Leaving the Corners: God’s Command to Care for the Poor (Leviticus 23:22)

Listen to today’s passage – Leviticus 22 – 23 

Follow along on Blue Letter Bible– Leviticus 22

Second Milers also read – John 15 – 16; Proverbs 11; Psalms 56 – 60

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Matthew 6:33

Read the “0211 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read a previous post from this passage – “Take Time to Remember“

In the book of Leviticus, God instructs His people Israel on how to live in holiness before Him. Chapters 22 and 23 continue this theme of sacred living and worship.

Chapter 22 deals with the holiness required of the priests and the offerings brought to the Lord. It emphasizes that priests must avoid uncleanness when handling holy things, and only those properly qualified may eat of the holy food. No blemished animals are acceptable for offerings—everything presented to God must be perfect, reflecting reverence and purity in approaching Him.

Chapter 23 outlines the appointed feasts and holy convocations that mark Israel’s worship calendar: the Sabbath, Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the offering of firstfruits, the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles. These times remind God’s people of His deliverance, provision, and dwelling among them.

Yet, amid this list of feasts—placed between the instructions for the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Trumpets—comes this striking, one-verse command:

“And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger: I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 23:22)

This verse interrupts the instructions regarding Israel’s celebrations and feasts and provides an important reminder to God’s people: even in times of harvest and celebration, leave the corners of the field and the gleanings (the scattered leftovers) for the poor and the stranger (sojourner or foreigner). Do not harvest every last bit—intentionally provide for those who have need. This is not mere suggestion; it is commanded by God, tied to His very identity: “I am the LORD your God.”

This principle is not unique to Leviticus 23:22. God repeats and expands it in other passages to show His consistent concern for justice and compassion toward the needy:

• Leviticus 19:9-10 states it earlier in a chapter emphasizing love for neighbor:

“And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest. And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the LORD your God.”

• Deuteronomy 24:19-21 further emphasizes the command:

“When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands. When thou beatest thine olive tree, thou shalt not go over the boughs again: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow. When thou gatherest the grapes of thy vineyard, thou shalt not glean it afterward: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow.”

These “gleaning” laws allowed the landless—widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor—to gather food through their own effort, promoting dignity rather than mere handouts. It was justice woven into daily life and agriculture, reflecting God’s care for the marginalized.

Practical Application – Instead of just giving to a needy person, perhaps give them a job or even some kind of chore around your house or at the church to earn the money.

This Old Testament emphasis on caring for the poor carries forward—and intensifies—in the New Testament as a mark of true discipleship.

Jesus declares His ministry brings “good tidings to the poor” (Luke 4:18, quoting Isaiah). He instructs the rich young ruler to sell possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him (Matthew 19:21). In the parable of the sheep and goats, Jesus identifies with the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, and imprisoned: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40).

The early church embodied this: “Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need” (Acts 4:34-35). Paul encourages generous, cheerful giving to relieve the poor (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). James defines “pure religion” as visiting “the fatherless and widows in their affliction” (James 1:27), while John warns: “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” (1 John 3:17).

Leviticus 23:22 reminds us that God’s blessing on His people includes provision through His people—for others. In a world that often maximizes every resource, God calls us to leave “corners” in our lives: margins in our time, finances, and attention for those in need. Whether through direct aid or supporting ministries that provide for needy people, we reflect the God who commands, “thou shalt leave them unto the poor… I am the LORD your God.”

When I was in Bible College down in Texas, our church would take up a “Gleanings Offering” every week. It was usually at the end of the service and people were asked to put their spare change or a few dollars in the offering plate to help someone who had a need (usually help with food, rent, or a utility bill). Nobody was asked to give a great amount; just a little bit, but when the entire church participated, it accumulated and usually took care of the need.

May this reminder stir us anew: leave the gleanings. And may it shape how we live tomorrow—and every day.

What “corners” might the Lord be asking you to leave in your life right now? I’d love to hear your thoughts –  Leave a comment.