Deuteronomy 15:7-11
“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. Beware that there not be a base thought in your heart, saying, “The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand”; and your eye be evil against your poor brother, and you give him nothing; and he cry to Yahweh against you, and it be sin to you. You shall surely give him, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him; because for this thing Yahweh your God will bless you in all your work, and in all that you put your hand to. For the poor will never cease out of the land. Therefore I command you, saying, “You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your needy, and to your poor, in your land.””
This passage is part of Moses' farewell address to the Israelites, delivered just before they enter the promised land. It lays out laws and instructions for how they are to live as a community under God's covenant, including specific guidance on economic and social justice, particularly regarding the poor and vulnerable among them.
What does 'opening your hand wide' mean for how we live and relate to those in need today?