“So she kept close by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law.”– Ruth 2:23 (KJV)
“So Ruth worked alongside the women in Boaz’s field and gathered grain with them until the end of the barley harvest. Then she continued working with them through the wheat harvest in early summer, and all the while she lived with her mother-in-law.”– Ruth 2:23 (NLT)
“So Ruth has stayed close to the women of Boaz, gleaning in the field until the end of barley and wheat harvests. She’s been living with her mother-in-law.”– Ruth 2:23 (MSG)
What Does Ruth 2:23 Mean?
This verse highlights a significant time in the life of Ruth and her journey through hardship to hope. After moving to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law Naomi, Ruth finds herself gleaning in the fields of Boaz. This verse captures her persistence and dedication as she works hard to gather food for herself and Naomi. Gleaning was an important practice in ancient Israel where the poor could collect leftover crops from the fields after the harvest. It was God’s provision for the needy, and Ruth took full advantage of it. The verse emphasizes Ruth’s commitment to both her work and her family, indicating that she remained in the fields until the harvest was completed. This speaks volumes about her character and determination.
Ruth’s act of gleaning shows her strong will to take care of Naomi. It reflects the deep bond they had, rooted in love and loyalty. She didn’t just want to survive; she wanted to provide for Naomi, showcasing her selflessness and commitment. We can learn from Ruth that in difficult times, hard work and dedication can lead to incredible outcomes. It also reminds us of the importance of community support and caring for one another.
Ruth 2:23 Explanation and Commentary
Ruth’s story is one of resilience and faith in God’s provision. As we read Ruth 2:23, we see the fulfillment of God’s promise to care for the marginalized and the needy. While gleaning, Ruth encountered not just physical sustenance, but she also became part of a larger community—a community that would soon embrace her and change her life forever.
The act of staying close to the maidens of Boaz is significant. It was not a mere coincidence; it demonstrated Ruth’s desire to fit into her new life and environment. By regularly gleaning in the fields of Boaz, she put herself in a position to receive blessings she didn’t yet understand. Ruth worked hard not just during the barley harvest, but also extended her efforts to the wheat harvest. This shows her relentless spirit and commitment to her responsibilities. It teaches us about perseverance, emphasizing that hard work is often rewarded.
It’s crucial to reflect on Ruth’s relationship with Naomi at this point. Naomi had lost everything—her husband and both of her sons. She was in a new land, filled with grief and uncertainty. Ruth stayed with Naomi out of loyalty and love, becoming her main support. Their relationship was mutual; while Ruth provided for Naomi, Naomi offered her guidance and wisdom, guiding Ruth on her new path. This reciprocal care reminds us that we are called to support each other as we maneuver through life’s challenges.
Then we must consider Boaz’s role in this narrative. He is a symbol of kindness, as he provided not just for Ruth but extended protection to her as she gleaned. His actions represent God’s gentle guidance and care, showing us that He often uses people to bless others. Boaz saw Ruth’s hard work and loyalty to Naomi, which made him take notice. We should reflect on how our actions can influence others positively, as well as how God’s provisions may be at work in our lives, often through the kindness of others.
Context of Ruth 2:23
To fully appreciate Ruth 2:23, we must look at the broader context of the Book of Ruth. This story takes place during the time of the judges, a period often marked by chaos and moral decline in Israel. Ruth, a Moabite woman, becomes an unlikely hero during this tumultuous time. We need to ask ourselves why this story is included in the Bible. It serves as a reminder that God’s love extends beyond the chosen people of Israel to include everyone, even those who might be considered outsiders.
As we read through the Book of Ruth, we see that Naomi and Ruth faced many hardships upon returning to Bethlehem. They were poor widows in a society where male lineage often determined social standing. Ruth’s decision to glean illustrates her proactive nature in seeking provision, not just for herself but also for Naomi. Their return to Bethlehem coincides with the beginning of the barley harvest, a symbol of new beginnings and hope. God’s providence is shown in the timing of their return. Ruth’s dedication in seeking out work not only helped them survive but also laid the groundwork for future blessings that would unfold in their lives.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Ruth 2:23
Each part of Ruth 2:23 carries vital significance in interpreting the deeper message of Ruth’s story. By stating that Ruth “kept close by the maidens,” we’re reminded that Ruth was not alone. She was participating in a communal activity, gathering grain like the other women in the fields. This also indicates a form of acceptance into this new community and shows the support and solidarity among those who gleaned.
Boaz’s field represents not just a place of work but also a place of hope and happiness. It was during this time of gleaning that Ruth began to experience favor, unveiling God’s plans. The end of the barley harvest and wheat harvest signifies both an end and a new beginning. It reminds us that life has seasons, and we might go through harvests of hard work, but it also demonstrates transitions and preparing for new opportunities.
Living with Naomi is another critical part of the verse. Ruth didn’t abandon her mother-in-law after they returned. Instead, she chose to live with her, serving constantly both physically and emotionally. Their relationship serves as a beacon for the importance of family and the bonds that should remain strong through adversity. This poignant image encourages us to reflect on our connections with loved ones and to prioritize these relationships.
Lessons to Learn From Ruth 2:23
Ruth 2:23 provides us with so many lessons that can be applied to our lives today. One of the most poignant lessons is about loyalty and commitment. Ruth’s unwavering dedication to Naomi illustrates how important it is to stand by our loved ones through thick and thin. When we commit ourselves to serve and support those we love, we reflect God’s love in our lives.
Another lesson is hard work. Ruth’s diligence in gleaning illustrates a strong work ethic. In our own lives, working hard and being diligent in our responsibilities can lead to growth and opportunities. It encourages us to never lose sight of our goals, even in challenging times, and pursue them passionately.
The importance of community cannot be overlooked. Ruth’s acceptance into the community of Boaz’s workers reminds us how vital it is to surround ourselves with supportive and encouraging people. It is through connections and shared experiences that we flourish. Each interaction can lead to blessings; thus, we should approach our communities with kindness and openness.
Finally, we learn about hope. At the end of the harvest comes new beginnings. Ruth’s journey was filled with challenges, but her dedication and resilience brought hope not only to her life but also to Naomi’s. This is an uplifting reminder for us that even in difficult seasons, we can trust that God provides a way and brings new hope.
Final Thoughts
Ruth 2:23 can motivate us to be diligent in our own lives and relationships. It offers a beautiful reminder of loyalty, hard work, community, and hope. Through Ruth’s story, we recognize the importance of dedication to our loved ones and holding onto hope during challenging times. Let us strive to embody the lessons learned from Ruth, remembering that blessings often come from our labor and our willingness to serve others. The journey of life may bring challenges, but it also brings opportunities for growth and new beginnings. As we reflect upon Ruth’s example, let us think about how we, too, can sow seeds of hope and kindness in our communities.
If you want to explore more topics related to faith and encouragement, consider checking out some of these links: Acts 14:24, Acts 14:23, Acts 14:22.