• Matthew 4:23-5:12 – Jesus was setting down kingdom principles.
  • Matthew 5:3 – Blessed are the poor in spirit.
    • Ephesians 2:12-13
    • Psalms 51:17
    • Isaiah 66:2
    • Jeremiah 10:27
    • The poor in spirit realize that power and authority is with God – not with them.
  • Matthew 5:4 – Blessed are they that mourn.
    • Isaiah 61:1-2
  • Matthew 5:5 – Blessed are the meek.
    • Psalms 37:11
    • Matthew 11:27
    • Matthew 5:30
    • Moses was described as the meekest man on earth, but he was a great leader.
    • “inherit the earth” is not talking about mundane things.
      • II Peter 3:11-13
      • Jesus may have been looking forward to the new heaven and new earth.
      • Alternate view: The gentle will inherit the earth as opposed to aggressive and warlike? The gentle will be blessed on earth?
  • Matthew 5:6 – Blessed are they which hunger and thirst after righteousness.
    • Psalms 42:2
  • Matthew 5:7 – Blessed are the merciful.
    • Proverbs 14:21
  • Matthew 5:8 – Blessed are the pure in heart.
    • Psalms 24:3-4
    • Psalms 73:1
  • Matthew 5:9 – Blessed are the peacemakers.
    • Isaiah 52:7
  • Matthew 5:10-11 – Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.
    • No specific Old Testament verse has this same sentiment, but Hebrews 11:32-37 names David, Gideon, Barak, Samson, the prophets, and others as those who were persecuted for righteousness’ sake.