HIGHLIGHT
Deuteronomy 24:21 (ESV): 21When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you shall not strip it afterward. It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow.
EXPLAIN
This law was given in the midst of numerous miscellaneous laws, but in this paragraph, this is a repeated command.
First, we read that if one forgot a sheaf when harvesting a field, they should leave it. Second, when beating olive trees, they were to only go over it once. Third, we find this command.
Each time, the reasoning was to provide for the sojourner, fatherless, and widow. A beautiful example of this was when Ruth, a Moabite immigrant, gleaned in Boaz’s field behind the harvesters.
Interestingly, a few verses later in Deuteronomy 25 is the law that introduced the custom by which Boaz redeemed Ruth, purchasing her father-in-law’s land and the right to marry her.
APPLY
God has a special place in his heart for those who are displaced: the one is wandering, the fatherless, and the widow.
Scripture pictures the godly response as seeing people in need as an opportunity to serve Christ, rather than an obstacle to our success.
RESPOND
Heavenly Father, help me to see your world through your eyes. Amen.