“And said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house.”– Ruth 2:7 (KJV)
“She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather scraps of grain behind the harvesters.’ So she came into the field and has remained here from morning until now, except for a short rest in the shelter.”– Ruth 2:7 (NLT)
“She said, ‘Please, let me glean and gather grain from among the stalks behind the harvesters.’ She has been at it ever since this morning, except for a short rest in the shelter.’– Ruth 2:7 (MSG)
What Does Ruth 2:7 Mean?
The verse from Ruth 2:7 gives us a glimpse of Ruth’s character and determination. Within this short passage, we see her asking for a chance to glean, which means to collect leftover grains after the harvesters have done their work. In ancient Israel, this was a common practice dictated by the law, allowing the poor and strangers to gather food after the main harvest had been completed. Ruth, a Moabite woman who had lost her husband, is reaching out for this opportunity with hope and humility. This verse illustrates her trust in God’s provision and her willingness to work hard to support herself and her mother-in-law, Naomi.
It is significant to note that Ruth came to the field early in the morning and worked persistently throughout the day. Her tenacity speaks to both her work ethic and her profound love for Naomi, whom she left her homeland to accompany. This reflects the values of hard work and loyalty, which are deeply rooted in the Jewish tradition. In Ruth’s actions, we see a powerful metaphor for perseverance. In the face of adversity, she does not shy away from labor but instead embraces it, showing that faith is not just a passive belief but an active pursuit of one’s needs.
Ruth 2:7 Explanation and Commentary
When we look at Ruth 2:7 with intention, we can derive a message about the importance of humility. Ruth approaches the harvesters with a request, asking if she can glean behind them. This request shows her choice to place her trust in the kindness of others rather than simply relying on her rights or expectations. In today’s world, we often face moments where we might feel prideful or hesitant to ask for help. However, Ruth exemplifies the virtue of humility, demonstrating that there is no shame in seeking assistance when we are in need. She sets a beautiful example for us, encouraging us to also ask for support from our community or those around us when we require it.
Furthermore, Ruth’s patience shines through in this verse. She has worked tirelessly from morning until now, taking only a brief moment to rest. This aspect of her character suggests that success often requires hard work and perseverance. We might often find ourselves in situations where it feels easier to give up or to lay blame on our circumstances. Instead, we can look to Ruth’s example and remind ourselves that, with faith and hard work, we can overcome obstacles. Her dedication to gathering grain is symbolic of our need to pursue our goals with diligence, even when the path becomes difficult.
We also see the profound sense of community and family in Ruth’s actions. By caring for Naomi in this way, Ruth exemplifies selflessness. It invites us to reflect on how we treat our loved ones or those around us. Are we working hard for the benefit of others as Ruth did? Each of us plays a pivotal role in the tapestry of our community, and we can choose to contribute positively to the lives of those we care about, just as Ruth did for Naomi. This verse compels us to embrace our responsibilities to our families and communities, striving to make a difference in someone else’s life.
In essence, selecting to glean behind the harvesters represents resilience. Ruth did not have grand access to wealth or resources; what she did have was her willingness to get her hands dirty, to labor for the sake of others. This challenges us to think about our lives, not just in what we wish for or desire, but in what we are willing to put in, to earn those desires. Every effort we make toward our goals is an investment in our future. We can often find ourselves wishing for prosperity or blessings without putting in the effort. Ruth reminds us that the road to fulfillment is built on a foundation of hard work, perseverance, and unwavering faith.
Context of Ruth 2:7
To fully grasp the significance of Ruth 2:7, we must consider the entire book of Ruth. This story takes place during the time of the judges in Israel, a period marked by chaos and moral decay. Ruth is introduced as a Moabite woman, married to an Israelite man. When her husband dies, her loyalty and love for her mother-in-law Naomi compel her to leave her homeland in Moab and travel to Bethlehem with her.
This context is vital in understanding Ruth’s character. Coming from Moab, she was an outsider and perhaps even subject to prejudice. However, she chooses to embrace her new life and the community of Bethlehem, where she seeks out opportunity despite her outsider status. The realm of social structures can be harsh, and many people may overlook those who seem different. Yet, Ruth breaks through cultural barriers as she seeks care for Naomi and a better life for herself.
