Mat 5:6-7 | TNotes | STEP | 5:6 those who hunger and thirst for justice (or for righteousness ): This refers either to the follower of Jesus whose driving purpose in life is to obey the Lord (cp. 3:15 ; 5:10 , 20 ) or to the disciple’s desire to see justice for all people (Pss 11:7 ; 85:10-12 ; Isa 11:1-4 ; Jer 23:5-6 ; 33:16 ). One with such a longing often prays, “May your will be done on earth” (Matt 6:10 ). • Christ has brought justice and righteousness (Rom 3:21-22 ; 5:1 ); the disciples will be satisfied with it (cp. Pss 42:1-2 ; 63:1-2 ).

5:6 ^a those who hunger and thirst for justice (or for righteousness): This refers either to the follower of Jesus whose driving purpose in life is to obey the Lord (cp. 3:15 ^b; 5:10 ^c, 20 ^d) or to the disciple’s desire to see justice for all people (Pss 11:7 ^e; 85:10-12 ^f; Isa 11:1-4 ^g; Jer 23:5-6 ^h; 33:16 ⁱ). One with such a longing often prays, “May your will be done on earth” (Matt 6:10 ^j).

• Christ has brought justice and righteousness (Rom 3:21-22 ^k; 5:1 ^l); the disciples will be satisfied with it (cp. Pss 42:1-2 ^m; 63:1-2 ⁿ).
5:7 ^o Jesus made a cardinal virtue of being merciful, that is, showing kindness to those in distress (see 6:12 ^p, 14-15 ^q; 9:13 ^r; 12:7 ^s; 18:23-35 ^t; 23:23 ^u; 25:31-46 ^v). Those who are merciful now will find God’s mercy in the final judgment.