Beggars in Smiths Bible Dictionary

The poor among the Hebrews were much favored. They were allowed to glean in the fields, and to gather whatever the land produced in the year in which it was not tilled Le 19:10; 25:5,6; De 24:19 They were also invited to feasts. De 14:29 and Deut 26:12 The Israelite could not be an absolute pauper. His land was in alienable, except for a certain term, when it reverted to him or his posterity. And if this resource were insufficient, he could pledge the services of himself and family or a valuable sum. Those who were indigent through bodily infirmities were usually taken care of by their kindred. A beggar was sometimes seen, however, and was regarded and abhorred as a vagabond. Ps 109:10 In later times beggars were accustomed, it would seem, to have a fixed place at the corners of the streets, Mr 10:46 or at the gates of the temple, Ac 3:2 or of private houses, Lu 16:20