The word ‘anaw, “humble” or “meek” is used 13x in the Psalter. It refers to a social position; it’s not only, or even primarily, an attitude of mind, but a life-condition. The meek are the afflicted, low-born, abused.
Within the Psalter the word forms a story-arc of sorts.
Early on, the Psalmist assures the humble that the Lord hears and remembers them (Psalm 9:12, 18; 10:12, 17).
The Lord promises food (Psalm 22:26) and joy (34:2; cf. 69:32).
At 37:11, the Lord does more than promise relief from affliction. The meek will “inherit the land” and take delight in the abundance of peace. After that, the accent is on the Lord’s rescue of the humble (76:9), which climaxes in the promise that the meek will be exalted and glorified (147:6; 149:4).
Jesus was simply fulfilling the law and the prophets when he pronounced beatitude on the meek who will inherit the earth.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Ethics of Rhetoric in Times of War
What we say matters. And the way we say it matters. This is especially true in times…
How the State Failed Noelia Castillo
On March 26, Noelia Castillo, a twenty-five-year-old Spanish woman, was killed by her doctors at her own…
The Mind’s Profane and Sacred Loves
The teachers you have make all the difference in your life. That they happened to come into…
