Topical Encyclopedia The goodness of God is a central theme throughout the Scriptures, and one of the most profound expressions of His benevolent nature is His provision for the poor. The Bible consistently reveals God's heart for the marginalized and His desire for justice and care for those in need.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 ensure the welfare of 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 act as stewards of His generosity, ensuring that the poor have access to sustenance. The Year of Jubilee, described in Leviticus 25, further underscores God's provision for the poor. Every fiftieth year, debts were to be forgiven, and land returned to its original owners, preventing the permanent impoverishment of families and ensuring economic balance within the community. Prophetic Witness The prophets also echo God's concern for the poor, often calling Israel back to righteousness 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 homeless poor into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?" Here, the prophet emphasizes that true worship of God involves active compassion and justice for the needy. New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies the goodness of God through His ministry to the poor and marginalized. In Luke 4:18-19 , Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah, proclaiming, "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' mission is intrinsically linked to bringing hope and restoration to the poor, fulfilling the prophetic vision of God's kingdom. The early church continued this mission, as seen in Acts 4:34-35 , where "there were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need." This communal sharing reflects the transformative power of God's goodness working through His people. A Call to Imitate God's Goodness Throughout Scripture, believers are called to imitate God's goodness by caring for the poor. Proverbs 19:17 states, "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender." This verse highlights the reciprocal nature of God's economy, where acts of kindness towards the poor are seen as service to God Himself. James 1:27 further emphasizes, "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." The call to care for the vulnerable is a reflection of God's own character and a testament to His enduring goodness. In summary, the goodness of God is profoundly manifested in His provision for the poor, as seen throughout the biblical narrative. From the laws of ancient Israel to the ministry of Jesus and the early church, God's heart for the needy is a testament to His unwavering love and justice. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 68:10Your congregation has dwelled therein: you, O God, have prepared of your goodness for the poor. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Knowledge of God Conspicuous in the Creation, and Continual ... The Lord is My Shepherd, I Shall not Want. Thanksgiving to God for the Pardon Granted to the Offenders ... God's Sovereignty and Prayer The Attractive Force of the Cross. From the Close of the General Conference of 1808, to the ... The So-Called Letter to Diognetus Otho, Bishop of Bamberg. Chapter iii Of Faith. The Definition of It. Its Peculiar Properties. Resources What is Euthyphro's Dilemma? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of “Cast your bread upon the waters” in Ecclesiastes 11:1? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that God is omnibenevolent? | GotQuestions.org Goodness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Goodness of God is Part of his Character The Goodness of God: Declared to Be: Abundant The Goodness of God: Declared to Be: Enduring The Goodness of God: Declared to Be: Great The Goodness of God: Declared to Be: Rich The Goodness of God: Declared to Be: Satisfying The Goodness of God: Declared to Be: Universal The Goodness of God: Manifested in Doing Good The Goodness of God: Manifested in Forgiving Sins The Goodness of God: Manifested in Providing for the Poor The Goodness of God: Manifested in Supplying Temporal Wants The Goodness of God: Manifested: Despise Not The Goodness of God: Manifested: Leads to Repentance The Goodness of God: Manifested: Magnify The Goodness of God: Manifested: Pray for the Manifestation of The Goodness of God: Manifested: Recognize, in his Dealings The Goodness of God: Manifested: Reverence The Goodness of God: Manifested: The Wicked Disregard The Goodness of God: Manifested: To his Church The Goodness of God: Manifested: Urge Others to Confide In Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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