Poor (Easton)

DIC dictionary-entry · status:draft · license:PD

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 .

Source

• part_of source-manifest/easton — Easton's Bible Dictionary (PD)