Leviticus 25:35-37 New International Version (NIV)
35 “‘If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and are unable to support themselves among you, help them as you would a foreigner and stranger, so they can continue to live among you. 36 Do not take interest or any profit from them, but fear your God, so that they may continue to live among you. 37 You must not lend them money at interest or sell them food at a profit.
The Bible places great emphasis on assisting the poor and helpless which included orphans, widows, and the handicapped. There was no paid work for women at this time, so a widow and her children would need help. Also, there was not work for the severely handicapped. The poor were helped without charging interest. Individuals and family were responsible for the poor. This was crucial because there was no government aid at this time.
