Timeline

The Poor, the Widow, the Orphan

The protection of the "poor, widow, and the orphan" was a common literary and ethical staple throughout ancient Near Eastern literature, reflecting a widespread concern for social justice and the defense of the vulnerable. First found in Mesopotamian literature such as the Code of Hammurabi, it eventually became a major theme in Biblical and derivative traditions, as concern for these marginalized groups appears repeatedly.

Timeline

Code of Ur Nammu / Deuteronomy 10:18
1. 2100 BCE
  
  Code of Ur Nammu
  
  Ancient Near East, Sumerian
  
  By granting immunity in Akkad to the maritime trade from the seafarers' overseer, and to the herdsman from the "oxen-taker," the "sheep-taker," and the "donkey-taker," he set Sumer and Akkad free. At that time, he established standardized weights and measures. He fashioned the bronze silé-measure, standardized the one mina weight, and set the stone-weight of a shekel of silver in relation to one mina. The orphan was not delivered up to the rich man; the widow was not delivered up to the mighty man; the poor man with one shekel was not delivered up to the man of one mina. If a man plants for another without the owner's knowledge, he must bring in the produce.
2. 750–400 BCE
  
  Deuteronomy 10:18
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  16 Therefore, circumcise your hearts and stop being so stubborn! 17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God who is unbiased and takes no bribe, 18 who justly treats the orphan and widow, and who loves resident foreigners, giving them food and clothing. 19 So you must love the resident foreigner because you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.
Code of Hammurabi xlvii 59 / Exodus 22:22
1. 1750 BCE
  
  Code of Hammurabi xlvii 59
  
  Ancient Near East, Babylonian
  
  The great gods have called me. I am the shepherd who brings salvation, whose staff is straight, the good shadow spread over my city. I carry the inhabitants of the land of Sumer and Akkad on my breast; in my shelter I have let them rest in peace; in my deep wisdom I have enclosed them. So that the strong might not wrong the weak, and so that the widow and the orphan might be protected, I have set up these my precious words in Babylon, the city where Anu and Bel raise high their heads, in E-Sagil, the temple whose foundations stand firm like heaven and earth, to declare justice in the land, to settle all disputes, and to heal all injuries; I have written them on my memorial stone, before my image as king of righteousness.
2. 750–400 BCE
  
  Exodus 22:22
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  21 “You must not wrong a resident foreigner nor oppress him, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. 22 “You must not afflict any widow or orphan. 23 If you afflict them in any way and they cry to me, I will surely hear their cry, 24 and my anger will burn and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives will be widows and your children will be fatherless.
KTU 1.16 VI:45 / Psalm 82:3
1. 1350–1185 BCE
  
  KTU 1.16 VI:45
  
  Ancient Near East, Ugaritic
  
  and cries: "Listen, please, O Kirta the Noble! Listen, and incline (your) ear. For . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . and . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . You have let your hand fall into mischief. You used to judge the cause of the widow, to adjudicate the case of the wretched, to drive out those who prey upon the poor, to feed before you the orphan, behind your back the widow. Since you have become a brother of the bed of sickness, a companion of the bed of suffering, descend from the kingship— I will be king; in your authority I will sit."—And [K]irta the Noble answers:
2. 600–201 BCE
  
  Psalm 82:3
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  1 A psalm of Asaph. God stands in the assembly of El; in the midst of the gods he renders judgment. 2 He says, “How long will you make unjust legal decisions and show favoritism to the wicked? (Selah) 3 Defend the cause of the poor and the fatherless. Vindicate the oppressed and suffering. 4 Rescue the poor and needy. Deliver them from the power of the wicked. 5 They neither know nor understand. They stumble around in the dark, while all the foundations of the earth crumble.
KTU 1.19 I:23 / Deuteronomy 10:18
1. 1350–1185 BCE
  
  KTU 1.19 I:23
  
  Ancient Near East, Ugaritic
  
  Then Danel the man of healing, at once the hero, the devotee of Hrnm, arose and sat by the entrance to the gate, beneath the trees which were by the threshing-floor. He tried the case of the widow, he judged the cause of the orphan. […] […] On lifting up her eyes she saw that the fleece on the threshing-floor was dry, that the field was wilted, that the fruit of the orchard was shriveled. Over her father’s house some falcons hovered, a flock of hawks was watching. Pughat wept in her heart, she cried in her liver. She tore the garment of Danel the man of healing, the cloak of the hero, the devotee of Hrnm.
2. 750–400 BCE
  
  Deuteronomy 10:18
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  16 Therefore, circumcise your hearts and stop being so stubborn! 17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God who is unbiased and takes no bribe, 18 who justly treats the orphan and widow, and who loves resident foreigners, giving them food and clothing. 19 So you must love the resident foreigner because you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.
Instruction of Amenemope / Deuteronomy 10:18
1. 1300 BCE
  
  Instruction of Amenemope
  
  Ancient Near East, Egyptian
  
  Remember, the dependant is dog of his master, he barks for the one who feeds him. Do not misuse a widow if you find her in the fields nor fail to set aside your work to speak with her; Do not let a stranger pass your beer jug thirsty, refill it time and time again before your friends— Give love to the god of the ruined and poor far exceeding your debt to the eminent. Leave no one behind for the River crossing as you maneuver to launch the ferry.
2. 750–400 BCE
  
