Ruth 2:17

Ruth 2:17 provides a tangible measure of Ruth's diligence and the remarkable provision she received through gleaning in Boaz's field. This verse marks a significant moment, showing the fruit of her labor and the kindness extended to her.

Context

Following her arrival in Bethlehem with Naomi, Ruth, in her poverty, sought to glean in the fields, a practice allowed by the Mosaic law for the poor and sojourners. She providentially found herself in the field of Boaz, a wealthy and honorable kinsman of Naomi. This verse describes the end of her first day of work, after Boaz had already shown her extraordinary favor, including instructing his reapers to leave extra grain for her (see Ruth 2:15-16).

Key Themes

• Diligence and Hard Work: Ruth's commitment to working "until even" demonstrates her strong work ethic and determination to provide for herself and Naomi. Her labor was not passive but active and persistent.
• Divine Provision: The quantity of barley—"about an ephah"—is notable. An ephah was a substantial amount, likely more than a single person could glean unaided under normal circumstances. This abundance points to God's hand of provision, working through Boaz's intentional generosity and the ancient custom of gleaning. It highlights how God supplies the needs of His people.
• Boaz's Generosity: The large yield was a direct result of Boaz's kindness and specific instructions to his workers to allow Ruth to glean freely and even drop handfuls for her. This foreshadows his greater role as kinsman-redeemer, a theme that develops throughout the Book of Ruth.
• Faithfulness in Humble Tasks: Ruth's faithfulness in the seemingly humble and laborious task of gleaning led to significant blessing, demonstrating that God honors diligent effort.

Linguistic Insights

The term "ephah" (Hebrew: ʾêpâ) refers to a dry measure, roughly equivalent to 3/5 of a bushel or about 22 liters. For context, this was a significant amount of grain, enough to sustain a family for several days, if not more than a week. This detail emphasizes the exceptional nature of Ruth's gleaning that day, underscoring both her hard work and the generous provision she received.

Practical Application

Ruth 2:17 offers valuable insights for us today:

• Embrace Diligence: The verse encourages a strong work ethic, reminding us that faithfulness and diligence in our daily tasks, no matter how small, can yield significant results and are honored by God.
• Trust in God's Provision: It illustrates that God often provides for our needs through ordinary means and the kindness of others. We are called to be both recipients and channels of such provision.
• Practice Generosity: Boaz's actions serve as a model for generosity, particularly towards those who are vulnerable or in need. His intentional kindness ensured Ruth's abundant gleaning. We too are called to look for opportunities to bless others, remembering the words of Jesus, "It is more blessed to give than to receive".