Beatitude

The nine blessings with which the Sermon on the Mount begins are often called “beatitudes”. Beatitudes are not only to be found in the Sermon on the Mount. They are present in the Old Testament as well.

“Happy are those who reject the advice of evil people” (Psalm 1:1) is an example of an Old Testament beatitude. In a beatitude someone is wished joy or happiness. This happiness can be for the present or the future. In Daniel 12:12 the concern is with future happiness (suffering in this time is nothing in comparison with the happiness that it will produce in the future). In most of the beatitudes, however, present and future happiness merge together.

A beatitude can express the belief that God wants the best for his people. Beatitudes are often used within the context of God’s covenant with Israel. Beatitudes also have an ethical aspect. A particular way of life is demanded. If you keep to it, you will be happy.

In early Jewish texts and in the New Testament, beatitudes are also given an apocalyptic charge. If believers patiently endure suffering for the faith, then God will reward them richly in his new world.