Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context Gleaning refers to the practice of collecting leftover crops from farmers' fields after they have been commercially harvested or from fields where it is not economically profitable to harvest. This practice is deeply rooted in the agricultural and social laws of ancient Israel, as outlined in the Old Testament. Gleaning was a provision made for the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the foreigner, allowing them to gather food for themselves from the fields. Biblical References The concept of gleaning is primarily found in the Pentateuch, where it is established as a part of the Mosaic Law. In Leviticus 19:9-10 , the Lord commands, "When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You must not strip your vineyard bare or gather its fallen grapes. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the LORD your God." This command is reiterated in Leviticus 23:22 and Deuteronomy 24:19-21, emphasizing the importance of caring for the less fortunate in society. Historical and Cultural Significance Gleaning was not merely an act of charity but a legal obligation for landowners in Israel. It served as a social safety net, ensuring that the vulnerable members of society had access to food. This practice reflects the broader biblical theme of justice and compassion, where the community is called to care for its members, particularly those who are marginalized. The Book of Ruth The Book of Ruth provides a vivid narrative example of gleaning. Ruth, a Moabite widow, gleans in the fields of Boaz, a relative of her deceased husband. Ruth 2:2-3 states, "And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, 'Please let me go into the fields and glean heads of grain after someone in whose sight I may find favor.' 'Go ahead, my daughter,' Naomi replied. So Ruth departed and went out into the field and gleaned after the harvesters." Boaz's kindness and adherence to the law of gleaning not only provide sustenance for Ruth and Naomi but also set the stage for Ruth's eventual marriage to Boaz, highlighting the redemptive and providential aspects of God's law. Theological Implications Gleaning underscores the biblical principle of stewardship and the responsibility of those with resources to care for those without. It reflects God's heart for justice and mercy, as well as His desire for His people to live in community and mutual support. The practice of gleaning is a tangible expression of the command to love one's neighbor and to act justly, as seen in Micah 6:8. Modern Application While the specific practice of gleaning may not be directly applicable in modern agricultural societies, the principles behind it remain relevant. Christians are called to be generous and to provide for those in need, reflecting God's love and compassion. This can manifest in various forms, such as food banks, community gardens, and other charitable efforts aimed at supporting the poor and marginalized in contemporary society. Easton's Bible Dictionary The corners of fields were not to be reaped, and the sheaf accidentally left behind was not to be fetched away, according to the law of Moses (Leviticus 19:9; 23:22; Deuteronomy 24:21). They were to be left for the poor to glean. Similar laws were given regarding vineyards and oliveyards. (Comp. Ruth 2:2.) Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To gather after a reaper; to collect in scattered or fragmentary parcels, as the grain left by a reaper, or grapes left after the gathering.2. (v. t.) To gather from (a field or vineyard) what is left. 3. (v. t.) To collect with patient and minute labor; to pick out; to obtain. 4. (v. i.) To gather stalks or ears of grain left by reapers. 5. (v. i.) To pick up or gather anything by degrees. 6. (n.) A collection made by gleaning. Strong's Hebrew 3950. laqat -- to pick or gather up, glean... laqat. 3951 . to pick or gather up, glean. Transliteration: laqat Phonetic Spelling: (law-kat') Short Definition: gather. Word Origin a prim. ... gather up, glean. ... /hebrew/3950.htm - 6k 5953b. alal -- to glean 5953. alal -- to act severely 3953. laqash -- to take the second crop, to take everything Library Ruth Boaz and Ruth. Ruth. Ruth and Naomi. The Story of Ruth, the Gleaner Ruth, the Gleaner Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ... How under Eli's Government of the Israelites Booz Married Ruth ... Ruth the Gleaner. The Question of Fear and the Answer of Faith Thesaurus Glean (12 Occurrences)... They were to be left for the poor to glean. Similar laws were given regarding vineyards and oliveyards. (Comp. ... Multi-Version Concordance Glean (12 Occurrences). ... /g/glean.htm - 11k Gleaning (10 Occurrences) Bo'az (24 Occurrences) Boaz (25 Occurrences) Sheaves (13 Occurrences) Pick (37 Occurrences) Gleaned (6 Occurrences) Gathers (27 Occurrences) Insult (25 Occurrences) Embarrass (2 Occurrences) Resources What is the meaning of gleaning in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about luck? | GotQuestions.org Who was Ruth in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Glean: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Glean (12 Occurrences)Leviticus 19:10 Deuteronomy 24:21 Judges 20:45 Ruth 2:2 Ruth 2:7 Ruth 2:8 Ruth 2:15 Ruth 2:16 Ruth 2:19 Ruth 2:23 Job 24:6 Jeremiah 6:9 Subtopics Related Terms |
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