The Bible addresses the condition and treatment of the poor and afflicted extensively, emphasizing God's concern for them and the responsibility of His people to care for those in need. The Scriptures present poverty not merely as an economic condition but as a spiritual and moral issue that reflects the heart of a society and its adherence to God's commandments.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew words often translated as "poor" include ani, ebyon, and dal, each carrying nuances of affliction, need, and lowliness. The Law of Moses contains numerous provisions for the protection and support of the poor. 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."

The prophets frequently rebuked Israel for neglecting the poor and afflicted, equating such neglect with idolatry and injustice. Isaiah 1:17 exhorts, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." The Psalms also reflect God's heart for the poor, as seen in Psalm 82:3-4: "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."

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies God's compassion for the poor and afflicted. His ministry is marked by outreach to the marginalized, as He declares in Luke 4:18-19, quoting Isaiah, "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."

The Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12 highlight the blessedness of the poor in spirit, those who mourn, and the meek, indicating that God's kingdom values differ from worldly standards. Jesus' parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25:31-46 underscores the importance of serving the needy, equating such service with serving Christ Himself: "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me" (Matthew 25:40).

The early church continued this emphasis, as seen in Acts 2:44-45, where believers shared their possessions to ensure no one was in need. The Apostle Paul also encouraged generosity, as in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7: "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Theological Implications

Theologically, the Bible presents poverty as a result of the Fall, manifesting in both material and spiritual dimensions. God's concern for the poor is rooted in His character as a just and merciful God. The call to care for the poor is not merely a social obligation but a reflection of God's covenantal love and justice. Proverbs 19:17 states, "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender."

The Scriptures also warn against the dangers of wealth and the neglect of the poor. James 2:5-6 reminds believers, "Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor."

Practical Application

Believers are called to emulate Christ's compassion and justice, advocating for and assisting the poor and afflicted. This includes personal acts of charity, community involvement, and systemic efforts to address the root causes of poverty. The biblical mandate is clear: to love one's neighbor as oneself, reflecting God's love and justice in tangible ways.