Topical Encyclopedia The biblical mandate to care for the poor is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of compassion, generosity, and justice. The Bible consistently calls believers to be mindful of the needs of the poor and to respond with a heart of mercy and kindness, reflecting God's own concern for the marginalized and oppressed.Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament lays a strong foundation for the treatment of the poor, with numerous laws and teachings designed to protect and provide for them. In Deuteronomy 15:7-8 , the Israelites are instructed: "If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs." This passage underscores the expectation that God's people should not be indifferent to the plight of the poor but should actively seek to meet their needs. The concept of Jubilee, as outlined in Leviticus 25, further illustrates God's concern for economic justice and the well-being of the poor. Every fiftieth year, debts were to be forgiven, and land returned to its original owners, ensuring that poverty did not become a permanent condition for any family. Prophetic Voices The prophets of Israel frequently addressed the issue of poverty, condemning those who exploited or neglected the poor. Isaiah 58:6-7 calls for true fasting that involves "loosening the chains of injustice" and "sharing your bread with the hungry and bringing the homeless poor into your home." The prophet Amos also speaks against those who "trample the head of the poor into the dust of the earth" (Amos 2:7), highlighting the moral responsibility to treat the poor with dignity and fairness. Wisdom Literature The wisdom literature of the Old Testament, particularly the Book of Proverbs, offers practical guidance on how to relate to the poor. Proverbs 19:17 states, "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender." This verse suggests that acts of charity are not only beneficial to the recipient but are also seen as acts of worship and obedience to God. New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies and teaches a profound concern for the poor. In the Sermon on the Mount, He declares, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). Jesus' ministry was marked by His association with the poor and marginalized, and He often used parables to illustrate the importance of caring for those in need, such as the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). The early church continued this emphasis, as seen in Acts 4:34-35 , where "there were no needy ones among them" because believers shared their possessions. The Apostle Paul also encouraged generosity, writing in 2 Corinthians 9:7 , "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver." Theological Implications The biblical call to care for the poor is rooted in the character of God, who is described as a defender of the poor and needy (Psalm 68:5). Believers are called to imitate God's compassion and justice, recognizing that all people are made in His image and deserving of dignity and respect. The refusal to harden one's heart against the poor is a reflection of a transformed heart that seeks to live out the values of the Kingdom of God. In summary, the Bible presents a comprehensive and compelling case for the care of the poor, urging believers to respond with open hearts and hands, embodying the love and justice of God in a world marked by inequality and need. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 15:7If there be among you a poor man of one of your brothers within any of your gates in your land which the LORD your God gives you, you shall not harden your heart, nor shut your hand from your poor brother: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library A Rebuke against Extortion A Caution to Stir up to Watch against Sin The Heart of the Gospel The Dismissal of Judas Temporary Hardening. The Stranger at the Door. LM Repentance The Anger and Grief of Jesus The Broken Column The Gospel Supper Resources What does the Bible say about being homeless / homelessness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about having a poor or healthy body image? | GotQuestions.org What is Christian Socialism? | GotQuestions.org Poor: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Poor: Atonement Money of, Uniform With That of the Rich People Poor: Inexpensive offerings of People Who Have Very Little Money Poor: Kindness to Congregations Poor: Kindness to Congregations of Macedonia and Achaia Poor: Kindness to Prophet's Widow Poor: Kindness to The Congregation at Antioch (In Syria) Poor: Kindness to The Good Samaritan Poor: Kindness to The Temanites Poor: Kindness to To the Widow of Zarephath Poor: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Poor are Such by God's Appointment The Poor by Mocking, God is Reproached The Poor by Oppressing, God is Reproached The Poor: A Care For is a Fruit of Repentance The Poor: A Care For is Characteristic of Saints The Poor: A Care For: should be Urged The Poor: Care For-Illustrated The Poor: Christ Lived As One of The Poor: Condition of, often Results From: Bad Company The Poor: Condition of, often Results From: Drunkenness and Gluttony The Poor: Condition of, often Results From: Sloth The Poor: Give to not Grudgingly The Poor: Give to Specially If Saints The Poor: Give To without Ostentation The Poor: God is the Refuge of The Poor: God: Despises No the Prayer of The Poor: God: Maintains the Right of The Poor: God: Regards Equally With the Rich The Poor: Harden not the Heart Against The Poor: May Be: Rich in Faith The Poor: Neglect Towards Is: A Neglect of Christ The Poor: Neglect Towards Is: A Proof of Unbelief The Poor: Neglect Towards Is: Inconsistent With Love to God The Poor: Offerings of, Acceptable to God The Poor: Oppression of-Illustrated The Poor: Punishment For: Acting Unjustly Towards The Poor: Punishment For: Oppressing The Poor: Punishment For: Refusing to Assist The Poor: Punishment For: Spoiling The Poor: Regard For: Church at Antioch The Poor: Regard For: Churches of Macedonia and Achaia The Poor: Regard For: Cornelius The Poor: Regard For: Nebuzaradan The Poor: Regard For: Peter and John The Poor: Regard For: Zacchaeus The Poor: Rule Not, With Vigour The Poor: Shall Never Cease out of the Land The Poor: should Commit Themselves to God The Poor: should Provided for Under the Law The Poor: should Rejoice in God The Poor: should when Converted, Rejoice in Their Exaltation The Poor: Shut not the Hand Against The Poor: The Wicked: Care not For The Poor: The Wicked: Despise the Counsel of The Poor: The Wicked: Grind the Faces of The Poor: The Wicked: Persecute The Poor: The Wicked: Regard not the Cause of The Poor: The Wicked: Tread Down The Poor: They Who in Faith, Believe are Blessed The Poor: They Who in Faith, Believe are Happy The Poor: They Who in Faith, Believe: Have Promises The Poor: They Who in Faith, Believe: Have the Favour of God The Poor: Wrong not in Judgment Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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