By Anna Von Reitz
The concept of common wealth has its roots buried deep in pre-history. It
is essentially the concept of sharing resources, and especially sharing
community resources with the poor and the needy, so as to preserve family and
community relationships.
By the time we encounter Biblical-Era Hebrew culture, the concept of common
wealth is well-developed and defined. The Hebrews are religiously bound to
observe basic patterns of giving:
A tenth of all received is given back as a tithe to the Levites. The
Levites in turn are charged with sharing of the offerings and "temple
bread".