Bridging the Testaments: The Fulfilment of Old Testament Scripture in Matthew 5:7
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”
Where It Took Place, Timeline, and Audience for Each of the Verses
- Matthew 5:7:
Jesus spoke these words during the Sermon on the Mount (circa AD 27-30) near the Sea of Galilee. This sermon was addressed to His disciples and the broader multitude of listeners. Jesus outlined the values of the kingdom of heaven, emphasising qualities such as mercy, purity, and peace over external rituals or legalistic righteousness. This verse directly appeals to the inward attitude of mercy, emphasising reciprocity in receiving mercy from God. - Psalm 18:25:
“With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful; with a blameless man You will show Yourself blameless.”
Written by David (circa 10th century BC), this psalm is a reflection on God’s faithfulness. It indicates that God reciprocates mercy to those who extend mercy to others. The audience for this psalm was initially the people of Israel, but its message applies universally to all who seek to align their lives with God’s character. - Proverbs 11:17:
“The merciful man does good for his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.”
The Book of Proverbs (circa 10th century BC) contains wisdom literature likely attributed to Solomon, focusing on practical living according to God’s principles. This proverb highlights the reciprocal benefits of mercy and warns of the personal harm caused by cruelty.
Key Keywords
- Mercy: The compassionate treatment of others, especially in the context of forgiveness, kindness, and relief for those in need. Mercy involves both an inward attitude of compassion and outward actions of kindness.
- Reciprocity of Mercy: This theme emphasises that those who show mercy to others will receive mercy from God. It reflects both an earthly and spiritual reward.
- Blessing (Makarios): Indicates a deep, spiritual happiness or favour bestowed by God on those who embody His values.
Old Testament Scriptures
- Psalm 18:25:
This psalm reflects the same principle of reciprocity found in Matthew 5:7. Those who act with mercy will receive mercy from God. It teaches that God’s treatment of individuals reflects their treatment of others, aligning with the beatitude’s promise. - Proverbs 11:17:
This proverb supports the idea that mercy benefits the individual as well as others. It emphasises the importance of showing kindness, contrasting the consequences of mercy with the destructive nature of cruelty. - Micah 6:8:
“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”
This verse encapsulates the moral requirements of living according to God’s will. Mercy is a central value, seen as essential to a life pleasing to God, mirroring Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 5:7.
How Matthew 5:7 Reflects and Fulfils Old Testament Scriptures
Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:7 draws directly from Old Testament principles, especially the notion that mercy is a foundational attribute of a righteous life. Psalm 18:25 demonstrates that God’s mercy is often reciprocal, bestowed upon those who show mercy to others. Jesus echoes this theme by affirming that those who are merciful will likewise receive mercy from God, both in this life and in the judgement to come.
Additionally, the concept of mercy is closely tied to Micah 6:8, where God’s requirements for His people include the active love of mercy. In Jesus’ teaching, this Old Testament directive is extended to all of His followers, presenting mercy as a hallmark of those who are blessed in the kingdom of heaven.
The Book of Proverbs, known for its practical wisdom, also supports the idea that mercy brings benefits not just to others but to the person who shows it. Proverbs 11:17 emphasises that acts of kindness and mercy positively affect one’s soul, paralleling the promise of blessing that Jesus makes in the beatitudes.
In Matthew 5:7, Jesus fulfils and deepens these Old Testament teachings by making mercy a fundamental characteristic of kingdom living. In contrast to the legalistic righteousness practised by some in His day, Jesus focuses on the inward attitude of compassion and mercy, teaching that it is this quality that invites God’s mercy in return.
Scholars note that Matthew 5:7 emphasises the importance of mercy in the ethical framework of the kingdom of God. Mercy, in both the Old and New Testaments, involves extending compassion and forgiveness to others, even when it is undeserved. Jesus’ promise that the merciful will receive mercy is both a principle for this life and a reflection of eternal truth—God’s mercy will be extended to those who reflect His character in their interactions with others.
Mercy is often understood in two senses:
- Compassion for the needy: Showing kindness to those who are in need of help.
- Forgiveness for the guilty: Extending forgiveness to those who have wronged us.
Scholars also highlight that Jesus’ teaching on mercy is radical in that it is not merely a call for action but an inner transformation. The Pharisees, who emphasised strict adherence to the law, were often criticised by Jesus for neglecting the “weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith” (Matthew 23:23). This beatitude contrasts the external focus of the Pharisees with the inward focus of Jesus’ kingdom.
Meaning of Keywords
- “Merciful” (Greek: ἐλεήμων – eleēmōn): Compassionate or forgiving. The word implies active kindness and empathy towards others, especially in situations where mercy is undeserved.
- “Mercy” (Greek: ἔλεος – eleos): Divine or human compassion, often involving forgiveness or the alleviation of suffering. Mercy is one of God’s core attributes, which believers are called to reflect in their lives.
- “Obtain” (Greek: ἐλεηθήσονται – eleēthēsontai): To receive or be granted mercy. It emphasises the reciprocity of God’s mercy towards those who show mercy to others.
Application for Today’s Christians
For modern Christians, Matthew 5:7 is a powerful reminder of the importance of mercy in daily life. Jesus teaches that the practice of mercy should be a defining characteristic of believers, reflecting God’s own mercy toward humanity.
Practical applications include:
- Extending Forgiveness and Compassion: Christians are called to be merciful in their relationships, forgiving others and showing kindness to those in need. This is not just a moral duty but a reflection of God’s character.
- Receiving God’s Mercy: The promise in Matthew 5:7 offers hope that those who live mercifully will experience God’s mercy, both now and in the age to come. This encourages believers to live with a mindset of compassion, knowing they will receive mercy from God.
- Living Counterculturally: In a world that often values justice over mercy, Jesus’ teaching calls Christians to embrace mercy as a higher virtue. This can involve forgiving those who wrong us or showing compassion to the marginalised, even when it’s difficult.
Conclusion
Matthew 5:7 continues and deepens the Old Testament understanding of mercy as a central aspect of righteous living. From Psalm 18 to Micah 6:8, the principle of mercy is seen as essential for a life that pleases God. Jesus’ promise that the merciful will receive mercy reflects the heart of the gospel, where God’s mercy is extended to those who show it to others. For today’s Christians, this beatitude serves as a reminder that mercy is both a divine gift and a calling—something we receive and something we are called to give.