And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee.
If your fellow person becomes poor and is struggling financially while living near you, then you must help them. Yes, even if they are a foreigner or someone just passing through, help them so they can survive and live among you.
This verse is commanding God's people to help anyone in need, whether they're family, neighbors, or strangers, so they can survive and thrive in the community.
📚 Historical Context
In the ancient Israelite society, God was providing laws through Moses to protect the vulnerable and promote social justice as the people prepared to settle in the Promised Land. Leviticus 25 is part of instructions for the Year of Jubilee, a 50-year cycle that included debt forgiveness and land restoration to prevent permanent poverty and inequality. This verse specifically addresses helping a fellow Israelite or even a foreigner who has fallen into poverty, emphasizing God's concern for compassion and community care.
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