Matthew 5:2

“And he opened his mouth, etc.] He spoke with a clear and strong voice, that all the people might hear him; and with great freedom, utterance, and cheerfulness, and things of the greatest moment and importance; and taught them; not his disciples only, but the whole multitude, who heard him with astonishment; (see <400728>Matthew 7:28,29). Some things in the following discourse are directed to the disciples in particular, and others regard the multitude in general.”

“And he opened his mouth--a solemn way of arousing the reader's attention, and preparing him for something weighty. (Job 9:1; Act 8:35; Act 10:34). and taught them, saying--as follows.”

“And he opened his mouth - A phrase which always denotes a set and solemn discourse; and taught them - To bless men; to make men happy, was the great business for which our Lord came into the world. And accordingly he here pronounces eight blessings together, annexing them to so many steps in Christianity. Knowing that happiness is our common aim, and that an innate instinct continually urges us to the pursuit of it, he in the kindest manner applies to that instinct, and directs it to its proper object. Though all men desire, yet few attain, happiness, because they seek it where it is not to be found. Our Lord therefore begins his Divine institution, which is the complete art of happiness, by…”

“Mat 13:35; Job 3:1; Psa 78:1, Psa 78:2; Pro 8:6, Pro 31:8, Pro 31:9; Luk 6:20-26; Act 8:35; Act 10:34, Act 18:14; Eph 6:19 Matthew 5:3”