Grape-gleanings refer to the practice of collecting leftover grapes from a vineyard after the main harvest has been completed. This practice is rooted in the agricultural laws given to the Israelites in the Old Testament, reflecting God's provision for the poor and marginalized in society.

Biblical References:

The concept of gleaning is first introduced in the Mosaic Law, where God commands the Israelites to leave the corners of their fields and the gleanings of their harvest for the poor and the foreigner. In Leviticus 19:9-10 , it is written: "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."

This command is reiterated in Deuteronomy 24:21 : "When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you must not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow."

Cultural and Theological Significance:

Grape-gleanings serve as a tangible expression of God's justice and mercy. By instructing landowners to leave the remnants of their harvest, God ensures that those who are economically disadvantaged have access to food and sustenance. This practice underscores the biblical principle of caring for the needy and reflects the character of God as a provider and protector of the vulnerable.

The practice of gleaning is also prominently featured in the Book of Ruth. Ruth, a Moabite widow, gleans in the fields of Boaz, a relative of her deceased husband. Boaz's kindness and adherence to the gleaning laws not only provide for Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi, but also set the stage for Ruth's eventual marriage to Boaz, which is part of the lineage of King David and ultimately, Jesus Christ.

Prophetic and Symbolic Usage:

In the prophetic literature, grape-gleanings are sometimes used metaphorically to describe the remnant of Israel. For instance, in Isaiah 17:6 , the prophet speaks of a remnant that will be left, "like the gleanings of an olive tree, two or three berries at the very top of the tree, four or five on its fruitful branches." This imagery conveys the idea of a faithful remnant preserved by God amidst judgment and destruction.

Practical Implications:

The principle of grape-gleanings encourages believers to consider how they can extend generosity and compassion to those in need. It challenges individuals and communities to reflect on their own practices of stewardship and charity, ensuring that they are not only concerned with personal gain but also with the welfare of others.

In summary, grape-gleanings are a biblical practice that highlights God's concern for justice, mercy, and provision for the less fortunate. It serves as a reminder of the call to live out these values in everyday life, reflecting the heart of God to a watching world.5955. oleloth -- a gleaning
... grapes, grape-gleanings. Feminine active participle of alal; only in plural gleanings;
by extens. Gleaning-time -- (gleaning) (of the) grapes, grapegleanings. ...
/hebrew/5955.htm - 6k

Ep. Xlvi. To Basil.
... the latter writes again.) How can any affairs of yours be mere grape-gleanings
to me, O dear and sacred friend? "What a word has ...
/.../cyril/select letters of saint gregory nazianzen/ep xlvi to basil.htm

Where to Find Fruit
... of fruit being found, implying perhaps, that we must look for it"not because there
is little, or here and there a cluster, like the grape-gleanings of Abi ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/where to find fruit.htm

In Urging Repentance St. ...
... of my produce; but may He gather it in, as is said by some one: "Woe is me, for
I am become as one that gathereth straw in harvest, and grape gleanings in the ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter viii in urging repentance.htm

The Life of Mr. John Welch.
... time a flourishing minister at Irvine, was frequently heard to say, when people
talked to him of the success of his ministry, That the grape-gleanings in Ayr ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr john 5.htm

The Strait Gate;
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the strait gate.htm

Grape-gleanings (1 Occurrence)
Grape-gleanings. Grape-gatherers, Grape-gleanings. Grapes .
Multi-Version Concordance Grape-gleanings (1 Occurrence). ...
/g/grape-gleanings.htm - 6k

Grape-gatherers (2 Occurrences)
Grape-gatherers. Grapegatherers, Grape-gatherers. Grape-gleanings . ... (ASV DBY
JPS WBS). Grapegatherers, Grape-gatherers. Grape-gleanings . Reference Bible
/g/grape-gatherers.htm - 7k

Grapes (74 Occurrences)

/g/grapes.htm - 31k

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