  Deuteronomy 10:18
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  15 However, only to your ancestors did he show his loving favor, and he chose you, their descendants, from all peoples—as is apparent today. 16 Therefore, circumcise your hearts and stop being so stubborn! 17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God who is unbiased and takes no bribe, 18 who justly treats the orphan and widow, and who loves resident foreigners, giving them food and clothing. 19 So you must love the resident foreigner because you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.
Exodus 22:22 / Jeremiah 7:6
1. 750–400 BCE
  
  Exodus 22:22
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  20 “Whoever sacrifices to a god other than the Lord alone must be utterly destroyed. 21 “You must not wrong a resident foreigner nor oppress him, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. 22 “You must not afflict any widow or orphan. 23 If you afflict them in any way and they cry to me, I will surely hear their cry, 24 and my anger will burn and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives will be widows and your children will be fatherless.
2. 500–401 BCE
  
  Jeremiah 7:6
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  5 You must change the way you have been living and do what is right. You must treat one another fairly. 6 Stop oppressing resident foreigners who live in your land, children who have lost their fathers, and women who have lost their husbands. Stop killing innocent people in this land. Stop paying allegiance to other gods. That will only bring about your ruin. 7 If you stop doing these things, I will allow you to continue to live in this land that I gave to your ancestors as a lasting possession.
Exodus 22:22 / Jeremiah 22:3
1. 750–400 BCE
  
  Exodus 22:22
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  20 “Whoever sacrifices to a god other than the Lord alone must be utterly destroyed. 21 “You must not wrong a resident foreigner nor oppress him, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. 22 “You must not afflict any widow or orphan. 23 If you afflict them in any way and they cry to me, I will surely hear their cry, 24 and my anger will burn and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives will be widows and your children will be fatherless.
2. 500–401 BCE
  
  Jeremiah 22:3
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  1 The Lord told me, “Go down to the palace of the king of Judah. Give him a message from me there. 2 Say: ‘Listen, O king of Judah who follows in David’s succession. You, your officials, and your subjects who pass through the gates of this palace must listen to the Lord’s message. 3 The Lord says, “Do what is just and right. Deliver those who have been robbed from those who oppress them. Do not exploit or mistreat resident foreigners who live in your land, children who have no fathers, or widows. Do not kill innocent people in this land.
Exodus 22:22 / Malachi 3:5
1. 750–400 BCE
  
  Exodus 22:22
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  21 “You must not wrong a resident foreigner nor oppress him, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. 22 “You must not afflict any widow or orphan. 23 If you afflict them in any way and they cry to me, I will surely hear their cry, 24 and my anger will burn and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives will be widows and your children will be fatherless.
2. 500–401 BCE
  
  Malachi 3:5
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  4 The offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in former times and years past. 5 “I will come to you in judgment. I will be quick to testify against those who practice divination; those who commit adultery; those who break promises; and those who exploit workers, widows, and orphans, who refuse to help the resident foreigner and in this way show they do not fear me,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 6 “Since, I, the Lord, do not go back on my promises, you, sons of Jacob, have not perished.
Exodus 22:22 / Psalm 68:5
1. 750–400 BCE
  
  Exodus 22:22
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  21 “You must not wrong a resident foreigner nor oppress him, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. 22 “You must not afflict any widow or orphan. 23 If you afflict them in any way and they cry to me, I will surely hear their cry, 24 and my anger will burn and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives will be widows and your children will be fatherless.
2. 600–201 BCE
  
  Psalm 68:5
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  4 Sing to God! Sing praises to his name. Exalt the one who rides on the clouds. For the Lord is his name. Rejoice before him. 5 He is a father to the fatherless and an advocate for widows. God rules from his holy dwelling place. 6 God settles in their own homes those who have been deserted; he frees prisoners and grants them prosperity. But sinful rebels live in the desert.
Exodus 22:22 / Psalm 94:6
1. 750–400 BCE
  
  Exodus 22:22
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  21 “You must not wrong a resident foreigner nor oppress him, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. 22 “You must not afflict any widow or orphan. 23 If you afflict them in any way and they cry to me, I will surely hear their cry, 24 and my anger will burn and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives will be widows and your children will be fatherless.
2. 600–201 BCE
  
  Psalm 94:6
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  4 They spew out threats and speak defiantly; all the evildoers boast. 5 O Lord, they crush your people; they oppress the nation that belongs to you. 6 They kill the widow and the resident foreigner, and they murder the fatherless. 7 Then they say, “The Lord does not see this; the God of Jacob does not take notice of it.” 8 Take notice of this, you ignorant people. You fools, when will you ever understand?
Exodus 22:22 / 2 Enoch 50:5
1. 750–400 BCE
  
  Exodus 22:22
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  21 “You must not wrong a resident foreigner nor oppress him, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. 22 “You must not afflict any widow or orphan. 23 If you afflict them in any way and they cry to me, I will surely hear their cry, 24 and my anger will burn and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives will be widows and your children will be fatherless.
2. 1–100 CE
  
