Ruth 2:17 is about Ruth’s humility and hard work, as she diligently gleaned in the fields to provide for herself and her mother-in-law, Naomi.
17 So she gleaned in the field until evening. Then she beat out what she had gleaned, and it was about an ephah of barley.
Setting the Scene for Ruth 2:17
In Ruth chapter 2, we find Ruth, a Moabite woman, gleaning in the fields of Boaz, a wealthy landowner and relative of her deceased husband’s family. Ruth had accompanied her mother-in-law, Naomi, back to Bethlehem after the death of their husbands. They were both widows and in need of support, so Ruth took it upon herself to go and glean in the fields to provide for them.
The scene is set in the barley fields of Boaz, where Ruth is diligently working to gather leftover grain after the harvesters. Boaz notices Ruth and inquires about her, learning of her loyalty and kindness towards Naomi. Impressed by her character and work ethic, Boaz instructs his workers to leave extra grain for her to collect and even invites her to share a meal with them.
As Ruth and Boaz meet in the fields, there is a sense of providence and kindness in the air. The sun is shining down on the golden fields as Ruth humbly accepts Boaz’s generosity. Their encounter marks the beginning of a beautiful love story and a demonstration of God’s faithfulness in providing for those who trust in Him.
What is Ruth 2:17 about?
Ruth, a Moabite woman, finds favor in the eyes of Boaz while she is gleaning in his fields in this verse from the Book of Ruth. This moment is significant because it marks the beginning of a beautiful love story and a tale of kindness, strength, and loyalty. But what does it mean when someone finds favor in another’s eyes? It means that Ruth’s actions, character, and demeanor have pleased Boaz, earning his respect, admiration, and perhaps even his affection.
Imagine Ruth, a foreign woman in a new land, working tirelessly in the fields to provide for her mother-in-law, Naomi. Despite her status as an outsider, her hard work, humility, and integrity shine through, capturing the attention and admiration of Boaz. This moment of favor symbolizes more than just a romantic interest; it speaks to the power of kindness, diligence, and faithfulness in building connections and earning respect. It shows us that our actions and character can make a lasting impact on those around us, opening doors to new opportunities and relationships that lead to joy, fulfillment, and blessings.
Understanding what Ruth 2:17 really means
The Book of Ruth unfolds against the backdrop of a tumultuous period in Israel’s history, the time of the Judges, marked by social and religious upheaval. Amidst this backdrop, we encounter Ruth, a Moabite widow who chooses to remain with her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi, pledging her allegiance to Naomi’s people and God. In Ruth 2:17, we find Ruth diligently gleaning in the fields of Boaz, a kinsman of Naomi, as a means of providing sustenance for herself and Naomi.
Ruth’s unwavering commitment to toil in the fields until evening showcases her work ethic and perseverance. The act of gleaning, a provision in the Law of Moses for the disadvantaged, underscores Ruth’s humility and willingness to work for her livelihood. As she beats out the gleanings, separating the grain from the chaff, we witness the physical effort and dedication required to secure sustenance in a challenging environment. The mention of an ephah of barley, a substantial quantity symbolizing God’s abundant provision through Boaz, highlights the theme of divine blessing amidst human labor.
Drawing parallels with other biblical passages such as Leviticus 19:9-10 and Deuteronomy 24:19-22, we see a consistent call to care for the marginalized and vulnerable in society. Ruth’s actions echo the virtues described in Proverbs 31:17, portraying her as a woman of strength and industriousness. Her story serves as a timeless example of the values of hard work, compassion for the needy, and reliance on God’s provision.
In our contemporary context, Ruth’s narrative resonates with themes of diligence, community support, and divine providence. Her story challenges us to emulate her work ethic and perseverance, especially in the face of adversity. It reminds us of the importance of extending a helping hand to those in need, reflecting God’s heart for justice and compassion in our interactions with others. Ultimately, Ruth 2:17 prompts us to consider how we can embody these virtues in our daily lives, both individually and collectively.
To illustrate the enduring relevance of Ruth’s story, imagine a single mother juggling multiple jobs to support her family. Like Ruth, she faces challenges but finds strength in her faith and the assistance of her community. When a local church organizes a food drive to aid her, mirroring Boaz’s provision for Ruth, it not only meets her immediate needs but also restores her hope and trust in God’s faithfulness. This modern-day parallel underscores the timeless message of Ruth’s narrative and the transformative power of communal support and divine provision.
In conclusion, Ruth 2:17 serves as a poignant reminder of the virtues of hard work, the significance of community solidarity, and the certainty of God’s sustenance. It urges us to embody diligence, compassion, and faith in our daily lives, echoing Ruth’s example of resilience and trust in God’s care.
How can we show kindness to strangers today?
One way we can show kindness to strangers today is by being intentional in looking for opportunities to help those in need. We can also extend a helping hand to those we encounter who may be struggling or in need of assistance, just as Boaz showed kindness to Ruth by providing her with extra grain. This could involve offering a listening ear, providing support, or lending a helping hand in practical ways.
Another way to show kindness to strangers is by welcoming them with open arms and a friendly demeanor. We can also create a welcoming environment for those who may feel out of place or alone, just as Boaz welcomed Ruth into his field and provided her with food and water. We can make strangers feel valued and cared for in our presence by showing hospitality and warmth.
Additionally, we can show kindness to strangers by being generous and going above and beyond what is expected. Boaz not only allowed Ruth to glean in his field but also instructed his workers to intentionally leave extra grain for her to gather. We can make a positive impact in strangers’ lives and demonstrate the love and kindness that God shows towards all of His children by being generous in our actions and showing compassion.
Application
Let’s channel Ruth’s humility and hard work into our own lives today. Look for chances to spread kindness and generosity, just like Ruth did for her family. Every small act of service matters, so let’s make them count in showing love to others. Will you step up to be a light of empathy and kindness in your sphere?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.