The Definition of the word 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 (1 Thess. 4:11; 2 Thess. 3:7-13; Eph." 4:28). This word is used figuratively in Matt. 5:3; Luke 6:20; 2 Cor. 8:9; Rev. 3:17.