Leviticus 23:22

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.

And when ye reap {H7114} the harvest {H7105} of your land {H776}, thou shalt not make clean riddance {H3615} of the corners {H6285} of thy field {H7704} when thou reapest {H7114}, neither shalt thou gather {H3950} any gleaning {H3951} of thy harvest {H7105}: thou shalt leave {H5800} them unto the poor {H6041}, and to the stranger {H1616}: I am the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}.

"'When you harvest the ripe crops produced in your land, don't harvest all the way to the corners of your field, and don't gather the ears of grain left by the harvesters; leave them for the poor and the foreigner; I am ADONAI your God.'"

When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap all the way to the edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the foreign resident. I am the LORD your God.’”

And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them for the poor, and for the sojourner: I am Jehovah your God.

Commentary

Commentary on Leviticus 23:22

Leviticus 23:22 presents a compassionate and foundational law within the Mosaic covenant, instructing the Israelites on how to conduct their harvest. This verse mandates that landowners are not to fully clear their fields, but intentionally leave portions for the vulnerable in society.

Context

This verse is placed within Leviticus 23, a chapter primarily detailing the annual feasts of the Lord (or appointed times), such as Passover, Pentecost (Feast of Weeks), and the Day of Atonement. While the surrounding verses focus on religious observances and offerings, verse 22 serves as a crucial ethical interjection, underscoring that true worship and obedience to God extend beyond ritual to practical care for others. It reflects God's character as a provider and protector of the needy, integrating social responsibility directly into the economic life of the nation.

Key Themes

  • Divine Compassion and Provision: The law originates from God's own heart, demonstrating His deep concern for the poor and the stranger. It ensures that even the most vulnerable have access to sustenance directly from the land.
  • Social Justice and Responsibility: Landowners were not to be solely focused on personal gain but were commanded to share their abundance. This law prevented absolute poverty and fostered a sense of community responsibility, echoing similar principles found in Deuteronomy 15:7-11.
  • Gleaning as a Right, Not Charity: The poor and strangers had a God-given right to these unharvested portions, rather than depending solely on voluntary charity. This preserved their dignity by allowing them to work for their food. The story of Ruth gleaning in Boaz's field beautifully illustrates this practice.
  • Stewardship of Resources: The land and its produce ultimately belong to God, and humans are stewards. This command reminds the Israelites that their prosperity was a gift to be managed according to divine principles, not just for personal enrichment.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms here are significant:

  • "Corners of thy field" comes from pe'ah (׀אה), referring to the edge or extremity. This wasn't just a small arbitrary spot but a designated portion of the field's perimeter that was to remain unharvested.
  • "Gleaning" comes from leqet (לקט), referring to what falls during the harvest or what is left behind. This command prohibited picking up fallen grain or going back through the field a second time to collect every last bit.
These specific instructions ensured that a tangible and accessible provision was left for those without land or means.

Practical Application

While modern societies do not typically practice agricultural gleaning, the underlying principles of Leviticus 23:22 remain profoundly relevant. This verse challenges us to consider:

  • Intentional Generosity: Are we intentionally making room in our abundance – whether financial, material, or relational – to benefit the less fortunate?
  • Dignity of the Needy: How can we offer help that preserves the dignity of those receiving it, allowing them to participate and contribute rather than simply being passive recipients?
  • Responsible Stewardship: Recognizing that all we have comes from God, how can we manage our resources in a way that reflects His compassion and justice, ensuring that the marginalized are not forgotten? This applies to individuals, businesses, and even national policies.
  • Beyond Obligation: Though a command, this law fosters a spirit of willing generosity, moving beyond mere obligation to reflect God's heart for humanity.

Leviticus 23:22 serves as a timeless reminder that true faith is expressed not only in worship but also in practical, compassionate action towards the vulnerable members of society, reflecting the very character of the LORD our God.

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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 24:19 (10 votes)

    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.

  • Deuteronomy 24:21 (10 votes)

    When thou gatherest the grapes of thy vineyard, thou shalt not glean [it] afterward: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow.

  • Leviticus 19:9 (10 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 (10 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 11:24 (7 votes)

    ΒΆ There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and [there is] that withholdeth more than is meet, but [it tendeth] to poverty.

  • Proverbs 11:25 (7 votes)

    ΒΆ The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

  • Isaiah 58:10 (7 votes)

    And [if] thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness [be] as the noonday: