“Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? And when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn.”– Ruth 2:9 (KJV)
“Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the women. I have told the men not to bother you. And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.”– Ruth 2:9 (NLT)
“Look over there, where they are harvesting. Follow them. I told the young men not to harass you. And when you’re thirsty, feel free to go and drink from the buckets the servants have filled.”– Ruth 2:9 (MSG)
What Does Ruth 2:9 Mean?
This verse shows kindness and protection from Boaz towards Ruth. Boaz is a wealthy landowner in Bethlehem. When Ruth, a widow from Moab, decides to glean in Boaz’s fields, she proves herself to be hardworking and dedicated. Boaz instructs his young men to not harm her and encourages her to drink from the water they have drawn. This act of generosity displays Boaz’s character and sets the stage for the special relationship that develops between him and Ruth.
Ruth finds herself in a new land, experiencing unfamiliar customs and potentially dangerous situations as a foreigner. Her vulnerability is palpable, yet Boaz provides her with assurance. By asking her to follow the harvesters and assuring her that she will not be harmed, Boaz indicates that he respects her and values her presence. Ruth’s hard work and determination have not gone unnoticed, and Boaz seems to admire her resilience.
Ruth 2:9 Explanation and Commentary
In this section, we can explore the implications of Boaz’s words and actions in Ruth 2:9. It’s important to understand the context surrounding their interaction. Ruth is a Moabite widow who has come to Israel with her mother-in-law, Naomi. As a foreigner in a new land, she is vulnerable to mistreatment and prejudice. Yet, Boaz, a man of standing, not only welcomes her but also goes out of his way to protect her.
Throughout the book of Ruth, themes of kindness, integrity, and redeeming love are prevalent. The relationships between characters showcase loyalty and trust. In this verse, we see that Boaz is aware of Ruth’s vulnerability and takes steps to ensure her safety. It is significant that he instructs his men not to touch her, as this demonstrates that he values her dignity. This consideration is not common in the historical context of the ancient world where women often faced oppression.
Ruth’s reaction to Boaz’s kindness is one of humility and gratitude. When we observe her response, we see an example of how we too should handle kindness shown to us. Instead of feeling entitled or presumptuous, Ruth acknowledges Boaz’s generosity and acts with respect and humility. This teaches us about the power of gratitude in creating meaningful relationships.
Moreover, as Boaz offers Ruth the chance to drink from the water the men have drawn, it symbolizes sharing resources and provisioning for others. This means he was willing to open his generosity, not just physically, but emotionally as well. Relationships grow stronger when we share with each other, and Boaz exemplifies a giving and caring spirit.
Context of Ruth 2:9
To fully understand Ruth 2:9, we must examine the surrounding context in the book of Ruth. This book is a story of hope, love, and redemption amidst hardship. The backdrop of the narrative is a time of famine in Bethlehem. Naomi, a widow, returns to her homeland with her Moabite daughter-in-law, Ruth. They have nothing and are desperate for sustenance.
As Ruth gleans in the fields, she not only seeks to provide for herself and Naomi, but also displays remarkable faith. She could have gone back to her family in Moab, but her commitment to Naomi is unwavering. Ruth’s actions are motivated by loyalty and love, which resonate throughout her story. She chooses to stick by Naomi, declaring, “Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay.” Ruth 1:16 reveals her courage and determination.
In this specific chapter, we meet Boaz, who is related to Naomi’s late husband. Boaz’s kindness stands out during a time when societal norms often neglected the vulnerable. His approach to Ruth provides a refreshing perspective on how we can treat others in our lives. His willingness to extend compassion during difficult times encourages us to be sensitive to those around us. This context leads to a transformative relationship that impacts Ruth’s future and ultimately plays a key role in the lineage of Christ.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Ruth 2:9
Examining each phrase of Ruth 2:9 can unlock deeper understanding. “Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap.” This portion is Boaz advising Ruth to pay attention to the fields where the harvest is taking place. It shows her focus should be on the good things happening around her. She has come to glean and work, and Boaz encourages her to look to the efforts she can put forth.
The phrase “follow along after the women” highlights the companionship and community of working together. Ruth is invited into a circle of women who are laboring, which suggests a sense of belonging. In the process of her gleaning, Ruth would have been able to build relationships with the other harvesters and create bonds over shared work. This collective effort is something we can also emulate in our work settings, encouraging collaboration and teamwork.
Boaz’s affirmation, “I have told the men not to bother you,” stands as a guard of protection. This shows that those in authority can create safe spaces for the vulnerable among us. It can inspire us to advocate for the marginalized, speaking up for those who might not have a voice. When we protect others, we emulate Christ’s love for us and aspire to create community in our lives.
Finally, “when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink” illustrates his generosity. Boaz is not just looking to provide Ruth with work but is willing to share resources with her. His actions encourage us to think about how we treat those around us and remind us that we can extend our hands to uplift others in need. This verse profoundly teaches us the meaning of hospitality and kindness.
Lessons to Learn From Ruth 2:9
As we reflect on Ruth 2:9, several lessons surface that we can incorporate into our lives. One vital lesson is the importance of extending kindness and compassion toward others. Every day, we have opportunities to show kindness, whether to friends, family, coworkers, or strangers. Boaz exemplifies this and serves as a reminder that little acts of kindness have great impact.
Another lesson we glean from this scripture is recognizing the strength in vulnerability. Ruth, a widow and foreigner, embraces her vulnerability, demonstrating courage in seeking help. We learn that asking for assistance is okay, and it often leads to enriching relationships and experiences. Offering help is equally significant, as Boaz shows by protecting Ruth and offering her resources.
Additionally, our choices can create a ripple effect, much like Ruth and Boaz’s relationship. Their decision to act with integrity and grace paved the way for fulfilling lives and a heritage that would bless many. In our lives, we have an impact on those around us by making conscious choices and decisions daily. This reminds us that we all carry a responsibility to care for one another.
Lastly, the importance of community comes to light. Ruth wasn’t alone in her journey; she had Naomi and later forged bonds with Boaz. Community support is vital in facing life’s challenges. We are reminded to be part of one another’s lives, offering encouragement and strength. As we build relationships, we create an environment of shared experiences and growth in faith.
Final Thoughts
Ruth 2:9 is more than just a verse; it’s a lesson in compassion, kindness, and community. It teaches us how to treat others with dignity, just as Boaz did for Ruth. We can bring light and hope into the lives of those around us by acknowledging vulnerability and offering help. The beauty of this interaction reminds us that caring for our neighbors, friends, and family is our shared responsibility as part of a loving community.
As we go about our daily lives, we can keep this message close to our hearts. Each of us has the opportunity to create a safe haven for others. Let us extend our hands to invite others into a community of love and care. To further explore these themes and learn more about how we can apply God’s word to our lives, check out our other articles like Acts 14:24 and Joshua 10:19. Together, we can continue to grow in faith and kindness, just as Ruth and Boaz did.