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.


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Making It Right: Restitution, Reconciliation, and God’s Gracious Provision

Listen to Today’s Passage – Leviticus 5 – 7

Follow along on Blue Letter Bible – Leviticus 5

Second Milers also read – John 1 – 2; Proverbs 4; Psalms 21 – 25

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 119:105

Read the “0204 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by Charles Spurgeon.

“1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2 If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour; 3 Or have found that which was lost, and lieth concerning it, and sweareth falsely; in any of all these that a man doeth, sinning therein: 4 Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found, 5 Or all that about which he hath sworn falsely; he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto, and give it unto him to whom it appertaineth, in the day of his trespass offering. 6 And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD, a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest: 7 And the priest shall make an atonement for him before the LORD: and it shall be forgiven him for any thing of all that he hath done in trespassing therein.” (Lev 6:1–7)

In Leviticus 5–7, God continues giving Moses instructions regarding the various sacrifices required in the Law. These chapters outline several types of offerings, each with a specific purpose for maintaining a relationship with a holy God.

  • Burnt Offering (mentioned in context, e.g., Lev. 6:8–13; 7): A voluntary act of total devotion and worship. The entire animal was consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete surrender to God and atonement for sin.
  • Meat Offering (Lev. 2; referenced in laws): A voluntary expression of gratitude for God’s provision, using fine flour, oil, and frankincense—often accompanying other sacrifices.
  • Peace Offering (Lev. 3; 7:11–34): Voluntary fellowship offering (including thanksgiving, vow, or freewill varieties). Part was burned to God, part eaten by the offerer and priests in a shared meal, picturing restored peace and communion. It included elements like the “heave” (lifted) and “wave” offerings given to priests.
  • Sin Offering (Lev. 4; 5:1–13; 6:24–30): Mandatory for unintentional sins or ritual impurities, atoning for offenses against God’s holiness.
  • Trespass (Guilt) Offering (Lev. 5:14–19; 6:1–7; 7:1–10): Required for specific wrongs, often involving restitution plus a fifth added, followed by a ram sacrifice for atonement and forgiveness.

These offerings weren’t just rituals—they revealed God’s heart and holiness. He demanded that sin be dealt with but He also made gracious provision for everyone:

  • For the poor: If someone couldn’t afford a lamb or birds for a sin offering, they could bring a tenth of an ephah of fine flour instead (Lev. 5:11). No one was excluded from atonement due to poverty—God’s mercy met them where they were.
  • For the priests: Some of the animals that were sacrifices would be wholly consumed in the fire, but portions of many offerings (e.g., from peace, sin, and trespass) went to the priests and their families (Lev. 7:6–10, 31–34), providing food for those who served the Lord in the tabernacle.

The main thought that I wanted to develop from today’s reading is from Leviticus 6:1–7, focusing on the trespass offering when a person sins against their neighbor—through deception, theft, fraud, lying about lost items, or false oaths. The Scripture describes it plainly: “If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour; Or have found that which was lost, and lieth concerning it, and sweareth falsely; in any of all these that a man doeth, sinning therein…” (Lev. 6:2–3).

Notice the sequence God requires:

  1. Make restitution first—“Because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten… he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto” (Lev. 6:4–5).
  2. Then bring the guilt offering—a ram without blemish (v. 6).
  3. Receive atonement and forgiveness—“And the priest shall make an atonement for him before the LORD: and it shall be forgiven him for any thing of all that he hath done in trespassing therein” (Lev. 6:7).

Restitution to the neighbor came before the sacrifice offered to God. Why? Because a sin against another is also a sin against God (as Numbers 5:6 echoes: “When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the LORD, and that person be guilty”). True repentance involves repairing the harm done horizontally as well as seeking vertical reconciliation. God cares deeply about justice in human relationships—He won’t let us gloss over wrongs done to others while pretending all is well with Him.

This principle echoes throughout Scripture:

  • In the New Testament, Jesus teaches the same urgency: “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee, Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift” (Matthew 5:23–24). Worship is hindered until relationships are mended.
  • Zacchaeus, the tax collector, demonstrates genuine repentance: After encountering Jesus, he declares, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold” (Luke 19:8). Jesus affirms, “This day is salvation come to this house” (Luke 19:9). Restitution was the fruit of his transformed heart.

These examples show that God desires reconciliation—both with Him and with people. We can’t compartmentalize sin: wrongs against neighbors grieve God too.

Today, in Christ, we no longer offer animal sacrifices—Jesus is our perfect Trespass Offering, who paid the ultimate restitution for our sins against God and others (Isaiah 53:10; 2 Corinthians 5:21). His blood atones fully, once for all. Yet the call remains: When we wrong someone, we must seek to make it right—apologize, restore what we can, and pursue reconciliation—then rest in His forgiveness.

You may need to allow an unbiased brother or sister help to sort out the situation. Matthew 18:15-17 gives instructions regarding conflicts between people within a congregation. That unbiased brother might be able to help you better understand what should be done to make things right.

Have you wronged a neighbor, friend, or family member? Don’t delay reconciliation. Go make it right “as much as lieth in you” (Romans 12:18). By doing so, you’ll honor God, experience deeper peace, and reflect the heart of our Savior who reconciled us to God at great cost.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your gracious provision in the old covenant and perfect provision in Christ. Convict me of any unresolved wrongs, give me courage to make restitution where needed, and help me live in reconciled relationships—for Your glory. Amen.


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