How can we implement Leviticus 19:9 in our modern agricultural practices today?

The Command Revisited

“ ‘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.’ ” (Leviticus 19:9)

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The Heart Behind the Law

- Compassion baked into daily work (Deuteronomy 24:19–22)

- Dignity for the poor through gleaning (Ruth 2:2–3)

- Stewardship, not hoarding (Proverbs 11:24–25)

- Foreshadowing Christ’s generous provision (John 6:35)

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Timeless Principles

- Ownership with open-handed stewardship

- Labor paired with mercy

- Provision that preserves dignity

- Blessing tied to generosity (2 Corinthians 9:6)

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Practical Steps for Farmers

• Leave a 2–5 % perimeter unharvested

• Harvest once, then invite gleaners before discing under

• Partner with gleaning ministries and food banks

• Donate misshapen or surplus produce

• Offer community garden strips on unused acreage

• Provide sliding-scale CSA shares

• Track donations for available tax credits

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Ideas for Small Growers & Gardeners

- Plant an extra row “for the needy”

- Allow neighbors to pick from fruit trees

- Host seasonal “pick-your-own” for single parents and seniors

- Share eggs, herbs, or honey through a church free-table

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Community & Church Initiatives

• Form gleaning volunteer teams with water breaks like Boaz (Ruth 2:9)

• Create produce-sharing co-ops that tithe a portion of every harvest

• Support policies that ease farm-to-food-bank channels

• Teach children to garden and give

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Urban & Non-Farmer Participation

- Buy from farmers who practice gleaning

- Volunteer with food-rescue groups

- Stock community fridges with fresh items

- Fund seed and tool projects for overseas smallholders

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Gospel Motivation

“For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat.” (Matthew 25:35)

As Christ gave Himself freely (2 Corinthians 8:9), fields, gardens, and kitchens become living parables of His grace when we leave margins for others.