  2 Enoch 50:5
  
  Pseudepigrapha, Apocalypses
  
  5 Whoever of you spends gold or silver for his brother's sake, he will receive ample treasure in the world to come. Do not injure widows or orphans or strangers, so that God's anger does not come upon you.
Deuteronomy 10:18 / Job 29:12
1. 750–400 BCE
  
  Deuteronomy 10:18
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  15 However, only to your ancestors did he show his loving favor, and he chose you, their descendants, from all peoples—as is apparent today. 16 Therefore, circumcise your hearts and stop being so stubborn! 17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God who is unbiased and takes no bribe, 18 who justly treats the orphan and widow, and who loves resident foreigners, giving them food and clothing. 19 So you must love the resident foreigner because you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.
2. 500–401 BCE
  
  Job 29:12
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  11 “As soon as the ear heard these things, it blessed me, and when the eye saw them, it bore witness to me; 12 for I rescued the poor who cried out for help, and the orphan who had no one to assist him; 13 the blessing of the dying man descended on me, and I made the widow’s heart rejoice; 14 I put on righteousness and it clothed me; my just dealing was like a robe and a turban;
Deuteronomy 10:18 / Job 22:9
1. 750–400 BCE
  
  Deuteronomy 10:18
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  15 However, only to your ancestors did he show his loving favor, and he chose you, their descendants, from all peoples—as is apparent today. 16 Therefore, circumcise your hearts and stop being so stubborn! 17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God who is unbiased and takes no bribe, 18 who justly treats the orphan and widow, and who loves resident foreigners, giving them food and clothing. 19 So you must love the resident foreigner because you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.
2. 500–401 BCE
  
  Job 22:9
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  7 You gave the weary no water to drink and from the hungry you withheld food. 8 Although you were a powerful man, owning land, an honored man living on it, 9 you sent widows away empty-handed, and the arms of the orphans you crushed. 10 That is why snares surround you, and why sudden fear terrifies you, 11 why it is so dark you cannot see, and why a flood of water covers you.
Deuteronomy 10:18 / Job 31:18
1. 750–400 BCE
  
  Deuteronomy 10:18
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  15 However, only to your ancestors did he show his loving favor, and he chose you, their descendants, from all peoples—as is apparent today. 16 Therefore, circumcise your hearts and stop being so stubborn! 17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God who is unbiased and takes no bribe, 18 who justly treats the orphan and widow, and who loves resident foreigners, giving them food and clothing. 19 So you must love the resident foreigner because you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.
2. 500–401 BCE
  
  Job 31:18
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  15 Did not the one who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same one form us in the womb? 16 If I have refused to give the poor what they desired, or caused the eyes of the widow to fail, 17 if I ate my morsel of bread myself, and did not share any of it with orphans— 18 but from my youth I raised the orphan like a father, and from my mother’s womb I guided the widow— 19 if I have seen anyone about to perish for lack of clothing, or a poor man without a coat, 20 whose heart did not bless me as he warmed himself with the fleece of my sheep,
Deuteronomy 10:18 / 2 Kings 4:1
1. 750–400 BCE
  
  Deuteronomy 10:18
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  15 However, only to your ancestors did he show his loving favor, and he chose you, their descendants, from all peoples—as is apparent today. 16 Therefore, circumcise your hearts and stop being so stubborn! 17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God who is unbiased and takes no bribe, 18 who justly treats the orphan and widow, and who loves resident foreigners, giving them food and clothing. 19 So you must love the resident foreigner because you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.
2. 600–501 BCE
  
  2 Kings 4:1
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  1 Now a wife of one of the prophets appealed to Elisha for help, saying, “Your servant, my husband is dead. You know that your servant was a loyal follower of the Lord. Now the creditor is coming to take away my two boys to be his servants.” 2 Elisha said to her, “What can I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?” She answered, “Your servant has nothing in the house except a small jar of olive oil.” 3 He said, “Go and ask all your neighbors for empty containers. Get as many as you can. 4 Go and close the door behind you and your sons. Pour the olive oil into all the containers; set aside each one when you have filled it.” 5 So she left him and closed the door behind her and her sons. As they were bringing the containers to her, she was pouring the olive oil.
Deuteronomy 10:18 / Zechariah 7:10
1. 750–400 BCE
  
  Deuteronomy 10:18
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  16 Therefore, circumcise your hearts and stop being so stubborn! 17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God who is unbiased and takes no bribe, 18 who justly treats the orphan and widow, and who loves resident foreigners, giving them food and clothing. 19 So you must love the resident foreigner because you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. 20 Revere the Lord your God, serve him, be loyal to him, and take oaths only in his name.
2. 500–401 BCE
  
