Deuteronomy 23:24-25

(5) PARTAKING OF A NEIGHBOR'S CROP (Deuteronomy 23:24-25)

24 When thou comest into thy neighbor's vineyard, then thou mayest eat of grapes thy fill at thine own pleasure; but thou shalt not put any in thy vessel. 25 When thou comest into thy neighbor's standing grain, then thou mayest pluck the ears with thy hand; but thou shalt not move a sickle unto thy neighbor's standing grain.

THOUGHT QUESTIONS 23:24, 25

403.

Why was this provision made? Consider two viewpoints.

404.

Jesus-' disciples made use of this law. Cf. Matthew 12:1 ff.

AMPLIFIED TRANSLATION 23:24, 25

24 When you come into your neighbor's vineyard, you may eat your fill of grapes as many as you please; but you shall not put any in your vessel.
25 When you come into the standing grain of your neighbor, you may pluck the ears with your hand; but you shall not put a sickle to your neighbor's standing grain.

COMMENT 23:24, 25

In both the vineyard and the grain-field, the rule is based on the principle of providing for the immediate needs of the individual who passed through the field. They were not allowed to lay up a reserve of either crop.

Jesus-' disciples used this law to their advantage, Matthew 12:1 ff. The Pharisees-' rebuke in that instance was doubtless based on such passages as Exodus 31:12-17, Numbers 15:32-36. But they forgot at least two considerations: 1. Preservation of human life is a principle over-shadowing subbath-keeping, 2. Christ himself is Lord and Master of the sabbath.