Upon arriving in Bethlehem, Ruth sets out to glean in the fields of Boaz, a relative of Naomi. This choice is not merely an act of survival but a stepping into God’s provision for her. Her journey embodies trust in God’s plan, and Ruth’s willingness to get involved in the community reflects her commitment to their shared welfare. As we read in previous verses, Naomi, who initially sees no hope for their future, begins to see how God is working through Ruth’s actions, ultimately restoring their lives.
Importantly, in the context of Ruth’s gleaning, we see the laws God established regarding the treatment of the poor and the vulnerable in Israel. In Leviticus 19:9-10, for instance, God commands farmers not to harvest the edges of their fields and to leave crops for the needy. Ruth’s actions in the field embrace these laws and reflect the heart of God towards those who lack resources.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Ruth 2:7
Let’s break down Ruth 2:7 by focusing on the actions and words of Ruth. The first part of this verse shows Ruth’s request, “Please let me glean and gather scraps of grain behind the harvesters.” This indicates her respect for the people working the fields and hints at Ruth’s understanding of her position in this new community. By using “please,” she shows humility. It reminds us that kindness is essential in our relationships as we approach others.
Her request for gleaning emphasizes the need for active participation in society. Ruth demonstrates courage in asking for what she needs. We can learn from this, as it highlights the strength it takes to approach others with requests. We can consider our roles—when we find ourselves in need, we can follow suit in voicing our needs to others without fear.
Next, we notice how Ruth has “continued even from the morning until now,” which shows perseverance. The journey from the early morning till the late hours signifies her dedication. We sometimes struggle with sustaining effort in our circumstances, particularly when the challenge seems long. Ruth’s hard work illustrates the value of being consistent and tireless in our own endeavors. This aspect reminds us to reflect on our commitment level in the tasks we’ve set before us.
Lastly, it strikes us that Ruth took “a little” rest in the house. This small detail implies the importance of taking breaks during work. We may feel that we need to work tirelessly without a pause. However, Ruth exemplifies that even in hard work, moments of rest and refreshment are vital. It is all about maintaining a balance between dedication and well-being.
Lessons to Learn From Ruth 2:7
As we ponder the life of Ruth and specifically Ruth 2:7, there are many valuable lessons we can embrace. One significant lesson is the importance of humility. Ruth’s approach to asking to glean from the fields teaches us that there is strength in vulnerability. In our lives, we should not hesitate to seek help from others—friends, family, or community members. Whether during difficult times or when we just need someone to lean on, humility can open doors to resources and support.
A further lesson revolves around perseverance. Ruth’s relentless spirit reminds us that goals and ambitions often require dedication and hard work. In our own pursuits—be it education, careers, or personal growth—we should remember that we may need to put in extra hours and effort. The journey we walk may be long, but every step counts, and we must not grow weary. In Galatians 6:9, it says, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Just as Ruth diligently gleaned grain, we must remain committed to our tasks, trusting that our hard work will bear fruit.
Additionally, loyalty prevails as a crucial lesson from Ruth’s actions. Her commitment to Naomi sparks a deep sense of familial bonds and friendships. Ruth didn’t just think of her own needs; her heart was set on caring for Naomi. This level of loyalty is something we should cultivate in our relationships. Kindness, trust, and support create powerful connections that resist the tests of time.
In conclusion, we learn that seeking opportunities is essential in our lives. Ruth sought to improve her situation creatively, and she was proactive in finding ways to support herself and Naomi. This teaches us not just to sit back and wait for blessings to come our way, but rather to take initiative and search for opportunities to grow. We are encouraged to be active participants in our lives, stepping out in faith, and trusting in God’s provision.
Final Thoughts
Ruth 2:7 offers a deep and profound insight into character virtues that resonate throughout the text. We are given a front-row seat to see the heart of a woman who faced uncertainty yet remained faithful and diligent in her actions. In the face of struggle and grief, Ruth chose to persevere, showcasing an encouraging example of strength, resolve, and love.
As we reflect on this brief verse, we can draw parallels to our lives today. We may find ourselves surrounded by challenges, hardships, or the need for direction. By taking cues from Ruth’s experience—leaning into humility, working hard, remaining loyal, and actively pursuing opportunities—we acknowledge that our stories can also be filled with hope and restoration.
In moments of doubt, let’s remind ourselves of Ruth, and embrace our journeys with courage. Should you wish to explore more inspiring lessons from scripture, consider checking out other passages like Acts 14:24, where perseverance and faith are discussed, or Joshua 10:19, revealing more about trust. There is so much more to discover as we seek wisdom within the pages of the Bible.