God commanded the Israelites to leave behind part of their harvest to provide for the poor, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow. This practice ensured that the needy had access to food and allowed them to gather it with dignity and effort.
“When you reap your harvest in your field, and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow…” (Deuteronomy 24:19)
The same principle applied to harvesting olives and grapes:
“When you beat your olive trees, you shall not go over the boughs again… When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you shall not glean it afterward; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow.” (Deuteronomy 24:20–21)
These commands cultivated generosity, reminded landowners of God’s provision, and upheld justice for the vulnerable. It also gave the poor the opportunity to work and gather what they needed, rather than relying on handouts. This reinforced the dignity of labor while fostering community care.
God concluded this instruction with a reminder:
“And you shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt; therefore I command you to do this thing.” (Deuteronomy 24:22)
The people were to remember their own past hardship and show mercy because of the mercy they had received. The principle of caring for the needy through intentional provision remains relevant for believers today.
