Deuteronomy 24:20

When you beat the olives from your trees, you must not go over the branches again. What remains will be for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow.

Study Bible

When you beat the olives from your trees
In ancient Israel, olive trees were a significant agricultural asset, providing oil for cooking, lighting, and religious rituals. The Hebrew word for "beat" is "נָקַף" (naqaph), which implies a methodical harvesting process. This practice reflects the agrarian lifestyle of the Israelites and their dependence on the land's produce. The act of beating the olives symbolizes the diligent work required to gather sustenance, reminding us of the importance of labor and stewardship of God's creation.

do not go over the branches again
The instruction not to "go over the branches again" is a command to exercise restraint and generosity. The Hebrew phrase here suggests a deliberate choice to leave some of the harvest behind. This reflects God's heart for justice and provision, ensuring that the community's vulnerable members are cared for. It teaches us about the importance of contentment and the willingness to share our blessings with others, trusting in God's provision.

What remains will be for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow
This phrase highlights God's concern for the marginalized and disadvantaged. The "foreigner" (גֵּר, ger), "fatherless" (יָתוֹם, yathom), and "widow" (אַלְמָנָה, almanah) represent those without a support system in ancient society. By leaving the remnants of the harvest for them, God establishes a social safety net, emphasizing His compassion and justice. This provision is a call to the Israelites—and to us—to reflect God's character by caring for those in need, demonstrating love and mercy in tangible ways.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The original audience of Deuteronomy, the Israelites were given these laws as part of the covenant with God, guiding their conduct in the Promised Land.

2. Foreigners, Fatherless, and Widows
These groups represent the marginalized and vulnerable in society, whom God commands His people to care for through acts of generosity and justice.

3. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which the Israelites were to inhabit, where these agricultural laws were to be practiced.

Teaching Points

God's Heart for the Vulnerable
God consistently shows His concern for the marginalized, urging His people to reflect His compassion through their actions.

Principle of Generosity
The command to leave some of the harvest for others teaches us to practice generosity and not to hoard resources.

Trust in God's Provision
By not going over the branches again, the Israelites were to trust that God would provide for their needs, even as they provided for others.

Community Responsibility
This law highlights the responsibility of the community to care for its members, especially those who cannot care for themselves.

Practical Love in Action
The command is a call to put love into action, demonstrating faith through tangible acts of kindness and support.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command in Deuteronomy 24:20 reflect God's character and His priorities for His people?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of leaving "what remains" in our modern context to support those in need?

3. How does the account of Ruth and Boaz illustrate the practical application of this law, and what can we learn from their example?

4. What are some modern-day equivalents of "beating the olives" where we might be tempted to overlook opportunities for generosity?

5. How can we as a community ensure that we are caring for the "foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow" in our midst, in line with both Old and New Testament teachings?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 19:9-10
This passage also instructs the Israelites to leave the gleanings of their harvest for the poor and the foreigner, emphasizing God's concern for the needy.

Ruth 2
The account of Ruth gleaning in Boaz's field illustrates the practical application of this law and highlights God's provision through the obedience of His people.

James 1:27
This New Testament verse underscores the importance of caring for orphans and widows, aligning with the spirit of Deuteronomy 24:20.