What does the Bible say about gleaning?

Gleaning in the Bible refers to the act of gathering what is left behind in the fields during harvest time, as exemplified in Ruth 2. This practice highlights themes of God’s provision, mercy, and grace. Ruth, for example, gleaned during a time of spiritual and physical need, relying on God's providence to sustain her after suffering loss. It serves as a reminder for Christians today to seek spiritual nourishment and wisdom during difficult seasons, learning from the experiences of those who have gone before us, like Ruth, who serves as a type of the believer seeking God’s grace.