Were you taught Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible (Genesis-Deuteronomy)? I was. This is funny. Numbers 12:3 says, “Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.” Do you think the “meekest” man on earth would say that about himself? That’s pretty braggadocios if you ask me.
Jesus says, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
He is quoting Psalm 37:11, which says, “But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.”
I have two editorial comments:
- Psalm 37:11 inherently implies the meek lack peace.
- Psalm 37 says someone else will also inherit the land.
Psalm 37:9 says, “For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.”
The Hebrew word for meek is also translated poor, humble, or afflicted. The Hebrew word for wait means exactly that – waiting. However, hope & expectation are everywhere throughout Psalm 37. Read it for yourself.
All that to say, here’s my working definition of meekness: Humble & Hopeful in both Poverty & Affliction.
Lord Jesus, give us your overwhelming grace today.
