The Spirit of the Law: Teachings Regarding the Poor in the Pentateuch

The Spirit of the Law: Teachings Regarding the Poor in the Pentateuch

WONG Fook Kong

The Mosaic Laws are concerned about the plight of the poor and powerless, both in principle and in specific legislations. This article is a brief survey of the theological themes underlying these teachings. In order to give the readers a contemporary perspective on this ancient issue, the article begins with some modern definitions and discussions on the topic. To set the parameters of the biblical discussion, the article continues with a discussion of some common Hebrew words for poverty as well as descriptions of poverty in the Pentateuch, in particular, those connected to the triad "orphan, widow, and sojourner." The second half of the essay highlights the theological foundations of the Mosaic Laws' teachings regarding the poor. They are theological in that they are based on God's concern for the poor and his covenant with his people. Recognition of his lordship requires his people to love the poor by treating them justly, honestly, mercifully and kindly. Empathy based on Israel's collective experience as sojourners is also invoked as a basis for kind treatment of the poor and powerless.