  Zechariah 7:10
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  8 Again the Lord’s message came to Zechariah: 9 “The Lord of Heaven’s Armies said, ‘Exercise true judgment and show brotherhood and compassion to each other. 10 You must not oppress the widow, the orphan, the resident foreigner, or the poor, nor should anyone secretly plot evil against his fellow citizen.’ 11 “But they refused to pay attention, turning away stubbornly and stopping their ears so they could not hear. 12 Indeed, they made their hearts as hard as diamond, so that they could not obey the law of Moses and the other words the Lord of Heaven’s Armies had sent by his Spirit through the former prophets. Therefore, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies poured out great wrath.
Deuteronomy 10:18 / Psalm 146:7
1. 750–400 BCE
  
  Deuteronomy 10:18
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  16 Therefore, circumcise your hearts and stop being so stubborn! 17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God who is unbiased and takes no bribe, 18 who justly treats the orphan and widow, and who loves resident foreigners, giving them food and clothing. 19 So you must love the resident foreigner because you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. 20 Revere the Lord your God, serve him, be loyal to him, and take oaths only in his name.
2. 600–201 BCE
  
  Psalm 146:7
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  5 How blessed is the one whose helper is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God. 6 The one who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who remains forever faithful, 7 vindicates the oppressed, and gives food to the hungry. The Lord releases the imprisoned. 8 The Lord gives sight to the blind. The Lord lifts up all who are bent over. The Lord loves the godly. 9 The Lord protects the resident foreigner. He lifts up the fatherless and the widow, but he opposes the wicked.
Deuteronomy 10:18 / Psalm 146:9
1. 750–400 BCE
  
  Deuteronomy 10:18
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  16 Therefore, circumcise your hearts and stop being so stubborn! 17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God who is unbiased and takes no bribe, 18 who justly treats the orphan and widow, and who loves resident foreigners, giving them food and clothing. 19 So you must love the resident foreigner because you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.
2. 600–201 BCE
  
  Psalm 146:9
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  7 vindicates the oppressed, and gives food to the hungry. The Lord releases the imprisoned. 8 The Lord gives sight to the blind. The Lord lifts up all who are bent over. The Lord loves the godly. 9 The Lord protects the resident foreigner. He lifts up the fatherless and the widow, but he opposes the wicked. 10 The Lord rules forever, your God, O Zion, throughout the generations to come. Praise the Lord!
Deuteronomy 10:18 / Sirach 35:15
1. 750–400 BCE
  
  Deuteronomy 10:18
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  16 Therefore, circumcise your hearts and stop being so stubborn! 17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God who is unbiased and takes no bribe, 18 who justly treats the orphan and widow, and who loves resident foreigners, giving them food and clothing. 19 So you must love the resident foreigner because you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.
2. 195–180 BCE
  
  Sirach 35:15
  
  Deuterocanon
  
  13 For the Lord repays, and he will repay you sevenfold. 14 Don’t plan to bribe him with gifts, for he will not receive them. 15 Don’t set your mind on an unrighteous sacrifice, For the Lord is the judge, and with him is no respect of persons. 16 He won’t accept any person against a poor man. He will listen to the prayer of him who is wronged. 17 He will in no way despise the supplication of the fatherless or the widow, when she pours out her tale. 18 Don’t the tears of the widow run down her cheek? 19 Isn’t her cry against him who has caused them to fall?
Deuteronomy 10:18 / Isaiah 11:4
1. 750–400 BCE
  
  Deuteronomy 10:18
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  16 Therefore, circumcise your hearts and stop being so stubborn! 17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God who is unbiased and takes no bribe, 18 who justly treats the orphan and widow, and who loves resident foreigners, giving them food and clothing. 19 So you must love the resident foreigner because you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. 20 Revere the Lord your God, serve him, be loyal to him, and take oaths only in his name.
2. 740–450 BCE
  
  Isaiah 11:4
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  1 A shoot will grow out of Jesse’s root stock, a bud will sprout from his roots. 2 The Lord’s Spirit will rest on him—a Spirit that gives extraordinary wisdom, a Spirit that provides the ability to execute plans, a Spirit that produces absolute loyalty to the Lord. 3 His smelling is in the fear of the Lord⁷. He will not judge by mere appearances or make decisions on the basis of hearsay. 4 He will treat the poor fairly and make right decisions for the downtrodden of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth and order the wicked to be executed. 5 Justice will be like a belt around his waist, integrity will be like a belt around his hips.
Deuteronomy 10:18 / Pseudo Jonathan Genesis 18:20
1. 750–400 BCE
  
  Deuteronomy 10:18
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God who is unbiased and takes no bribe, 18 who justly treats the orphan and widow, and who loves resident foreigners, giving them food and clothing. 19 So you must love the resident foreigner because you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.
2. 300–1200 CE
  
  Pseudo Jonathan Genesis 18:20
  
  Targum
  
  19 For his piety is manifest before me, so that he will command his children and the members of his household after him to observe ways that are right before the Lord, doing what is just and right, so that the Lord may bring upon Abraham the good things he has promised him.” 20 The Lord said to the ministering angels, “The cry of Sodom and Gomorrah—because they oppress the poor and decree that whoever gives a morsel of bread to the needy shall be burned by fire—is indeed great, and their sin has indeed increased greatly. 21 I will now be revealed, and I will see whether they have really done according to the complaint of the maiden Peletith which has come before me. If so, they deserve total destruction, but if they do penance, shall they not be righteous before me as if I did not know, and I will not take revenge.
Deuteronomy 10:18 / Proverbs 31:20
1. 750–400 BCE
  
