ABSTRACT
One of the most striking features of charitable deeds in Second Temple Judaism is the participation of God within the exchange itself. This is expressed most vividly in Ben Sira 29 ( A8 ). God is not simply an advocate for the poor, as depicted in Exod 22:24–26, but becomes the guarantor whenever a “loan” is given to the poor. In rabbinic Hebrew, the supernatural character of the exchange was also expressed by the poor when they sought help from potential suitors: “acquire a merit (in heaven) through (generous gift you’re about to give to) me” (cf. Leviticus Rabbah 34:7). On this view, the deed does not simply assist the poor but elevates the status of the giver in the eyes of God. Charity has both a horizontal and a vertical plane of action.
