Judges 8:2 What have I done now in comparison of you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer?

              Gleanings are referenced in Leviticus as a portion of the field and vines which are left unharvested by the workers of the field. The intent was that the poor and the stranger could come and gather for themselves and gain sustenance.

              Spiritually the field would be the bible, the Word of God. The workers of the field would be the preachers, teachers, theologians, and scholars. Anyone who is not on the list of workers would be called poor or a stranger.

              Abiezer, which means father of help, was of the tribe of Benjamin. Paul, the author of so many epistles in the New Testament, was of the tribe of Benjamin. I do not see this as mere coincidence. I see it as comparative language.

              Do you glean for yourself or feed only on what the workers have provided? When you read your bible it can be a very personal experience. Writings and teachings are more of a general note, not meant to specifically touch individual needs. Not that they cannot, but are not meant to do so. I believe what God is saying in Judges 8:2 is that which you go and glean for yourself will taste best or do you the most good.