Publisher's Synopsis
This study examines the thematisation of "poverty" in the Qumran, the Psalms and in the Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Zephaniah) and the emerging religious conflict situation. It tests the thesis presented to an increasing degree in recent research that the so-called "piety of the poor" pre-supposes some "paupers' movement" among the exploited and destitute under-classes. The author concludes that "poverty" is a form of existence with a religious foundation. The deficits which are bemoaned are not material in nature. As a number of the theological positions and oppositions of the piety of the poor are reminiscent of the Qumran Essenes, it is not unreasonable to see there a structural parallel to the piety of the poor and to postulate historical connections of an intellectual and a theological nature.
