Poor

Poor The Mosaic legislation regarding the poor is specially important. (1.) They had the right of gleaning the fields (Lev 19:9, 10; Deut 24:19, 21).

(2.) In the sabbatical year they were to have their share of the produce of the fields and the vineyards (Ex 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 (Ex 22:25-27; Deut 24:10-13). The rich were to be generous to the poor (Deut 15:7-11).

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

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

(7.) They shared in the feasts (Deut 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 (Luke 3:11; 14:13; Acts 6:1; Gal 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 (1Thess 4:11; 2Thess 3:7-13; Eph 4:28). This word is used figuratively in Matt 5:3; Luke 6:20; 2Cor 8:9; Rev 3:17.