Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, begging was a common practice, often associated with poverty, disability, or social marginalization. The Bible provides various accounts and teachings related to beggars, reflecting the socio-economic conditions of ancient Israel and the early Christian era.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the Law of Moses made provisions for the poor and marginalized, including beggars. The Israelites were commanded to care for the needy, reflecting God's compassion and justice. 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 ensured that the poor, including beggars, had access to food. The Psalms also reflect the plight of the poor and the righteous response to their needs. Psalm 37:25 states, "I have been young and now am old, yet never have I seen the righteous abandoned or their children begging for bread." This verse underscores the belief that God provides for the righteous, suggesting that begging was not the ideal state for God's people. New Testament Context In the New Testament, beggars are often depicted in the context of Jesus' ministry. The Gospels record several instances where Jesus encounters beggars, demonstrating His compassion and power to heal. One notable example is the healing of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, in Mark 10:46-52 . Bartimaeus cries out to Jesus for mercy, and despite being rebuked by the crowd, he persists. Jesus responds to his faith, restoring his sight and affirming the dignity of those marginalized by society. The early church also addressed the needs of the poor and beggars. Acts 3:1-10 recounts the healing of a lame beggar by Peter and John at the temple gate called Beautiful. The beggar, expecting alms, receives instead the miraculous gift of healing in the name of Jesus Christ. This event highlights the transformative power of the Gospel and the church's role in addressing both spiritual and physical needs. Theological Implications The biblical narrative emphasizes the responsibility of God's people to care for the poor and marginalized, including beggars. Proverbs 19:17 states, "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender." This reflects the principle that acts of mercy towards the needy are acts of service to God Himself. Furthermore, the presence of beggars in the biblical text serves as a reminder of human vulnerability and the need for divine grace. Jesus' interactions with beggars illustrate the breaking down of social barriers and the extension of God's kingdom to all, regardless of social status. Cultural and Historical Considerations In ancient Near Eastern societies, begging was often the last resort for those without family support or means of livelihood. Disabilities, illness, and social exclusion were common causes of begging. The biblical response to beggars, as seen in both Testaments, is rooted in a theology of compassion and justice, calling believers to reflect God's character in their treatment of the poor. Overall, the biblical portrayal of begging and beggars challenges believers to respond with mercy and generosity, recognizing the inherent dignity of every individual as created in the image of God. Smith's Bible Dictionary Begging BeggarThe poor among the Hebrews were much favored. They were allowed to glean in the fields, and to gather whatever the land produced in the year in which it was not tilled (Leviticus 19:10; 25:5,6; 24:19) They were also invited to feasts. (14:29) and Deuteronomy 26:12 The Israelite could not be an absolute pauper. His land was in alienable, except for a certain term, when it reverted to him or his posterity. And if this resource were insufficient, he could pledge the services of himself and family or a valuable sum. Those who were indigent through bodily infirmities were usually taken care of by their kindred. A beggar was sometimes seen, however, and was regarded and abhorred as a vagabond. (Psalms 109:10) In later times beggars were accustomed, it would seem, to have a fixed place at the corners of the streets, (Mark 10:46) or at the gates of the temple, (Acts 3:2) or of private houses, (Luke 16:20) Greek 1871. epaiteo -- to beg ... ahee-teh'-o) Short Definition: I beg, ask alms Definition: I beg, am a beggar, ask alms ... from epi and aiteo Definition to beg NASB Word Usage beg (1), begging (1 ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1871.htm - 6k Library The Blind Beggar Whether it is Lawful for Religious to Beg? Mr. Morehouse's Illustration. Cii. Bartim??us and his Companion Healed. A Caution to Stir up to Watch against Sin The Blind Man of Jericho. Early Days His Studies in Paris, and Other Incidents of his Life Bartimaeus Blind Bartimeus Resources How many people were raised from the dead in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Saint Patrick and why do we celebrate St. Patrick's Day? | GotQuestions.org What is the Macedonian Call? | GotQuestions.org Begging: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |