Bible Dictionaries
Gleaning

Holman Bible Dictionary

The process of gathering grain or produce left in a field by reapers or on a vine or tree by pickers. Mosaic law required leaving this portion so that the poor and aliens might have a means of earning a living (Leviticus 19:9-10; Leviticus 23:22; Deuteronomy 24:19-21; compare Ruth 2:1 ). Isaiah compared the few grapes or olives left for gleaners to the small remnant of Israel God would leave when He judged them (Isaiah 17:5-9 ). One day, however, God would again gather or glean His remnant one by one and return them to worship in Jerusalem (Isaiah 27:12 ).