Foundations for Christian Mission, Student Workbook, SW04

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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

2. No oppression or robbing is permitted, Lev. 19.13

F. Open hands, open hearts always to the poor : radical generosity was to be practiced to anyone found to be poor or needy, Deut. 15.7-11.

1. No hardness of heart or spite in regard to the poor in the land.

2. The internal motivation is addressed here: you shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and poor in your land, Deut. 15.11.

G. Resources set aside for the poor : certain portions of the tithe were to be given to the poor, which was tied directly to God’s blessing on their lives and produce.

1. Tithes and provisions to be brought out to meet the needs of the priests, along with the “sojourner, fatherless, and widow” (i.e., the most vulnerable people in the covenant community), Deut. 14.28-29

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2. Setting aside bounty for the vulnerable was directly linked to one’s relationship to God and the covenant community itself, Deut. 26.12-15.

H. Celebration and Festivals, too : the poor were to be included in the feasts and festivals with the people of God.

1. The Feast of Weeks, Deut. 16.10-12

2. The Feast of Booths, Deut. 16.13-14