Deuteronomy on Harvesting Fruit Trees
Farming was the primary occupation during biblical times. Biblical Scriptures in Deuteronomy provided the Israelites with strict instructions for harvesting fruit crops. Does this Spark an idea?
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Deuteronomy 24:20 -- King James Version
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"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." The Bible admonished the Israelites to show compassion for those less fortunate and to share the fruits of their harvests. Harvesters are instructed to only pick the fruits one time, and leave the remaining fruits on the tree branches so that those traveling by foot, widows and orphans would have food to eat.
Types of Fruit Trees
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Figs, pomegranates, grapes and olives were the primary fruits grown in Israel during biblical times. The fruit of the olive tree was especially prized. Once established, an olive tree could produce fruit for decades.
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Fruit Harvesting Techniques
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Olive trees were beaten with a stick to make the fruits fall, hence the reference - "beatest thine olive tree."
Application of Deuteronomy Principles Today
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Christian farmers and gardeners today can borrow from Deuteronomy harvesting principals. They donate and share the second or third round of fruits harvested from their trees with organizations that help to feed the homeless and needy.
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References
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