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Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024
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Bible Dictionaries
Poor

Easton's Bible Dictionary

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The Mosaic legislation regarding the poor is specially important.
  • They had the right of gleaning the fields (Leviticus 19:9,10; Deuteronomy 24:19,21 ).

  • In the sabbatical year they were to have their share of the produce of the fields and the vineyards (Exodus 23:11; Leviticus 25:6 ).

  • In the year of jubilee they recovered their property (Leviticus 25:25-30 ).

  • Usury was forbidden, and the pledged raiment was to be returned before the sun went down (Exodus 22:25-27; Deuteronomy 24:10-13 ). The rich were to be generous to the poor (Deuteronomy 15:7-11 ).

  • In the sabbatical and jubilee years the bond-servant was to go free (Deuteronomy 15:12-15; Leviticus 25:39-42,47-54 ).

  • Certain portions from the tithes were assigned to the poor (Deuteronomy 14:28,29; 26:12,13 ).

  • They shared in the feasts (Deuteronomy 16:11,14; Nehemiah 8:10 ).

  • Wages were to be paid at the close of each day (Leviticus 19:13 ).

    In the New Testament (Luke 3:11; 14:13; Acts 6:1; Galatians 2:10; James 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 (Luke 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 (1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 th 3:7-13; Ephesians 4:28 ). This word is used figuratively in Matthew 5:3; Luke 6:20; 2 co 8:9; Revelation 3:17 .

    Bibliography Information
    Easton, Matthew George. Entry for 'Poor'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​ebd/​p/poor.html. 1897.
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