“So she gleaned in the field until evening, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley.”– Ruth 2:17 (KJV)
“So Ruth gathered barley there all day, and when she beat out the grain that evening, it filled an ephah.”– Ruth 2:17 (NLT)
“Ruth gathered barley in the fields until evening. When she threshed what she had gathered, she ended up with nearly a bushel.”– Ruth 2:17 (MSG)
What Does Ruth 2:17 Mean?
Ruth 2:17 tells us that Ruth worked hard all day gleaning in the fields. This verse captures the essence of her dedication and perseverance. She wasn’t just picking up leftover grain, but she was also taking the time to thresh the barley she had gathered. This is significant because it reveals not only Ruth’s commitment to providing for herself and her mother-in-law, Naomi, but also highlights the importance of hard work and tenacity. In biblical culture, gleaning was a way for the poor to gather food, and Ruth was willing to put in the effort to ensure they would have enough to eat.
When we consider the amount of barley she collected, described as an ephah, we learn that her hard work yielded a substantial result. An ephah is approximately equivalent to 3.5 gallons or about 22 liters! This shows that through her diligence, Ruth was able to gather enough grain to sustain both herself and Naomi, demonstrating that work can lead to blessings. When we put in effort and do our best, we often see the fruits of our labor, just as Ruth did.
Ruth 2:17 Explanation and Commentary
This verse is full of meaning regarding Ruth’s character. Ruth was not just a widow who had experienced loss; she was a woman of action who took her situation into her own hands. We can learn from her example in how she demonstrated responsibility. After the death of her husband, Ruth chose to remain with Naomi, saying famously, “Where you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay” (Ruth 1:16), indicating loyalty. Now, she finds herself in a foreign land, yet she does all she can to provide.
Her choice to glean—picking up leftover grains from the fields—is also significant. It reflects a commitment to the Levitical law, which allowed the poor to gather leftover crops as a means of survival (Leviticus 19:9-10). Ruth’s actions show us that she was not only humble but also obedient to God’s laws and guidelines about caring for the needy.
Ruth worked hard from morning to evening, showcasing both her strength and determination. This portrays a role model for us today; we are encouraged to put in our best efforts and remain steadfast no matter the challenges we face. Often, we might feel overwhelmed by our circumstances, but like Ruth, we too can find ways to move forward and create positive change in our lives.
Additionally, her work ethic serves as an inspiration in our spiritual lives. Just as Ruth physically gathered barley, we may need to seek spiritual nourishment in our lives. This can come through prayer, reading the Word, or engaging in church activities. Each of these actions can produce a great harvest of blessings in our own lives.
Ruth’s success in gathering a significant amount of barley is a testament to her hard work and trust in God. Her story reiterates the importance of faith accompanied by action. We are often reminded in scripture that faith without works is dead (James 2:26), which encourages us not to be merely passive believers, but to actively seek and serve.
Context of Ruth 2:17
To fully understand Ruth 2:17, we must acknowledge the surrounding events. Ruth was a Moabite woman married to a Hebrew man and, after losing her husband, made the courageous decision to follow Naomi back to Bethlehem. They returned during the time of the barley harvest, which was significant as it allowed Ruth the opportunity to glean from the fields.
Before this verse, in Ruth 2:2, we see Ruth expressing her determination when she tells Naomi, “Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain.” This shows that Ruth was proactive and willing to work to provide for Naomi and herself. By working in the fields owned by Boaz, a relative of Naomi, Ruth was also seeking favor and assistance from him, as gleaning was traditionally a way to provide for the needy among the community. This context is crucial to understanding how Ruth’s actions were a step of faith not just for sustenance, but also for hope of a better future.
As we read beyond verse 17, we learn that Boaz notices Ruth’s hard work and ensures her safety in the fields, reflecting God’s provision through Ruth’s labor. It’s important to remember that in God’s plan, our hard work often leads to divine connections and blessings we couldn’t have anticipated.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Ruth 2:17
In examining the first part of the verse, we see that “Ruth gathered barley in the fields until evening.” This specific timeframe illustrates her dedication and determination. Working until evening not only showed her strength but also revealed how much she valued the opportunity to provide for herself and Naomi.
Next, we notice the phrase “when she beat out the grain.” This signifies that Ruth was not just gathering but was actively working to separate the grain from the husks. This task was labor-intensive, yet it reflects her commitment to ensuring that they had substantial food to eat. She didn’t take shortcuts; she put in the effort needed to make the grain usable.
Lastly, the result of her hard work is noted: “it filled an ephah.” This phrase indicates that Ruth’s labor produced a significant amount of grain. With this, we can consider the idea of reaping what we sow. Ruth, through her diligent work, was rewarded abundantly. Such an important point arises: our actions today can have lasting implications for our tomorrow. When we invest our efforts and faith into our work, we embark on a journey towards reaping fruitful outcomes.
In relation to our spiritual journeys, like Ruth, we may find ourselves in challenging situations. However, by maintaining a steadfast spirit and trusting in God, we can witness the blessings unfold. Our work may not lead to physical grain but can result in spiritual growth and community support, amplifying the idea that what we cultivate through faith and labor is valuable and impactful.
Lessons to Learn From Ruth 2:17
Ruth’s experience is a source of wisdom and encouragement. One of the main lessons we can learn is the importance of hard work. In the face of adversity, Ruth rolled up her sleeves and faced the challenge head-on. We too can strive to be proactive in our own lives, especially when faced with difficulties. It is essential to respond to challenges with action, put in the effort, and trust that our work does not go unnoticed.
Another lesson from Ruth 2:17 revolves around faithfulness and commitment, as shown through her relationship with Naomi. We see her loyalty, which teaches us about the significance of supporting one another within our families and communities. Through our dedication, we can foster connections that help us face life’s storms together. Just like how Ruth’s commitment was the catalyst for her blessings, our willingness to stand by others can create avenues of support and love.
Likewise, Ruth’s actions remind us of the value of humility. She did not gain her sustenance by expecting help, but rather through hard work and reliance on God’s law. We are encouraged to have an attitude of humility as we go about our lives. In times when we feel unworthy or insecure, we should remember that through service and dedication, we can rise higher than we ever imagined.
A further lesson from this verse is that God can bring good out of challenging situations. Ruth’s journey was not without pain; she carried the weight of loss and uncertainty. Yet through her efforts, God was at work in the background preparing a blessing and a new beginning. Our own challenges can also lead to unexpected blessings when we put our trust in God. God’s hand is at work, leading us through tough times, just as He did for Ruth.
Final Thoughts
In Ruth 2:17, we witness a beautiful example of diligence, faith, and resilience. Ruth’s harvest of barley is symbolic of the fruits that come when we stay committed and faithful amid challenges. Our lives are filled with opportunities to glean and gather blessings when we take action, remain humble, and trust in God’s provisions. Ruth serves as a timeless reminder that hard work paired with faith leads to abundant reward. We can encourage each other to take similar steps of faith, creating a community that supports, nurtures, and uplifts.
As we reflect on her story, let us remember our own journeys and how we, too, can choose to glean in the fields of life. We are called not just to receive but also to give, support, and love one another as God guides us. If you’re interested in exploring more lessons, check out Joshua 10:19 or Acts 14:24 for more inspiration from the Bible.