Ruth 2:7 is about Ruth returning to the field to glean after having been granted permission by Boaz, demonstrating her humility, diligence, and trust in God’s provision.
7 And she said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves after the reapers.’ So she came, and she has continued from early morning until now, except for a short rest.”
Setting the Scene for Ruth 2:7
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. Ruth took it upon herself to go to the fields to gather leftover grain after the harvesters, in hopes of finding favor and provision for herself and Naomi.
As Ruth was gleaning in the fields, Boaz arrived to oversee his workers. He noticed Ruth and inquired about her. When he learned of her loyalty to Naomi and her hard work in the fields, he instructed his workers to leave extra grain for her to gather. This act of kindness and generosity from Boaz towards Ruth was the beginning of a beautiful love story and a demonstration of God’s provision and care for His people.
The scene is set in the vast fields of Bethlehem, with golden grains swaying in the gentle breeze under the bright sun. Ruth, a foreigner in a new land, toils diligently among the workers, her humble and hardworking demeanor catching the eye of Boaz. Boaz, a respected and kind landowner, approaches Ruth with compassion and grace, setting the stage for a significant encounter that will change their lives forever.
What is Ruth 2:7 about?
Boaz allows Ruth to glean in his fields, displaying a beautiful act of kindness and generosity in this verse. Gleaning was a practice in ancient times where the poor and needy were permitted to gather leftover crops from the fields after the harvest. Boaz allows Ruth to glean in his fields, providing her with a source of food and sustenance and showing compassion and empathy towards her situation.
This act of kindness by Boaz towards Ruth highlights the importance of caring for those less fortunate and going above and beyond to help others in need. It also demonstrates the values of kindness, generosity, and community support that are essential in building a compassionate and empathetic society. Small gestures of kindness can make a significant impact on the lives of those around us, reminding us of the power of such actions as we reflect on this verse. How can we emulate Boaz’s example in our own lives? What opportunities do we have to show kindness and compassion to those in need? Let us follow Boaz’s example and extend a helping hand to those who could benefit from our generosity and support.
Understanding what Ruth 2:7 really means
The Book of Ruth unfolds against the backdrop of a tumultuous period in Israel’s history, the time of the Judges. In this narrative, we encounter Ruth, a Moabite widow who chooses to accompany her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi, to Bethlehem. Ruth 2:7 captures a poignant moment as Ruth ventures into the fields to glean, seeking to provide for herself and Naomi amidst their challenging circumstances.
Ruth’s words, “Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves,” reveal her humility and respect. Despite her right to glean as a widow and a foreigner, she approaches the task with deference, setting an example of grace in seeking permission for what could rightfully be hers. This act of humility speaks volumes about Ruth’s character and sets a profound example for us today.
The verse continues, highlighting Ruth’s unwavering commitment and strong work ethic. It states that she “came and has continued from early morning until now,” showcasing her diligence and perseverance in laboring diligently in the fields. Ruth’s tireless efforts remind us of the value of hard work and dedication in pursuing our goals and caring for those we love.
Even amidst her industriousness, the passage notes that Ruth took a brief rest in the shelter. This simple act underscores her humanity and the importance of self-care and rest even in the midst of hard work. It serves as a gentle reminder that while diligence is commendable, it is essential to balance it with moments of respite and rejuvenation.
Drawing parallels from other biblical passages, we see echoes of God’s command in Leviticus 19:9-10 to leave the edges of the field for the poor and the foreigner, providing a moral foundation for Ruth’s actions. Proverbs 31:17’s depiction of the virtuous woman’s vigor in work resonates with Ruth’s industrious nature, while Matthew 25:35’s call to feed the hungry and welcome the stranger reflects the kindness shown to Ruth by Boaz.
In our contemporary context, Ruth’s story offers timeless lessons. Her humility and respect remind us of the importance of approaching others with grace and deference, regardless of our rights or entitlements. Ruth’s diligence and perseverance inspire us to work tirelessly towards our goals, knowing that hard work yields fruit. Boaz’s compassion towards Ruth underscores the significance of extending kindness and generosity to those in need, reflecting Christ’s teachings on caring for the marginalized.
Consider Maria, a young woman who, like Ruth, faces adversity with humility and hard work. Her dedication and the community’s kindness transform her circumstances, illustrating how embodying Ruth’s virtues can lead to positive change. Ruth 2:7, therefore, serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring values of humility, diligence, and compassion, urging us to navigate life with grace, industry, and generosity towards others.
What does it mean to find favor with God?
To find favor with God means to receive His special kindness, blessings, and approval. It implies that God is pleased with the individual’s actions, attitude, or character. Boaz’s acknowledgment and kindness towards Ruth show that he finds favor with God in the context of Ruth 2:7. Boaz not only allows Ruth to glean in his fields but also instructs his workers to treat her well and protect her. This favor from God is demonstrated through Boaz’s actions towards Ruth.
Finding favor with God is significant because it can lead to blessings, protection, and provision. Ruth is able to glean and provide for herself and her mother-in-law, Naomi by finding favor with God through Boaz. Finding favor with God can ultimately lead to life-changing opportunities and circumstances that are beyond what one could achieve on their own.
Finding favor with God is a reflection of one’s faithfulness, humility, and trust in God. It involves living a life that aligns with God’s will and following His commandments. Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi and her willingness to work hard humbly in the fields showed her faithfulness to God, ultimately leading to her finding favor in His eyes through Boaz.
Application
Let’s embody the spirit of Boaz by showing kindness and compassion to all, whether they are strangers or not. As we navigate through the complexities of modern life, let’s remember the power of a helping hand and a compassionate heart. Just like Boaz did for Ruth, let’s seize every chance to extend love and generosity to those in need. How will you choose to be a beacon of kindness in someone’s life today?
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.