  Deuteronomy 10:18
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God who is unbiased and takes no bribe, 18 who justly treats the orphan and widow, and who loves resident foreigners, giving them food and clothing. 19 So you must love the resident foreigner because you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.
2. 600–201 BCE
  
  Proverbs 31:20
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  18 She perceived that her merchandise was good. Her lamp would not go out in the night. 19 She extended her hands to the spool, and her hands grasped the spindle. 20 She opened her hand to the poor, and extended her hands to the needy. 21 She would not fear for her household in winter, because all her household were clothed with scarlet, 22 because she had made coverings for herself; and because her clothing was fine linen and purple.
Deuteronomy 14:28 / Tobit 1:8
1. 750–400 BCE
  
  Deuteronomy 14:28
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  26 Then you may spend the money however you wish for cattle, sheep, wine, beer, or whatever you desire. You and your household may eat there in the presence of the Lord your God and enjoy it. 27 As for the Levites in your villages, you must not ignore them, for they have no allotment or inheritance along with you. 28 At the end of every three years you must bring all the tithe of your produce, in that very year, and you must store it up in your villages. 29 Then the Levites (because they have no allotment or inheritance with you), the resident foreigners, the orphans, and the widows of your villages may come and eat their fill so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work you do.
2. 225–175 BCE
  
  Tobit 1:8
  
  Deuterocanon
  
  7 and give them to the priests, the sons of Aaron, for the altar, and the tenth of the grain and the wine and oil and pomegranates and the rest of the fruits to the sons of Levi, who ministered at Jerusalem. And the second tenth I tithed in money for the six years, and went and spent it each year at Jerusalem: 8 and gave it to the orphans and the widows and the proselytes who attached themselves to the children of Israel; I brought it and gave it to them in the third year, and we did eat it according to the decree which was decreed concerning it in the book of Moses and according to the commands which Deborah, the mother of Hananiel our father commanded, because my father left me an orphan when he died. 9 And when I became a man, I took a wife of the seed of our own family, and of her I fathered a son and called his name Tobias.
Deuteronomy 24:17 / Amos 2:8
1. 750–400 BCE
  
  Deuteronomy 24:17
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  15 You must pay his wage that very day before the sun sets, for he is poor and his life depends on it. Otherwise he will cry out to the Lord against you, and you will be guilty of sin. 16 Fathers must not be put to death for what their children do, nor children for what their fathers do; each must be put to death for his own sin. 17 You must not pervert justice due a resident foreigner or an orphan, or take a widow’s garment as security for a loan. 18 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God redeemed you from there; therefore I am commanding you to do all this. 19 Whenever you reap your harvest in your field and leave some unraked grain there, you must not return to get it; it should go to the resident foreigner, orphan, and widow so that the Lord your God may bless all the work you do.
2. 600–501 BCE
  
  Amos 2:8
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  6 This is what the Lord says: “Because Israel has committed three covenant transgressions—make that four—I will not revoke my decree of judgment. They sold the innocent for silver, the needy for a pair of sandals. 7 They trample on the dirt-covered heads of the poor; they push the destitute away. A man and his father go to the same girl; in this way they show disrespect for my moral purity. 8 They stretch out on clothing seized as collateral; they do so right beside every altar! They drink wine bought with the fines they have levied; they do so right in the temple of their God!
Deuteronomy 24:19 / Ruth 2:10
1. 750–400 BCE
  
  Deuteronomy 24:19
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  17 You must not pervert justice due a resident foreigner or an orphan, or take a widow’s garment as security for a loan. 18 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God redeemed you from there; therefore I am commanding you to do all this. 19 Whenever you reap your harvest in your field and leave some unraked grain there, you must not return to get it; it should go to the resident foreigner, orphan, and widow so that the Lord your God may bless all the work you do. 20 When you beat your olive tree you must not repeat the procedure; the remaining olives belong to the resident foreigner, orphan, and widow. 21 When you gather the grapes of your vineyard you must not do so a second time; they should go to the resident foreigner, orphan, and widow.
2. 300–201 BCE
  
  Ruth 2:10
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  8 So Boaz said to Ruth, “Listen carefully, my dear! Do not leave to gather grain in another field. You need not go beyond the limits of this field. You may go along beside my female workers. 9 Take note of the field where the men are harvesting and follow behind with the female workers. I will tell the men to leave you alone. When you are thirsty, you may go to the water jars and drink some of the water the servants draw.” 10 Ruth knelt before him with her forehead to the ground and said to him, “Why are you so kind and so attentive to me, even though I am a foreigner?” 11 Boaz replied to her, “I have been given a full report of all that you have done for your mother-in-law following the death of your husband—how you left your father and your mother, as well as your homeland, and came to live among people you did not know previously. 12 May the Lord reward your efforts! May your acts of kindness be repaid fully by the Lord God of Israel, from whom you have sought protection.”
Deuteronomy 24:19 / Mishnah Peah 5:6
1. 750–400 BCE
  
