New and Concise Bible Dictionary
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In the O.T. earthly prosperity was a sign of blessing. The Psalmist said that during the whole of his life he had not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread, Psa 37:25; whereas of a wicked one, typical of Judas, it is said, "Let his children be continually vagabonds and beg," Psa 109:10; but in bringing in strength and salvation Jehovah "lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes," 1Sa 2:8. The law made many provisions for the poor. In the N.T. we read of several beggars who were also blind, who received blessing, Mar 10:46; Luk 18:35; Joh 9:8; and in the parable the Lord spoke of the beggar named Lazarus who was carried into Abraham’s bosom. Luk 16:20; Luk 16:22: cf. Act 3:2.