The meek - The word ‘meek’ usually refers to those who are patient in the reception of injuries, but the Hebrew word used here (ענוים ănâviym) means properly the oppressed, the afflicted, the unhappy Psalms 9:13; Psalms 10:12, Psalms 10:17; Proverbs 3:34; Isaiah 11:4. It involves usually the idea of humility or “virtuous suffering” (compare Psalms 25:9; Psalms 37:11; Psalms 69:33). Here it may denote the pious of the land who were oppressed, and subjected to trials.

Shall increase - Margin, as in Hebrew, ‘Add.’ It means, that they should greatly rejoice in the Lord. They should see the evidence of the fulfillment of his predictions; they should see the oppressors punished Isaiah 29:20, and Yahweh coming forth to be their protector and defender Isaiah 29:22.

And the poor among men - The poor people; or the needy. Doubtless the idea is that of the pious poor; those who feared God, and who had been subjected to the trials of oppression and poverty.

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