  Deuteronomy 24:19
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  18 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God redeemed you from there; therefore I am commanding you to do all this. 19 Whenever you reap your harvest in your field and leave some unraked grain there, you must not return to get it; it should go to the resident foreigner, orphan, and widow so that the Lord your God may bless all the work you do. 20 When you beat your olive tree you must not repeat the procedure; the remaining olives belong to the resident foreigner, orphan, and widow.
2. 190–230 CE
  
  Mishnah Peah 5:6
  
  Rabbinic
  
  One who sells, the seller is permitted [to take the agricultural gifts] and the purchaser is forbidden. One may not hire a worker on the condition that the son [of the worker] should gather the gleanings after him. One who does not allow the poor to gather, or one who allows one but not another, or one who helps one of them [to gather] behold he is a robber of the poor. Concerning him it is said: “Do not remove the landmark of those that come up (olim)” (Proverbs 22:28).
Isaiah 1:17 / Proverbs 31:9
1. 740–450 BCE
  
  Isaiah 1:17
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  15 When you spread out your hands in prayer, I look the other way; when you offer your many prayers, I do not listen because your hands are covered with blood. 16 Wash! Cleanse yourselves! Remove your sinful deeds from my sight. Stop sinning. 17 Learn to do what is right. Promote justice. Give the oppressed reason to celebrate. Take up the cause of the orphan. Defend the rights of the widow. 18 “Come, let’s consider your options,” says the Lord. “Though your sins have stained you like the color red, you can become white like snow; though they are as easy to see as the color scarlet, you can become white like wool. 19 If you have a willing attitude and obey, then you will again eat the good crops of the land.
2. 600–201 BCE
  
  Proverbs 31:9
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  7 let them drink and forget their poverty, and remember their misery no more. 8 Open your mouth on behalf of those unable to speak, for the legal rights of all the dying. 9 Open your mouth, judge in righteousness, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. 10 Who can find a wife of noble character? For her value is far more than rubies. 11 Her husband’s heart has trusted her, and he does not lack the dividends.
Isaiah 1:17 / Psalm 72:12
1. 740–450 BCE
  
  Isaiah 1:17
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  15 When you spread out your hands in prayer, I look the other way; when you offer your many prayers, I do not listen because your hands are covered with blood. 16 Wash! Cleanse yourselves! Remove your sinful deeds from my sight. Stop sinning. 17 Learn to do what is right. Promote justice. Give the oppressed reason to celebrate. Take up the cause of the orphan. Defend the rights of the widow. 18 “Come, let’s consider your options,” says the Lord. “Though your sins have stained you like the color red, you can become white like snow; though they are as easy to see as the color scarlet, you can become white like wool. 19 If you have a willing attitude and obey, then you will again eat the good crops of the land.
2. 600–201 BCE
  
  Psalm 72:12
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  10 The kings of Tarshish and the coastlands will offer gifts; the kings of Sheba and Seba will bring tribute. 11 All kings will bow down to him; all nations will serve him. 12 For he will rescue the needy when they cry out for help, and the oppressed who have no defender. 13 He will take pity on the poor and needy; the lives of the needy he will save. 14 From harm and violence he will defend them; he will value their lives. 15 May he live! May they offer him gold from Sheba. May they continually pray for him. May they pronounce blessings on him all day long.
Ezekiel 16:48 / Amos 2:6
1. 600–501 BCE
  
  Ezekiel 16:48
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  47 Have you not copied their behavior and practiced their abominable deeds? In a short time you became even more depraved in all your conduct than they were! 48 As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, your sister Sodom and her daughters never behaved as wickedly as you and your daughters have behaved. 49 “‘See here—this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters had majesty, abundance of food, and enjoyed carefree ease, but they did not help the poor and needy. 50 They were haughty and practiced abominable deeds before me. Therefore, when I saw it I removed them.
2. 600–501 BCE
  
  Amos 2:6
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  5 So I will set Judah on fire, and it will consume Jerusalem’s fortresses.” 6 This is what the Lord says: “Because Israel has committed three covenant transgressions—make that four—I will not revoke my decree of judgment. They sold the innocent for silver, the needy for a pair of sandals. 7 They trample on the dirt-covered heads of the poor; they push the destitute away. A man and his father go to the same girl; in this way they show disrespect for my moral purity.
Psalm 9:20 / LXX Psalm 9:21
1. 600–201 BCE
  
  Psalm 9:20
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  17 The wicked are turned back and sent to Sheol; this is the destiny of all the nations that ignore God, 18 for the needy are not permanently ignored, the hopes of the oppressed are not forever dashed. 19 Rise up, Lord! Don’t let men be defiant. May the nations be judged in your presence. 20 Terrify them, Lord. Let the nations know they are mere mortals. (Selah)
2. 100–1 BCE
  
  LXX Psalm 9:21
  
  Septuagint
  
  17 The Lord is known as executing judgments: the sinner is taken in the works of his hands. A song of Pause. 18 Let sinners be driven away into Hades, even all the nations that forget God. 19 For the poor shall not be forgotten for ever: the patience of the needy ones shall not perish for ever. 20 Arise, Lord, let not man prevail: let the pagan nations be judged before you. 21 Appoint, Lord, a lawgiver over them: let the pagan nations know that they are men. Pause.
Psalm 68:5 / Joseph and Aseneth 12:11
1. 600–201 BCE
  
