MH page 186

Various industries were taught in the schools of the prophets, and many of the students sustained themselves by manual labor.

Schools of the prophets incorporated manual labor for instruction and self-support. Describes historical educational arrangements in prophetic schools.

These arrangements did not, however, wholly do away with poverty. It was not God's purpose that poverty should wholly cease. It is one of His means for the development of character. “The poor,” He says, “shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.” Deuteronomy 15:11 .

Poverty serves a divine purpose in character development and commands ongoing generosity. Expressed as a theological and ethical teaching regarding divine purpose and character.

“If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother. But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.” Verses 7, 8 .

Believers are commanded to generously assist and lend to the poor and needy. Contains an ethical and scriptural instruction on charitable duty.

“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.” Leviticus 25:35 .

Those who fall into poverty, including strangers and sojourners, must be relieved and sustained. Presents a moral duty toward the impoverished and vulnerable.

“When ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field.” “When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it.... When thou beatest thine olive tree, thou shalt not go over the boughs again.... When thou gatherest the grapes of thy vineyard, thou shalt not glean it afterward: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow.” Leviticus 19:9 ; Deuteronomy 24:19-21 .

Agricultural gleaning laws ensured provision for strangers, orphans, and widows. Outlines ancient welfare and agricultural ethics.