A merciful provision of the law left the grainers of the fields and whatever crop was on them to be enjoyed by the poor (Leviticus 19:9). So also gleanings of fields and fruit trees (Leviticus 23:22; Deuteronomy 24:19-21). Such regulations diminished, much the amount of poverty. In David's time only 500 or 600 in debt or distress joined him out of all Judaea (1 Samuel 21:11). Later the prophets constantly complain of the rich defrauding the poor (Isaiah 3:14-15; Isaiah 10:2; Amos 5:11).