Matthew 5:3. The poor in spirit, not ‘in body,' nor ‘in mind.' The humble, those conscious of their spiritual needs, and thus prepared to be filled with the riches of the gospel. The discourse begins at the beginning; sense of want comes before spiritual blessings; the fruit of the law and the germ of the gospel. The Jews with their carnal hopes were not ‘poor in spirit,' hence the appropriateness of the introduction. Pride is always the first and great hindrance to obtaining a part in the kingdom.

For theirs is. It belongs to them.

The kingdom of heaven. See notes on chap. Matthew 3:2; comp. chap. 13. Both the habits of the Teacher and the expectations of the audience made this a familiar thought.

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Old Testament