In Luke 16:19-31 Jesus’ story of Lazarus and the Rich Man concludes that Moses and the Prophets taught an obligation to the poor. Perhaps we assume that such altruism is only a New Testament concept and not found under the law. It is a central issue in both Judaism and Christianity. Deuteronomy 14:28-29 records the concept of a tithe for the poor. Isaiah 3:14-15 gives dire warning to those who plunder the poor. Jeremiah 5:26-28 criticizes those who do not defend the rights of the poor. Ezekiel 18:12-18 warns that those who oppress the poor and needy with things like excessive interest rates will not live. Amos 2:6-8 declares punishment for those who deny justice to the oppressed. Zechariah 7:9-10 demands that we do not oppress the widow, fatherless, foreigner or the poor.
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