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Bible Dictionaries
Alms
People's Dictionary of the Bible
or Alms, Alms Deeds. The word is not found in the Authorized Version of the Old Testament, but is frequent in the New Testament. The duty was, however, enjoined very strictly upon the Jews, who by law were required always to leave gleanings in the fields that the poor might be fed. Leviticus 19:9-10; Leviticus 23:22; Deuteronomy 15:11; Deuteronomy 24:19; Deuteronomy 26:2-13; Ruth 2:2. Every third year the tithe of the produce of the fanners was to be shared with the Levite, the fatherless, the stranger, and the widow. Deuteronomy 14:28. Alms-giving is a subject of praise in the Old Testament—e.g., Job 31:17; Psalms 41:1; Psalms 112:9. In the temple there was one box for the reception of alms to be dedicated to the education of the poor children of good family. Alms-giving was a part of Pharisaic practice. Our Lord did not rebuke them for it, but for their self-satisfaction in the performance. Matthew 6:2. In Acts 10:31; Romans 15:25-27; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 the Christian mode of relieving the wants of others is set forth.
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Rice, Edwin Wilbur, DD. Entry for 'Alms'. People's Dictionary of the Bible. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/rpd/a/alms.html. 1893.
