There will never cease to be some poor people in the land; therefore, I am commanding you to make sure you open your hand to your fellow Israelites who are needy and poor in your land.

There will be some left behind, like when an olive tree is beaten -- two or three ripe olives remain toward the very top, four or five on its fruitful branches," says the Lord God of Israel.

The Lord said to me, "Go and buy some linen shorts and put them on. Do not put them in water."

No,' they replied. 'There won't be enough for you and for us. Go instead to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'