Foundations for Christian Mission, Mentor's Guide, MG04

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F O U N D A T I O N S F O R C H R I S T I A N M I S S I O N

I. The Concept of the Poor in the OT

Video Segment 1 Outline

A. God’s kingdom community and wholeness ( shalom )

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1. Shalom (wholeness) is the Hebrew term for the fullness of human community in fellowship with God and one another.

Poverty Has Never Been God’s Will

Poverty as a social reality is never idealized in the OT. Poverty is need, distress and suffering, and contrary to the will of God. “There will be no poor among you, for the Lord will bless you in the land which the Lord your God gives you for an inheritance to possess” (Deut. 15.4, RSV). Poverty is a curse; stability and prosperity are blessings from God. But the experience of God’s blessing should result in generosity and in care for the poor (Deut. 15.7–11). ~ Hans Kvalbein. “Poverty.” The New Dictionary of Biblical

2. Wholeness or shalom is a pregnant concept, inclusive of a rich fullness of realities and blessings.

a. It includes the experience of health and wellness, Gen. 43.28.

b. It involves safety (protection from pain and harm), Ps. 4.8.

c. It involves harmony and agreeableness between neighbors, 1 Sam. 16.4.

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d. It involves prosperity and material sufficiency, Ps. 73.3.

e. It involves the absence of malice and conflict, genuine peace, Ps. 120.7.

Theology . T. D. Alexander, ed. (electronic ed.).

3. Shalom is directly associated with the covenant community’s experience of right relationship with God. It is a result of his gracious provision.

Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2001.

4. Messiah would be a Prince of shalom bringing everlasting shalom to the Kingdom of God under his righteous reign, Isa. 9.6-7.