Understanding Matthew 5:5: Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

In the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:5: “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.”

To be “blessed” means to be happy i.e. happy are those—the meek who will inherit the earth (Psalm 37:11). To be meek means to be humble and we should not forget that Jesus Christ Himself is an epitome of humility who was God but did not consider himself to be equal with God and made for Himself no reputation but took the form of a servant obedient to the Father even till death on the cross of Calvary (Philippians 2:6-8 ). Jesus is an example of humility we all should emulate as His followers (1 Peter 2:21).

1 Peter 2:21: “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:”

Now we have known what “blessed” and “meek” means but which earth should we conclude that Jesus Christ is referring to? This present temporary earth (Luke 21:33) or the future earth of the new heavens and the new earth that will be created by God (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1).

The present earth we live in was created in holiness and purity (Genesis 1:1) and our early parents — Adam and Eve dwelt in the Garden of Eden in righteousness having an intimate relationship with God until the fall of man when Adam and Eve disobeyed God and sin came into the world but the cure is Jesus (Romans 5:12).

God has promised to replaced this present sinful world with a new earth i.e. the new heavens and the new earth (Isaiah 66:22). So I ask again, could Jesus be referring to this present earth or the future new heavens and new earth or both?

Jesus was probably implying that the humble will inherit the good things of the earth. The Bible has made us understand that this earth and everything in it is temporary and we should not lay too much emphasis on it because everything we gather will perish (Matthew 6:19-20).

Matthew 6:19-20: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: [20] But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:”

If Jesus taught that we should not lay treasure of what have inherited in the earth then what should be do with the inheritance from the earth of Matthew 5:5? A case study of someone who got punished for laying up treasure for himself was the rich man who laid up treasure for himself but never knew his time to depart the world had come (Luke 12:16-21).

Since the current earth will pass away (Luke 21:33), Jesus most likely was referring to the earth of the future new heavens and new earth that will be created by God after this present earth is rolled away.

The inheritance of anyone in this present earth for good conduct should be the joy and happiness that flows into the heart for doing what is right (Galatians 5:22-23). Every other form of inheritance like comfort and wealth is not for the individual alone but for the benefit of others most especially the poor and the needy (Matthew 19:21). There is virtually nothing else to inherit in this present earth because all is vanity and temporary (Ecclesiastes 1:2).

In the new heavens and the new earth, there shall be no more weeping or pain (for the old things has passed away) and the new earth shall be inherited and inhabited by the meek, saints and all who overcome sin in this present sinful world (Revelation 21:4; 2:26).

Be part of it! (Matthew 3:2).

https://www.gospelandtruth.com/2017/12/blessed-are-meek-for-they-shall-inherit.html?m=1