"I will go get a job," Ruth announced the next morning. She was putting on a brave front, but inside she doubted that anyone would hire a foreigner.
That morning, Naomi patiently explained the gleaning laws to Ruth. Ruth relaxed and set off for the field of Boaz, a member of Naomi's family. She would glean in his field and there would be plenty of food for both women.
What is Gleaning?
"When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen.Leave them for the poor adn the alien. I am the Lord your God," (Leviticus 19:9-10 NIV).
The gleaning law fascinates me! It is so creative and makes so much sense. What a great way to take care of the poor and unemployed.
Imagine that you are a farmer or a vineyard owner. You are gathering in your harvest, trying to get every piece of fruit, grain, or crop that you can. You end up missing some. And, some of your harvest falls while you are transporting it to the storehouse.
What should you do? It would be a lot of work to go back over the field, especially because you just went through the whole field or vineyard. So, you LEAVE it for the poor.
The poor, unemployed, and foreigners can now come through and gather what is left. The poor people follow behind the workers and pick up what is left behind.
Here is what is so wonderful about the gleaning law.
- The poor are given food
- They work to provide it (it is not getting something for nothing)
- The poor are required to work
- The farmer doesn't have to collect the food for them
- There is no paperwork or forms to fill out
- The field or vineyard is left clean and tidy
Fruit of the Gleaning Law
The gleaning law keeps self-respect intact for the recipient of the harvest. He/she works and receives payment for his/her labor. How simple.
The owner doesn't feel like he/she is being taken advantage of because his/her needs are met too. The field is clean and tidy. Real work is done.
The Gleaning Law in Modern Times
Can this principle be applied today? I think so! Of course, it would be harder to apply in a society that loves filling out massive amounts of paperwork in triplicate, but it could be done.
The goal of gleaning is to build responsibility and a sense of accomplishment on the part of the poor person.
Some charities already use this principle by collecting used items from people, repairing them, and selling them in "Thrift" or "Second-hand" stores. Poor people work to repair and sell items.
Leftover food in grocery stores could be received by those who would be wiling to stock shelves or sweep floors when the work day is over. Leftover food in restaurants could be received by those willing to wash dishes and help clean up the restaurant.
Torn or ripped clothing could be taken home by folks who would straighten clothing racks and sweep the floors.
Of course, farmers of all kinds could allow the poor to glean their fields.
Dumpster diving is illegal, but folks could put nice things out by the road a few days early for garbage pick-up with a sign, "Free." Free item tables at garage sales.
Well, the possibilities are endless and I hope you get the point. There are creative ways to show compassion to the poor while leaving their dignity intact.
"I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. Surely the righteous will praise your name and the upright will live before you," (Psalm 140:12-13 NIV).
May God bless you as you serve our generous God!
Merey (Meredith Ludwg Curtis)