Poor:
The Mosaic legislation regarding the poor is specially important. (1.) They had the right of gleaning the fields (Lev 19:9,10; Deu 24:19,21).
(2.) In the sabbatical year they were to have their share of the produce of the fields and the vineyards (Exd 23:11; Lev 25:6).
(3.) In the year of jubilee they recovered their property (Lev 25:25-30).
(4.) Usury was forbidden, and the pledged raiment was to be returned before the sun went down (Exd 22:25-27; Deu 24:10-13). The rich were to be generous to the poor (Deu 15:7-11).
(5.) In the sabbatical and jubilee years the bond-servant was to go free (Deu 15:12-15; Lev 25:39-42,47-54).
(6.) Certain portions from the tithes were assigned to the poor (Deu 14:28,29; 26:12,13).
(7.) They shared in the feasts (Deu 16:11,14; Neh 8:10).
(8.) Wages were to be paid at the close of each day (Lev 19:13).
In the New Testament (Luk 3:11; 14:13; Act 6:1; Gal 2:10; Jam 2:15,16) we have similar injunctions given with reference to the poor. Begging was not common under the Old Testament, while it was so in the New Testament times (Luk 16:20,21, etc.). But begging in the case of those who are able to work is forbidden, and all such are enjoined to "work with their own hands" as a Christian duty (1Th 4:11; 2Th 3:7-13; Eph 4:28). This word is used figuratively in Mat 5:3; Luk 6:20; 2Cr 8:9; Rev 3:17.
The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, conservative Christian faith, which includes a firm belief in the inerrancy of Scripture. Since the text and audio content provided by BLB represent a range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed in the resource materials are not necessarily affirmed, in total, by this ministry.
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