Deuteronomy 24:19

When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands.

When thou cuttest down {H7114} thine harvest {H7105} in thy field {H7704}, and hast forgot {H7911} a sheaf {H6016} in the field {H7704}, thou shalt not go again {H7725} to fetch {H3947} it: it shall be for the stranger {H1616}, for the fatherless {H3490}, and for the widow {H490}: that the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} may bless {H1288} thee in all the work {H4639} of thine hands {H3027}.

"When harvesting the grain in your field, if you forgot a sheaf of grain there, you are not to go back and get it; it will remain there for the foreigner, the orphan and the widow, so that ADONAI your God will bless you in all the work you do.

If you are harvesting in your field and forget a sheaf there, do not go back to get it. It is to be left for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.

When thou reapest thy harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the sojourner, for the fatherless, and for the widow; that Jehovah thy God may bless thee in all the work of thy hands.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 24:19 is a compassionate command within the Mosaic Law, emphasizing God's heart for the vulnerable in society. It provides specific instructions regarding agricultural practices, ensuring that the poor and marginalized are cared for through Israel's harvest.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Deuteronomy (chapters 23-25) that outlines various social and ethical laws for the Israelite community, reflecting God's desire for justice and compassion among His people. These laws were designed to establish a righteous society distinct from surrounding nations. The specific instruction about leaving forgotten harvest for the needy is consistent with other agricultural laws found in the Pentateuch, such as those regarding gleaning the corners of fields and not gathering fallen grapes (Leviticus 19:10, Leviticus 23:22). This wasn't merely charity; it was a divinely ordained right for the disadvantaged, providing a form of social welfare in ancient Israel.

Key Themes

  • Compassion and Social Justice: The core message is God's unwavering concern for the less fortunate. The law ensures that even accidental oversight in harvesting becomes a deliberate act of provision for those in need.
  • Divine Provision and Trust: By commanding Israel to leave a portion, God teaches them to trust in His ample provision for their own needs, knowing that their generosity will not lead to lack.
  • Generosity and Blessing: The verse explicitly links obedience to this command with divine blessing: "that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands." This principle of generosity leading to prosperity is a recurring theme in Scripture.
  • Remembrance of Past Hardship: Underlying many of these laws is the reminder that Israel itself was once in a vulnerable position, strangers and slaves in Egypt (Deuteronomy 10:19), fostering empathy for others.

Linguistic Insights

The verse highlights three specific categories of vulnerable people:

  • Stranger (ger): This refers to a resident alien or sojourner living among the Israelites, often without land or family support. They were not merely passing travelers but individuals who had settled in the community and were dependent on its laws and hospitality.
  • Fatherless (yatom): An orphan, specifically a child who has lost their father, who was typically the primary provider and protector in ancient patriarchal society. Their vulnerability was immense.
  • Widow (almanah): Women who had lost their husbands, often leaving them without economic support or legal protection, making them one of the most defenseless groups.

These three groups consistently appear together in the Old Testament as those for whom God has special concern and for whom Israel was commanded to provide.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 24:19 transcends ancient agricultural practices to offer timeless principles for modern believers:

  • Intentional Generosity: While we may not harvest fields, the principle encourages us to look for opportunities to share our resources—whether time, talent, or treasure—with those less fortunate. It even suggests that unintentional "oversights" can become opportunities for grace.
  • Caring for the Vulnerable: The verse calls us to actively identify and support the vulnerable in our own communities, reflecting God's heart for justice and compassion. This includes advocating for the marginalized, supporting charities, and offering direct help.
  • Trusting God's Blessing: It reinforces the biblical truth that generosity is not a loss but an investment in God's economy, leading to His blessing on our lives and work. This blessing may not always be financial, but encompasses peace, joy, and spiritual abundance.

The story of Ruth gleaning in Boaz's field (Ruth 2) provides a beautiful narrative example of this law in action, demonstrating both the provision for the poor and the kindness of a righteous landowner.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 23:22 (10 votes)

    And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger: I [am] the LORD your God.

  • Deuteronomy 14:29 (8 votes)

    And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which [are] within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.

  • Leviticus 19:9 (8 votes)

    And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest.

  • Leviticus 19:10 (8 votes)

    And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather [every] grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I [am] the LORD your God.

  • Proverbs 19:17 (7 votes)

    ¶ He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

  • Luke 14:13 (6 votes)

    But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:

  • Luke 14:14 (6 votes)

    And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.