The term "gleamed" in the context of the Bible often refers to the act of gathering leftover grains or produce from the fields after the main harvest has been collected. This practice is deeply rooted in the agricultural and social laws of ancient Israel, as outlined in the Mosaic Law. The concept of gleaning is significant both practically and symbolically, reflecting God's provision for the poor and marginalized within the community.

Biblical Context and Usage

1. Levitical Law and Provision for the Poor:
The practice of gleaning is first introduced in the Mosaic Law, where landowners were instructed not to harvest the edges of their fields completely and not to pick up what was left behind. This was intended to provide for the poor, the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow. Leviticus 19:9-10 states, "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 foreigner. I am the LORD your God."

2. The Book of Ruth:
The most notable biblical narrative involving gleaning is found in the Book of Ruth. Ruth, a Moabite widow, gleans in the fields of Boaz to provide for herself and her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth 2:2-3 describes this: "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."

Boaz's kindness and adherence to the law of gleaning not only provided sustenance for Ruth and Naomi but also set the stage for Ruth's eventual marriage to Boaz, making her an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ.

3. Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons:
Gleaning serves as a powerful symbol of God's care and provision for those in need. It underscores the importance of generosity and compassion within the community of God's people. The practice also highlights the dignity of work, as the poor were given the opportunity to gather food for themselves rather than simply receiving charity.

4. New Testament Reflections:
While the New Testament does not explicitly mention gleaning, the principles behind it resonate with the teachings of Jesus and the early church. The call to care for the poor and to share resources is a recurring theme, as seen in passages like James 1:27 : "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

Cultural and Historical Insights

In ancient Israel, agriculture was the backbone of society, and the laws surrounding gleaning were both a social safety net and a means of fostering community responsibility. The practice ensured that the blessings of the harvest were shared, reflecting the communal nature of God's covenant with His people. Gleaning laws also served as a reminder of Israel's own history as foreigners and slaves in Egypt, encouraging empathy and justice in their treatment of others.

Conclusion

The concept of gleaning, as depicted in the Bible, offers rich insights into God's character and His expectations for His people. It is a testament to the enduring principles of justice, mercy, and community that are woven throughout the biblical narrative.(imp. & p. p.) of Gleam.5340a. natsats -- to shine, sparkle
... to shine, sparkle. Transliteration: natsats Short Definition: gleamed. Word Origin
a prim. root Definition to shine, sparkle NASB Word Usage gleamed (1). ...
/hebrew/5340a.htm - 5k

Letter Xci. (AD 408. )
... flowers of Italy; but in your own country we have been taught by experience, not
how it has blossomed with heroes, so much as how it has gleamed with weapons ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xci a d 408.htm

Cardinal Felix Bonpre Sat Alone in the Largest and Loneliest Room ...
... In front of him an ancient silver crucifix gleamed in the flicker of the small wood
fire which had been kindled in the wide cavernous chimney"and a black ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxii cardinal felix bonpre sat.htm

Andromeda
... up their crests in their pride to the delicate arms of the maidens, Pawing the spray
into gems, till a fiery rainfall, unharming, Sparkled and gleamed on the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/andromeda and other poems/andromeda.htm

Philip and the Desposyni
... They were all sitting together outside their tents one lovely evening, while before
them the Lake gleamed in the sunset: Clear silver water in a cup of gold. ...
/.../chapter lxiv philip and the.htm

Introduction. Modesty in Apparel Becoming to Women,
... Serians [88] spun trees, and the Tyrians dyed, and the Phrygians embroidered with
the needle, and the Babylonians with the loom, and pearls gleamed, and onyx ...
/.../on the apparel of women/chapter i introduction modesty in apparel.htm

Christian Consolation in Loneliness
... But even as he foretold it there gleamed upon his spirit the sunshine of an inner
consciousness,"a comfort that no cloud could darken; and instantly he added ...
/.../chapin/the crown of thorns/christian consolation in loneliness.htm

Exploring Canaan by Faith
... Their legs looked like tree-trunks, and covering their faces was a dense growth
of beard out of which their eyes gleamed like crystals in a haystack. ...
/.../berry/adventures in the land of canaan/chapter five exploring canaan by.htm

Meanwhile a Somewhat Embarrassing Interview had Taken Place ...
... by a chain from his neck, did not, with him, look so much a sacred symbol as a trivial
ornament,"whereas the simple silver one that gleamed against the rusty ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/iii meanwhile a somewhat embarrassing.htm

The Sack of Rome
... the Aurelian wall. The red bricks of the enclosure and the fresh
mason-work of the towers gleamed in the sun. Finally, striking ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/i the sack of rome.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem
... The rays of the setting sun lighted up the snowy whiteness of its marble
walls and gleamed from golden gate and tower and pinnacle. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 1 the destruction of.htm

Gleamed (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Gleam. Multi-Version Concordance
Gleamed (2 Occurrences). Luke 24:4 It happened, while they ...
/g/gleamed.htm - 7k

Gleam (5 Occurrences)

/g/gleam.htm - 8k

Gleameth (1 Occurrence)

/g/gleameth.htm - 6k

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