There should be no poor among you. (Deuteronomy 15:4)We lived for a time in suburban Washington D.C. on the Maryland side. Our nation's capital is full of homeless people. They make their beds at Union Station and near the White House (both obviously major tourist destinations), among other places. Every once in awhile, especially before a significant event, the Capital Police will push the poor out of these more visible locations, and relocate them elsewhere. After all, it doesn't look good for the most prosperous nation in the world to have all these street people huddled beneath dirty blankets in front of tourists and TV cameras.
Chapter 15 talks about the Sabbath year for cancelling debts. There should be no poor among you. It's not the poor this passage is aimed at, but those with plenty. Deuteronomy does not blame the have-nots for their lot in life. It charges those with much to care for those with little. Do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs (Deuteronomy 15:7,8).
This section reminds me of Proverbs 19:17 - If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord - and he will repay you!
When's the last time you looked the other way rather than connected with the poor?
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