Leviticus 25:35-37
““‘If your brother has become poor, and his hand is not able to support himself among you, then you shall uphold him. He shall live with you like a foreigner and a sojourner. You shall take no interest from him or profit, but fear your God; and your brother shall live with you. You shall not lend him your money at interest, nor lend him your food for profit.’”
This passage is part of the book of Leviticus, which lays out laws and covenant instructions given by God to the Israelites through Moses after their exodus from Egypt. These verses come within a larger section detailing laws about land ownership, the Year of Jubilee, and how to treat fellow Israelites who fall into poverty, aiming to prevent permanent destitution and maintain a measure of social equity.
What does 'upholding' someone who is poor mean in practical terms for individuals and communities today?