GOD'S POOR

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For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy. From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight.
Psalm 72:12‭-‬14 ESV

¶David sums up his kingship by including the part of his rule that supported and protected the weak and needy. The massive wealth transfer that went to the king apparently did not all go to support a lavish royal lifestyle, but also went toward a social safety net. This he did not just as a ransom payment to keep the peace and avoid unrest in the land. The poor and afflicted he actually named as God's poor and afflicted. The gap in lifestyle between rich and poor was relatively narrow back then. It has become much wider. Unfortunately this has increased not gratitude at our abundance, but fear and envy of others. We are not our own, and neither is our stuff.

Daniel sums up God's expectation of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4:27: "renounce your sins by doing what is right and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed". A word study on "kindness" bears some fruit.

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