“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.”
Historical Context:Leviticus is part of the Torah, specifically the third book of the Old Testament. It contains laws and regulations given by God to the Israelites through Moses during their time in the wilderness.
Harvesting Practices:In this verse, God instructs the Israelites regarding their agricultural practices. When they harvested their crops, they were not to meticulously gather every last bit or clean the corners of their fields. Instead, they were to leave behind some portions of their harvest.
Concern for the Poor and Strangers:The primary reason for leaving behind these portions was to provide for the needy members of society, specifically the poor and strangers (foreigners or sojourners). The leftovers were to be made available for them to gather and sustain themselves.
God’s Command:God establishes His authority over this instruction by saying, “I am the Lord your God.” This reminds the Israelites that they are in a covenant relationship with God, and obedience to His commands is essential.
Principles of Generosity and Compassion:This verse reveals God’s concern for the vulnerable and teaches the principles of generosity and compassion. It encourages the Israelites to be mindful of those who were less fortunate and to provide for their needs.
Application for Believers Today:While this commandment was specific to the Israelites in their agricultural society, it still carries valuable principles for believers today. It reminds us of the importance of generosity and caring for those in need. It encourages us to be mindful of the marginalized members of society and find ways to support them.
In conclusion, Leviticus 23:22 instructs the Israelites to leave portions of their harvest for the poor and strangers. It teaches principles of generosity, compassion, and concern for the vulnerable. As believers, we can apply these principles by seeking opportunities to support and care for those in need, recognizing that God is the ultimate provider and that we are called to reflect His character.