  Psalm 68:5
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  3 But the godly are happy; they rejoice before God and are overcome with joy. 4 Sing to God! Sing praises to his name. Exalt the one who rides on the clouds. For the Lord is his name. Rejoice before him. 5 He is a father to the fatherless and an advocate for widows. God rules from his holy dwelling place. 6 God settles in their own homes those who have been deserted; he frees prisoners and grants them prosperity. But sinful rebels live in the desert. 7 O God, when you lead your people into battle, when you march through the wastelands, (Selah)
2. 100 CE
  
  Joseph and Aseneth 12:11
  
  Pseudepigrapha, Hebrew Bible Expansions
  
  10 But you, Lord, rescue me from his grasp, and I shall be rescued from his mouth, before he can tear me apart and throw me into the blazing fire. The fire would throw me into a storm, and the storm would overwhelm me in darkness and throw me into the depths of the sea, and the great beast that has existed from eternity would swallow me, and I would perish forever. 11 Rescue me, Lord, before all these things happen to me; rescue me, Master, desolate and defenseless as I am, because my father and my mother have denied me and said, 'Asenath is not our daughter,' because I broke their gods in pieces and got rid of them, because I hated them completely. And now I am an orphan and desolate, and I have no other hope except you, Lord, nor any other refuge except your mercy, you friend of humanity, because you alone are the father of the orphans and the champion of the persecuted and the helper of the afflicted. Have mercy on me, Lord, and keep me pure and a virgin, forsaken and orphaned, because you alone, Lord, are a loving, good, and gentle father. For what father is as loving and good as you, Lord? 12 For look, all the houses of my father Pentephres which he has given me for an inheritance are temporary and passing away; but the houses of your inheritance, Lord, are imperishable and eternal."
Psalm 82:3 / Proverbs 31:9
1. 600–201 BCE
  
  Psalm 82:3
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  1 A psalm of Asaph. God stands in the assembly of El; in the midst of the gods he renders judgment. 2 He says, “How long will you make unjust legal decisions and show favoritism to the wicked? (Selah) 3 Defend the cause of the poor and the fatherless. Vindicate the oppressed and suffering. 4 Rescue the poor and needy. Deliver them from the power of the wicked. 5 They neither know nor understand. They stumble around in the dark, while all the foundations of the earth crumble.
2. 600–201 BCE
  
  Proverbs 31:9
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  7 let them drink and forget their poverty, and remember their misery no more. 8 Open your mouth on behalf of those unable to speak, for the legal rights of all the dying. 9 Open your mouth, judge in righteousness, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. 10 Who can find a wife of noble character? For her value is far more than rubies. 11 Her husband’s heart has trusted her, and he does not lack the dividends.
Daniel 4:27 / Didache 4:6
1. 200–101 BCE
  
  Daniel 4:27
  
  Hebrew Bible
  
  24 this is the interpretation, O king. It is the decision of the Most High that this has happened to my lord the king. 25 You will be driven from human society, and you will live with the wild animals. You will be fed grass like oxen, and you will become damp with the dew of the sky. Seven periods of time will pass by for you before you understand that the Most High is ruler over human kingdoms and gives them to whomever he wishes. 26 They said to leave the taproot of the tree, for your kingdom will be restored to you when you come to understand that heaven rules. 27 Therefore, O king, may my advice be pleasing to you. Break away from your sins by doing what is right, and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps your prosperity will be prolonged.”
2. 90–120 CE
  
  Didache 4:6
  
  Early Christian
  
  5 Don't be someone who is eager to receive but reluctant to give. 6 Give a portion of what you've earned with your hands as a ransom for your sins. 7 Don't hesitate to give, and don't complain when you do, for you'll know who rewards you well. 8 Don't turn away those in need, but share everything with your family, and don't claim it as your own. If you share in what is eternal, how much more should you share in what is perishable?
Sirach 4:10 / James 1:27
1. 195–180 BCE
  
  Sirach 4:10
  
  Deuterocanon
  
  5 Don’t turn your eye away from one who asks. Give no occasion to a man to curse you. 6 For if he curses you in the bitterness of his soul, he who made him will hear his supplication. 7 Endear yourself to the assembly. Bow your head to a great man. 8 Incline your ear to a poor man. Answer him with peaceful words in humility. 9 Deliver him who is wronged from the hand of him who wrongs him; Don’t be hesitant in giving judgment. 10 Be as a father to the fatherless, and like a husband to their mother. So you will be as a son of the Most High, and he will love you more than your mother does.
2. 80–90 CE
  
  James 1:27
  
  New Testament
  
  23 For if someone merely listens to the message and does not live it out, he is like someone who gazes at his own face in a mirror. 24 For he gazes at himself and then goes out and immediately forgets what sort of person he was. 25 But the one who peers into the perfect law of liberty and fixes his attention there, and does not become a forgetful listener but one who lives it out—he will be blessed in what he does. 26 If someone thinks he is religious yet does not bridle his tongue, and so deceives his heart, his religion is futile. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their adversity and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
Sirach 35:15 / James 1:27
1. 195–180 BCE
  
