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Schaff's Bible Dictionary
Definitions in Biblical History
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What is the Poor?
POOR
By ordaining that land could be sold only for a term of years, but should return to its original owner at the jubilee, Lev 25:23-28, the Mosaic Law found an effective check to pauperism. But also in other ways it took great care of the poor. All kinds of offering and sacrifice were accommodated to their condition. Lev 5:7, Rev 1:11; Neh 12:8. The gleanings of fields and vineyards and the harvest of the seventh year and part of the third tithe belonged to them. Lev 19:10; Lev 25:25-41. Judges were charged to do them justice, but not unjustly to favor them for their poverty. Ex 23:6; Lev 19:15; Ps 82:4. God claimed to be the special protector of them. Prov 14:31. In the N.T. the word "poor" is used figuratively to denote those who are humble of heart. Matt 5:3; but also literally, as when Jesus said "The poor have the gospel preached to them," Matt 11:5, and touchingly declared, "Ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always." Matt 26:11.
Bibliography Information
Schaff, Philip, Dr. "Biblical Definition for 'poor' in Schaffs Bible Dictionary".
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