Topical Bible: The Poor: Saints of Old

◄ The Poor: Saints of Old ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The Bible consistently highlights the plight and significance of the poor, portraying them as integral to God's redemptive narrative. Throughout Scripture, the poor are not only recipients of God's compassion but also exemplars of faith and righteousness. This entry explores the role and depiction of the poor among the saints of old, drawing from various biblical accounts and teachings.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the poor are often seen as those who are economically disadvantaged, marginalized, and oppressed. Yet, they are also depicted as individuals who are close to God's heart. The Law of Moses includes numerous provisions for the care and protection of the poor, emphasizing justice and mercy. For instance, Leviticus 19:9-10 instructs, "When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You must not strip your vineyard bare or gather its fallen grapes. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the LORD your God."

The Psalms frequently echo God's concern for the poor, portraying Him as their defender and provider. Psalm 72:12-14 declares, "For he will deliver the needy who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper. He will take pity on the poor and needy and save the lives of the oppressed. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight."

Notable Figures

Several notable figures in the Old Testament exemplify the virtues and struggles of the poor. Ruth, a Moabite widow, embodies faithfulness and humility as she gleans in the fields of Boaz, relying on the provision made for the poor. Her account, found in the Book of Ruth, highlights God's providence and the inclusion of the marginalized in His covenant community.

The prophet Elijah's encounter with the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-16) further illustrates God's miraculous provision for the poor. Despite her dire circumstances, the widow's faith and obedience lead to divine sustenance, underscoring the theme of God's care for the destitute.

Prophetic Voices

The prophets of Israel were vocal advocates for the poor, often condemning the social injustices and exploitation they faced. Isaiah 58:6-7 calls for true fasting, which involves "loosening the chains of injustice, untying the cords of the yoke, setting the oppressed free, and breaking every yoke. It is to share your bread with the hungry and to bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh and blood."

Amos, known for his fiery denunciations of social inequality, warns of God's judgment against those who "trample on the poor and force them to give you grain" (Amos 5:11). The prophetic literature consistently aligns with God's heart for justice and mercy, advocating for the rights and dignity of the poor.

New Testament Continuity

The New Testament continues the theme of God's special concern for the poor, with Jesus Christ Himself embodying and teaching this principle. In His inaugural sermon, Jesus declares, "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor" (Luke 4:18). The Beatitudes further affirm the blessedness of the poor in spirit, promising them the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3).

The early church, as depicted in the Acts of the Apostles, exemplifies communal care for the poor, sharing resources and ensuring that "there were no needy ones among them" (Acts 4:34). The apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of remembering the poor, as seen in Galatians 2:10 : "They only asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do."

Conclusion

The biblical narrative consistently elevates the poor, portraying them as recipients of God's grace and agents of His kingdom. Through the lives of the saints of old, the Scriptures reveal a divine mandate to care for the poor, reflecting God's justice, mercy, and love.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 11:37
They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Church Before and after Christ.
... a hopeless task: their efforts show poor success, and ... Christ, which was intended
for the saints of those days ... especially in Germany, where the Old Testament is ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xi the church before and.htm

Of Love to God
... In the old law, a high priest was not to marry with a widow, nor with a ... speaks it
in honour of the Macedonians, that they gave to the poor saints, not only up ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/of love to god.htm

The Image of the Beast.
... great, and the rich and the poor, and the ... worshippers prostrated themselves before
images of departed saints. The old Roman Pantheon, which was dedicated by ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the image of the beast.htm

Hymns on the Nativity. Hymn i. This is the Day that Gladdened Them ...
... Noah saw the sons of God, saints that sudden waxed wanton ... at grace, when the Gift
that they of old gained not ... In this day in which the Rich became poor for our ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymns on the nativity hymn.htm

The Holy Spirit in the New Testament Other than in the Old.
... enriched with outward gifts, while spiritually he remains as poor as ever. ... everything
becomes plain and clear: clear why the saints of the Old Testament did ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxv the holy spirit in.htm

part 2
... children of God in middle life or in old age, who ... Me to the test." You trembling,
fearful saints, never mind if ... why so many of God's people are poor is because ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/tithing/part 2.htm

How Saints May Help the Devil
... almost as great as the pride of Sodom of old. ... gospel preached unto them," and that
the poor have received ... humble followers of Jesus, who washed his saints' feet ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/how saints may help the.htm

"Nunc Dimittis"
... Beloved, furthermore, saints feel most their readiness to go when ... when Christ is
fair; it is a poor heap of ... fold the heavens together like an old cloak, and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/nunc dimittis.htm

The Attack on the Scriptures
... But the saints of God did not die in vain ... The old priest's eyes flashed fire, and
in an instant he ... Scriptures, weeping as they saw the poor fragments, blackened ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter vi the attack on.htm

Christian Sympathy
... In old classic history who are the men held up to everlasting execration? ...
We are great losers when we know not these rich poor saints. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/christian sympathy.htm