The Bible consistently reveals God's deep compassion and concern for the poor, emphasizing His desire for justice, mercy, and provision for those in need. This theme is woven throughout both the Old and New Testaments, highlighting God's character and His expectations for His people.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, God's concern for the poor is evident in the laws given to Israel. The Mosaic Law includes numerous provisions to protect and provide for the impoverished. For instance, Leviticus 19:9-10 instructs, "When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You must not strip your vineyard bare or gather its fallen grapes. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the LORD your God." This command reflects God's desire for His people to care for the needy by allowing them to glean from the fields.

The Year of Jubilee, described in Leviticus 25, further underscores God's heart for economic justice and restoration. Every fiftieth year, debts were to be forgiven, and land returned to its original owners, ensuring that poverty did not become a permanent condition.

The Psalms and Proverbs also echo God's concern for the poor. Psalm 82:3-4 calls for justice: "Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked." Proverbs 19:17 states, "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender."

Prophetic Voices

The prophets frequently addressed the mistreatment of the poor, calling Israel to repentance and justice. Isaiah 58:6-7 declares, "Is not this the fast I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?"

Similarly, Amos 5:24 proclaims, "But let justice roll on like a river, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." The prophets consistently called God's people to reflect His heart by acting justly and showing mercy to the poor.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, Jesus embodies God's heart for the poor. His ministry was marked by compassion and outreach to the marginalized. In Luke 4:18-19 , Jesus reads from Isaiah, declaring His mission: "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."

Jesus' teachings further emphasize care for the poor. In the Sermon on the Mount, He blesses the poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3) and calls His followers to give to the needy without seeking recognition (Matthew 6:1-4). The parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25:31-46 underscores that serving the poor is tantamount to serving Christ Himself.

The early church continued this mission, as seen in Acts 2:44-45 , where believers shared their possessions to ensure no one was in need. The apostle Paul also emphasized remembering the poor, as noted in Galatians 2:10 : "They only asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do."

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, God's heart for the poor is clear. He calls His people to reflect His character by acting justly, showing mercy, and providing for those in need. This divine concern is not merely a social obligation but a reflection of God's own nature and His kingdom values.