Final answer:
The 'fruits of the field' during the seventh year, according to the biblical Shmita or Sabbatical year, belonged to everyone and were left for the poor, the stranger, and the wild animals to prevent over-farming and ensuring socioeconomic equality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question refers to a practice in ancient Jewish society, particularly as outlined in the biblical Book of Leviticus. It's part of a socioeconomic policy called the Shmita, or Sabbatical year. According to this policy, the 'fruits of the field' in the seventh year were not harvested by the landowners. Instead, they were left for the poor, the stranger, and the wild animals. Everyone, regardless of social status, had equal rights to these fruits. This practice served to allow the land to rest and prevent over-farming, while also providing for the less fortunate.
Learn more about Shmita