The Old Testament commands and assumes that God’s people will give to the poor in their community (Deuteronomy 14:28–29; Deuteronomy 15:7–11; Exodus 23:10–11; Leviticus 23:22; Psalm 41:1; Proverbs 19:17). 1 Social justice was expected and commanded by God (Isaiah 3:15; Isaiah 10:1–2; Amos 2:6–8; Amos 5:11). Typically, the synagogues would collate money and resources from God’s people and then give relief to the poor from those contributions. 2
2 “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.