During the old covenant, the priests received the offerings of the people and took care of the sick (e.g., Leviticus 13:1 – 15:33) and the poor (Numbers 18:25–32; Deuteronomy 14:28–29, Deuteronomy 26:12).1 They would be a natural port of call for someone in a desperate situation who was looking for food.
3 Now then, what do you have on hand? Give me five loaves of bread, or whatever is here.”