Blessed are the hungry (Lk 6:21-6:21)

“Blessed are you

Who are hungry now!

You shall be satisfied.”

 

μακάριοι οἱ πεινῶντες νῦν, ὅτι χορτασθήσεσθε.

 

Luke indicated that Jesus said that the hungry people now (οἱ πεινῶντες νῦν) would be blessed or happy (μακάριοι) and satisfied (ὅτι χορτασθήσεσθε), using the second person plural.  This is somewhat equivalent to Matthew, chapter 5:6, perhaps indicating that these beatitudes may be from the Q source.  There Matthew said the happy, blessed, and fortunate ones (μακάριοι) were those who hungered and thirsted for righteousness (οἱ πεινῶντες καὶ διψῶντες τὴν δικαιοσύνην).  They would not go away empty handed.  They would be satisfied or filled (ὅτι αὐτοὶ χορτασθήσοντ).  Isaiah, chapter 55:1-2 had an invitation to those without money to come to drink and eat.  They could have water, wine, milk and bread.  They would enjoy themselves at this banquet.  Matthew may have been referencing Psalm 107:4-9, where Yahweh had helped a small group of lost Israelites who were hungry and thirsty, while wandering in the desert.  He satisfied their thirst and filled their hunger with good food.  Thus, they gave thanks to Yahweh.  So too, those who hungered and thirsted for righteousness, the right way of doing things, would be satisfied or filled with this righteousness.  However, here Luke was talking about real hunger for food that would be satisfied.  Luke is more concrete, less spiritual.  You are poor and hungry, plain and simple.  You would be blessed, fortunate, happy, and satisfied.

Have hope (Prov 23:17-23:19)

“Do not let your heart envy sinners.

But always continue in the fear of Yahweh.

Surely there is a future.

Your hope will not be cut off.

Hear!

My child!

Be wise!

Direct your mind in the way.”

Do not be envious of sinners. You should continue with your fear of Yahweh all the time. There will be a future, so always have hope. Hear and be wise. Keep your mind on the right way, the straight path.

Fools (Prov 12:15-12:16)

“Fools think their own way is right.

But the wise listen to advice.

Fools show their anger at once.

But the prudent ignore an insult.”

Now we have a brief description of a fool. They think that their own way is the only right way as opposed to the wise who listen to advice. Fools show their anger immediately, while the prudent ignore insults. Pig headed angry people are fools.

Remember God (Ps 50:22-50:23)

“‘Mark this!

You who forget God!

I will tear you apart!.

There will be none to deliver you!

Those who brings thanksgiving

As their sacrifice,

Honor me.

To those who go the right way

I will show the salvation of God!’”

This psalm concludes with a word to the wise. Don’t forget God! If you do not remember him, he will tear you apart so that no one would be able to help you. However, if you bring thanksgiving sacrifices, you honor God. If you go the right way, God will show you the way to salvation.