thinking bible.

You asked

beyond individual giving, how might this passage challenge societal structures around poverty now?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Deuteronomy 15:7-8

If there is with you a poor man, any of your brothers, within any of your gates in your land which Yahweh your God gives you, you shall not harden your heart, nor shut your hand from your poor brother; but you shall open your hand wide to him, and shall surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wants.

This passage is part of Moses' farewell speeches to the Israelites before they enter the promised land. It lays out laws for their new society, aiming to establish justice and care for the vulnerable within their community.

What systems or policies might this passage inspire us to reconsider today to better address poverty?

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Read alongside it

  • Leviticus 25:35-37

    This passage outlines laws against charging interest to fellow Israelites in need, emphasizing mutual support.

  • Proverbs 14:31

    This proverb connects oppression of the poor to contempt for the Creator, highlighting a moral dimension.

  • Matthew 25:31-46

    Jesus' teaching about serving 'the least of these' includes feeding the hungry and clothing the naked as actions done to him.

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