“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.”
Context:Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Old Testament and contains the speeches of Moses to the Israelites, just before they entered the Promised Land. This verse is part of the laws and regulations given by God to the Israelites through Moses, emphasising justice, compassion, and care for the vulnerable in society.
Agricultural Principle:The verse specifically addresses the practice of gleaning, which refers to the act of collecting leftover produce from fields after the main harvest. Here, God commands the Israelites that when they gather grapes from their vineyards, they should not glean the vineyard afterward. In other words, they are to leave some of the produce for others to benefit from.
Care for the Vulnerable:The purpose of leaving the gleanings is to provide for the needs of three specific groups: the stranger (foreigner), the fatherless (orphan), and the widow. These groups were often marginalised and had limited means to provide for themselves. God, in His wisdom, instructs the Israelites to extend care and support to those who were disadvantaged and lacked the resources to sustain themselves. It reflects God’s heart for justice, mercy, and social responsibility.
Lessons for Believers:
- Compassion and Generosity: This verse teaches believers the importance of showing compassion and generosity toward those in need. It encourages us to look beyond our own interests and consider the well-being of others, especially the vulnerable members of society.
- Stewardship: By leaving the gleanings in the field, the Israelites practised good stewardship of their resources. It reminds us of our responsibility to use our blessings and abundance wisely, considering how we can bless others with what we have been given.
- Inclusion and Hospitality: The instruction to leave the gleanings for the stranger highlights the importance of embracing and welcoming foreigners into the community. It teaches us to treat immigrants and strangers with kindness, providing for their needs and making them feel valued and accepted.
- God’s Heart for Justice: This command reflects God’s character and His concern for justice. He desires that His people actively participate in His work of ensuring fairness and provision for those who are less fortunate. It challenges us to advocate for justice, stand against oppression, and work towards a more equitable society.
New Testament Application:While Deuteronomy 24:21 addresses the specific context of the Israelites and their agricultural practices, the underlying principles of compassion, generosity, and care for the vulnerable apply to believers today. Jesus Himself emphasised the importance of loving our neighbours and caring for those in need (Matthew 22:39, Matthew 25:31-46).
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 24:21 teaches us about the value of compassion, generosity, and justice in our interactions with others. It urges us to extend care and support to those who are vulnerable, ensuring that they are included and provided for. By following these principles, we reflect the heart of God and demonstrate His love to the world.