  Sirach 35:15
  
  Deuterocanon
  
  13 For the Lord repays, and he will repay you sevenfold. 14 Don’t plan to bribe him with gifts, for he will not receive them. 15 Don’t set your mind on an unrighteous sacrifice, For the Lord is the judge, and with him is no respect of persons. 16 He won’t accept any person against a poor man. He will listen to the prayer of him who is wronged. 17 He will in no way despise the supplication of the fatherless or the widow, when she pours out her tale. 18 Don’t the tears of the widow run down her cheek? 19 Isn’t her cry against him who has caused them to fall?
2. 80–90 CE
  
  James 1:27
  
  New Testament
  
  25 But the one who peers into the perfect law of liberty and fixes his attention there, and does not become a forgetful listener but one who lives it out—he will be blessed in what he does. 26 If someone thinks he is religious yet does not bridle his tongue, and so deceives his heart, his religion is futile. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their adversity and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
CD 14:12 / Acts 2:45
1. 100–80 BCE
  
  CD 14:12
  
  Dead Sea Scrolls, Sectarian and Community Texts
  
  11 each in his turn. And anything that any person has to say, let him say it to the overseer, 12 about any dispute or judgment. And this is the rule for the many, to provide for all their needs: the wages of 13 two days each month at the least, and they shall put it into the hand of the overseer and the judges. 14 From it they shall give for their wounded, and from it they shall support the poor and the needy, and the old man who 15 is bowed down, and the man who is afflicted, and the one taken captive by a foreign nation, and the virgin who 16 has no redeemer, and the youth who has no one to care for him: all the service of the association, and not 17 [shall the house of the association be cut off from] their [hand]. And this is the exact account of the settlement of the [camp, and these are the foundations of]
2. 70–90 CE
  
  Acts 2:45
  
  New Testament
  
  42 They were devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Reverential awe came over everyone, and many wonders and miraculous signs came about by the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and held everything in common, 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and distributing the proceeds to everyone, as anyone had need. 46 Every day they continued to gather together by common consent in the temple courts, breaking bread from house to house, sharing their food with glad and humble hearts, 47 praising God and having the good will of all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number every day those who were being saved.
Didache 1:5 / Shepherd of Hermas 27:4
1. 90–120 CE
  
  Didache 1:5
  
  Early Christian
  
  4 Refrain from indulging in carnal and bodily desires. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other cheek to them as well, and you will be perfect. If someone compels you to go one mile, go two. If someone takes your coat, offer them your shirt as well. If someone takes from you what belongs to you, do not ask for it back, since you cannot. 5 Give to everyone who asks of you, and do not ask for it back, for the Father's will is that we give to all from the gifts we have received. Blessed is the one who gives according to the commandment, for they are innocent. Woe to the one who receives: if someone receives because they are in need, they are innocent, but those who receive without need will be questioned as to why they took and for what purpose. They will be examined for their deeds while in prison, and they will not be released until they pay the last penny. 6 Regarding this matter, it was also said, let your gift to the poor sweat in your hands until you know to whom you are giving.
2. 90–140 CE
  
  Shepherd of Hermas 27:4
  
  Early Christian
  
  4 But clothe yourself in reverence, where there is no evil stumbling-block, but all things are smooth and joyful. Do good works, and from your labors, which God gives you, give freely to all who are in need, not asking to whom you should give or not give. Give to everyone; for God wants everyone to have a share in His own gifts. 5 Those who receive will give an account to God of why they received it, and for what purpose; for those who receive because they are in distress will not be judged, but those who receive under false pretenses will pay the penalty. 6 The one who gives is innocent; for they received this service from the Lord to perform, and have carried it out in sincerity, making no distinction to whom to give or not to give. So this service, performed sincerely, is glorious in God’s sight. Whoever serves sincerely in this way will live for God. 7 Therefore keep this commandment, as I have told you, so that your own repentance and that of your household may be found to be sincere, and your heart pure and undefiled.”
Didache 11:6 / Mishnah Peah 8:7
1. 90–120 CE
  
  Didache 11:6
  
  Early Christian
  
  3 Regarding the Apostles and Prophets, act in accordance with the guidelines of the Gospel. 4 Receive every Apostle who comes to you as if he were the Lord. 5 But do not let him stay more than one day, or two if necessary. If he stays three days, he is a false prophet. 6 When an Apostle departs, let him take only bread until he reaches his lodging for the night. If he asks for money, he is a false prophet.
2. 190–230 CE
  
  Mishnah Peah 8:7
  
  Rabbinic
  
  They may not give a poor person wandering from place to place less than a loaf worth a pundion at a time when four seahs [of wheat cost] one sela. If he spends the night [at a place], they must give him the cost of what he needs for the night. If he stays over Shabbat they must give him enough food for three meals. He who has the money for two meals, he may not take anything from the charity dish. And if he has enough money for fourteen meals, he may not take any support from the communal fund. The communal fund is collected by two and distributed by three people.