Topical Bible: The Poor: Shall Never Cease out of the Land

◄ The Poor: Shall Never Cease out of the Land ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The phrase "The poor shall never cease out of the land" is derived from Deuteronomy 15:11, which states, "For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you to open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor in your land" . This passage is part of the Mosaic Law, given to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. It acknowledges the persistent reality of poverty while simultaneously commanding God's people to act with compassion and generosity.

Biblical Context

The context of Deuteronomy 15 is the Sabbatical Year, a time every seven years when debts were to be forgiven, and Hebrew slaves were to be set free. This system was designed to prevent the accumulation of generational poverty and to promote social equity among the Israelites. The acknowledgment that "the poor will never cease" serves as a realistic assessment of human society, recognizing the ongoing presence of economic disparity.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the statement underscores the fallen nature of the world. Poverty is seen as a consequence of sin and the brokenness of creation. However, it also highlights God's concern for the marginalized and His desire for His people to reflect His character through acts of mercy and justice. The command to "open wide your hand" is a call to emulate God's generosity and care for the vulnerable.

Practical Application

The enduring presence of poverty calls for a continuous response from believers. The biblical mandate is not merely to acknowledge the existence of the poor but to actively engage in alleviating their plight. This involves both individual acts of charity and broader societal efforts to address systemic issues contributing to poverty. The Church is called to be a beacon of hope and a source of support for those in need, reflecting the love of Christ through tangible actions.

New Testament Correlation

In the New Testament, Jesus reaffirms the presence of the poor, saying, "The poor you will always have with you" (Matthew 26:11). This statement, made in the context of an anointing by a woman with expensive perfume, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing worship and devotion to Christ while not neglecting the needs of the poor. The early Church exemplified this balance by caring for the needy within their communities (Acts 2:44-45).

Historical and Cultural Considerations

Historically, the Church has played a significant role in caring for the poor, establishing hospitals, orphanages, and charitable organizations. This legacy continues today, with many Christian organizations dedicated to poverty alleviation and social justice. The cultural mandate to care for the poor transcends time and geography, rooted in the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself.

Conclusion

The biblical assertion that "the poor shall never cease out of the land" serves as a perpetual reminder of the Church's responsibility to engage with and support those in need. It calls believers to a life of compassion, generosity, and active involvement in addressing the challenges of poverty, reflecting the heart of God in a broken world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 15:11
For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command you, saying, You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor, and to your needy, in your land.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Zephaniah 3:12
I will also leave in the middle of you an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 26:11
For you have the poor always with you; but me you have not always.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Rebuke against Extortion
... hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which
he wanteth." "For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 54 a rebuke against.htm

The Lord Our Shepherd
... upon your divine Shepherd by your poor and wretched ... them eternal life; and they shall
never perish, neither ... tree"; and "in the wilderness shall waters break out ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 4 the lord our.htm

Two Ancient Proverbs
... A Christian man need never be afraid of anybody ... safe if he is sick, if he is rich,
if he is poor. He shall be safe when he dies, safe when he rises again, safe ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/two ancient proverbs.htm

A Last Look-Out
... night before they sail they get into a very poor lodging ... But we have said, "Oh, never
mind: we are off in the ... Take things as you find them, for we shall soon be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/a last look-out.htm

A Message from God for Thee
... To make the case worse, this poor daughter of Zion is ... no rest; let not the apple
of thine eye cease. ... may be in prison under doubts, but you shall never be in ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/a message from god for.htm

Perseverance in Holiness
... I am cheered with the reflection that, however poor and simple ... was not able to finish";
but that shall never be said ... to believe that it will ever cease to flow ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/perseverance in holiness.htm

The Poor Man's Friend
... I, as one of God's ministers, will never cease to speak ... act rightly towards one another,
or we shall feel the ... POOR MEN; and these do what other poor men have ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 53 1907/the poor mans friend.htm

The Excellencies of the Saints' Rest.
... The poor man shall no more be tired with his labors: no more hunger or thirst, cold ...
Surely, if I shall never lose my glory, I will never cease thy praises ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter iii the excellencies of.htm

The Bliss of the Glorified
... will find, "These are they that came out of great ... Encourage yourselves, you poor
and suffering ones ... has said the seed-time and harvest shall never cease They do ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/the bliss of the glorified.htm

Christ, the Believer's Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and ...
... or any thing wrought within, should poor sinners seek ... from troubling you, and your
weary souls shall enjoy an ... those blissful regions: Satan will never come any ...
/.../christ the believers wisdom righteousness.htm