it is those who are oppressed for not acting in evil, but doing what is right.  The result of their righteousness is that they will be raised up and granted salvation by God, while their enemies are cast down.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness

peinaw-- hungry

Usually literal hunger, but also meaning "greatly desire"

I Samuel 2:5-- those who are hungry cease to hunger (by God's deliverance) hungry = lowly, humble (see also Luke 1:53)

Ps. 107:5-9, 36-- Yahweh satisfies those whose souls are hungry

Proverbs 28:15-- Hunger associated with poverty

Isa 40:29-31-- (LXX) God gives strength to the hungry (hunger used for "weary/faint" 3xs)

Isa 49:10-- The salvation of God will cause many to not hunger or thirst (see Rev. 7:16)

Isa 65:13-- God's servants will eat and drink, but the rebellious/disobedient will go hungry and thirsty

Hunger as a result of discipleship/sharing the gospel

Matthew 25; I cor 4:11; Phil 4:12;

It could be literal hunger and thirst, such as Matthew 25:35, 37, 42, 44-- disciples who suffer poverty and hardship for the sake of the gospel.  In Matthew "hungry" is used literally all the other cases. Matt 4:2, 12:1,3; 21:18 and Matt 25.  However, in this case it is attached to "for righteousness", which might imply the gospel.  Could it associate the actual hunger one feels in the work with the great desire to share the gospel (cf John 4; 6:35)  Could it mean “for the sake of righteousness”, such as 5:10, below? 

Lack of literal hunger and thirst as a blessing of the coming day-- Rev 7:16

Verses that use both hunger and thirst

II Sam 17:29; Psalm 107; Isa 49:10; Isa 65:13; Rev. 7:16; John 6:35; Matthew 25; Romans 12:20; Proverbs 25:21; I Cor 4:11;

xortadzo-- satisfied

In the context of God's salvation/provision

(LXX) Psa 17:14-15; Psa 37:19; Ps 81:16; Ps 104:13, 16; 107:9; Ps 132:15; Jer 5:7; Luke 6:21;

Used to indicate having eaten enough food/drunk enough

Matt 14:20; 15:33, 37; Ps 59:15; Ps 104:13, 16; Ps 107:9;

Hunger/thirst/satisfaction-- Psalm 107:9

Hunger/satisfaction and discipleship-- Phil 4:12

Blessed are you who are merciful for you shall receive mercy

Eleemon—merciful  Eleeo—have mercy

merciful to the poor/needy

Ex 22:26; II Chron 30:9; Prov 14:21; 19:17; 22:9; Job 24:27; Hos 14:4;

Basic charataristic of God

Ex 22:26; 33:19; 34:6; II Chron 30:9; Neh 9:17; II MAc 1:24; II MAc 8:29; 11:9; 13:12; III Mac 5:7; Ps 85:15; 103:8; 111:4; 116:5; 144:8; Sir 2:11; 48:20; 50:19; Joel 2:13; Jon 4:2; Jer 3:12;

Don't show mercy to a poor man in judgment-- Exodus 23:3

Not showing mercy in war, but killing-- Deut 7:2; DEut 28:50; II Chron 36:17; Jer 6:23

No medrcy on evildoers-- Isa 9:16; Isa 59:2; Eze 5:11; 7:4, 9;8:18; 9:5,10;24:14  Hosea 1;

Receiving the salvation of God-- Gen 33:5; Num 6:25; Deut 13:18; Deut 30:3; II Sam 12:22; II Kings 13:23;Ps 6:2; 25:16; 26:11; 27:7; 30:10; 31:9; 41:5, 11; 56:1; 57:1; 86:3, 16;  Ps 123:3; Job 19:21; Hos 1:6-7; 2:25; Zech 1:12, 17; Isa 54:7-8; Jer 12:15; 37:18; 38:20; Eze 39:25; Mark 5:19; Romans 9:15, 18; Rom 11:30-32; I Pet 2:10; I Tim 1:16

Seeking healing, restoration-- Matt 9:27; 15:22; 17:15; 20:30-31;

Forgiveness:  Psalm 41:4; 51:1; Wis 11:23; Isa 55:7; Matt 18:33;

Definition-- not giving the judgment that was deserved, but providing what was not necessary to give.

Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God

Clean in heart

"Katharos"-- clean, pure for ritual purposes; without blemish or mixing; without anything that would cause them to be outwardly defiled temporarily

Clean in Job-- used to indicate moral purity (used 18 times)

Clean in heart-- Gen 20:5,6

Psalm 24:4-- Pure hands and heart may go before God

Ps 51:10-- Create a clean heart

Prov 20:9-- clean heart = pure from sin, which no one can say.

I Timothy 1:5; II tim 2:22

I Tim 3:9; II Tim 1:3-- clean conscience

Heb 10:22-- washed with clean water and so our hearts are true

Clean-- outside and inside-- Matthew 23:26

All things are clean if the inside is given to the poor-- Luke 11:41

God is clean, pure-- Isa 65:5 (LXX); Hab 1:13;

New heart; pure from washing with water-- Eze 36:24, 25

Clean by word, washing by Jesus-- John 13:10-11; 15:3

All things are clean, but unclean for those who eat and cause another to stumble-- Rom 14:20; Titus 1:15

Seeing God

Ps 40:3-- Salvation of God

Isa 52:10-- see the salvation of God

Heb 11:27-- Moses was seeing him who is unseen

Heb 12:14-- pursue peace so you can see the Lord

I John 3:2-- We shall see him as he is

Rev. 22:4-- they will see his face

Not seeing God

Ex 33-34-  Moses seeing part of God, but not his face

I John 4:20-- We have not seen God

The blessings

The blessed of God will receive all of God’s good in the last day.  They will rule God’s kingdom, and all of the present sorrows of this age will be wiped away.  They will be declared right before God in the face of their enemies.  They will be forgiven of their sins and will be before God as his people.

Theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (vv. 3, 10)

They will be comforted. (v. 4)

They will inherit the earth. (v. 5)

They will be filled. (v. 6)

They will receive mercy. (v. 7)

They will see God. (v. 8)

They will be called sons of God (v. 9)

The poor

Those who receive these blessings of God are oppressed by those who are opposed to God.  They are poor, persecuted, in sorrow and desire for justice to be done for them.

The poor (v. 3)

Those who mourn (v. 4)

The meek (v. 5)

Those who hunger and thirst for justice. (v. 6)

Those who are persecuted (v. 10)

The righteous

Those who receive the blessings of God are not only oppressed, but they are also righteous.  Guided by the Spirit of God, they are always merciful, pure and making peace with all they can.  When they are oppressed, it is not because they have done evil, but because they have done good.

In the Spirit (v. 3)

The merciful (v. 7)

The pure in heart (v. 8)

The peacemakers (v. 9)

Those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake (v. 10)

Outline

A.   Summary (verse 3)

B.    The blessings of the poor (verse 4-6)

C.   The blessings of the righteous (verses 7-9)

D.   Final summary (verse 10)