Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context The term "gleaned" refers to the act of collecting leftover crops from farmers' fields after they have been commercially harvested. This practice is deeply rooted in the agricultural and social laws of ancient Israel, as outlined in the Old Testament. Gleaning was a provision made for the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the foreigner, allowing them to gather food for themselves from the fields.
Biblical References The concept of gleaning is most prominently featured in the Book of Leviticus and the Book of Ruth. In
Leviticus 19:9-10 , the Lord commands the Israelites: "When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You must not strip your vineyard bare or gather its fallen grapes. Leave them for the poor and the foreign resident. I am the LORD your God." This directive underscores the importance of social justice and care for the marginalized within the community.
In the Book of Ruth, gleaning plays a significant role in the narrative. Ruth, a Moabite widow, gleans in the fields of Boaz to provide for herself and her mother-in-law, Naomi.
Ruth 2:2-3 states, "And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, 'Please let me go into the fields and glean heads of grain after someone in whose sight I may find favor.' 'Go ahead, my daughter,' Naomi replied. So Ruth departed and went out into the field and gleaned after the harvesters. And she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech." This passage highlights the providence of God in providing for Ruth and Naomi through the practice of gleaning.
Theological Significance Gleaning is a tangible expression of God's compassion and provision for the needy. It reflects the character of God as one who cares for the vulnerable and commands His people to do likewise. The practice of leaving gleanings for the poor is a reminder of the Israelites' own dependence on God's provision during their time in Egypt and their subsequent journey to the Promised Land.
The account of Ruth and Boaz also illustrates the concept of the kinsman-redeemer, a theme that foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ. Boaz's kindness and protection of Ruth as she gleaned in his fields is a picture of God's grace and mercy extended to all who seek refuge under His wings.
Cultural and Historical Insights In ancient Israel, agriculture was the backbone of society, and the laws concerning gleaning were integral to maintaining social welfare. The practice ensured that even the most vulnerable members of society had access to the basic necessities of life. It also fostered a sense of community responsibility and mutual care.
Gleaning was not merely an act of charity but a legal right for the poor, as established by God's law. This system of provision allowed the poor to maintain their dignity by working for their food rather than relying solely on handouts.
Modern Application While the specific practice of gleaning may not be directly applicable in modern industrialized societies, the principles behind it remain relevant. Christians are called to care for the poor and marginalized, reflecting God's love and justice in their communities. This can be manifested through acts of charity, social justice initiatives, and personal generosity.
The account of Ruth and the practice of gleaning serve as enduring reminders of God's provision and the call to live out His commandments in practical ways, ensuring that no one is left without support and care.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Glean.
Greek
1108. gnosis -- a knowing, knowledge ... Cognate: 1108 (a feminine noun derived from 1097 , "experientially know") -- (working")
knowledge
gleaned from first-hand (personal) experience, connecting
... Strong's Hebrew
3950. laqat -- to pick or gather up, glean... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to pick or gather up, glean NASB Word Usage
gather (15), gathered (8), glean (8),
gleaned (4), gleaning (1), picked (1).
... Library
Ruth.
... "Where hast thou gleaned to-day?" and Ruth told her. ... And so Ruth gleaned in the
fields of Boaz through all the barley and the wheat harvest. ...
Ruth and Naomi.
... So Ruth worked in the field all day, and then beat out the barley which she had
gleaned and took it to the city to show Naomi, who was very glad, indeed, and ...
Ruth the Gleaner.
... they rose to work again, and Boaz told the reapers to let the girl glean among the
sheaves, and pull out a handful here and there; and she gleaned there till ...
The Story of Ruth, the Gleaner
... That evening, Ruth showed Naomi how much she had gleaned, and told her of the
rich man Boaz, who had been so kind to her. And Naomi said: ...
Ruth
... her not. 'So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she
had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley.'. Then ...
The Iranian Conquest
... To form any idea of the Median kings or their people, we are reduced to haphazard
notices gleaned from the chroniclers of other lands, retailing a few isolated ...
Preface.
... has been no small drawback. It is hoped, however, that enough has been
gleaned to justify publication. Sincerest thanks are due ...
The Best Inheritance in Canaan
... In that field right over there Ruth gleaned for Boaz, and her maidenly purity won
the hearts of all. Here is Brother Faithful's house. Let us knock and go in. ...
The Kingdom Restored
... 15. Name four striking lessons for Christian activity gleaned from the book.
HAGGAI. A STUDY OF THE FOUR BRIEF PROPHECIES OF THE BOOK. ...
The Formation of the Old Testament Canon
... slightest desire for personal glory or reward, other than the perpetuation of truth,
carefully selected, condensed, and combined material gleaned from earlier ...
Thesaurus
Gleaned (6 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Glean. Multi-Version Concordance
Gleaned (6 Occurrences). Judges 20:45 They turned and fled
...Glean (12 Occurrences)
... Judges 20:45 They turned and fled toward the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon: and
they gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men, and followed hard ...
Gleaneth (2 Occurrences)
... Ruth 2:17 And she gleaneth in the field till the evening, and beateth out that which
she hath gleaned, and it is about an ephah of barley; (YLT). ...
Threshed (7 Occurrences)
... Ruth 2:17 So she gleaned in the field until evening; and she beat out that which
she had gleaned, and it was about an ephah of barley. (See NIV). ...
Mother-in-law (16 Occurrences)
... Ruth 2:18 She took it up, and went into the city; and her mother-in-law saw what
she had gleaned: and she brought forth and gave to her that which she had left ...
Bo'az (24 Occurrences)
... Ruth 2:3 She went, and came and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and she
happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the ...
Amounted (3 Occurrences)
... Amounted (3 Occurrences). Ruth 2:17 So she gleaned in the field until evening; and
she beat out that which she had gleaned, and it was about an ephah of barley. ...
Barley (35 Occurrences)
... Ruth 2:17 So she gleaned in the field until evening; and she beat out that
which she had gleaned, and it was about an ephah of barley. ...
Boaz (25 Occurrences)
... Ruth 2:3 She went, and came and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and she
happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the ...
Ruth (19 Occurrences)
... She remained accordingly and gleaned with his maidens throughout the barley and
wheat harvest, making her home with her mother-in-law (Ruth 2:23). ...
Resources
What is the meaning of gleaning in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Christendom? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to sow the wind and reap the whirlwind (Hosea 8:7)? | GotQuestions.orgGleaned: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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