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Commentary on Ruth 2 verses 17–23
Here, I. Ruth finishes her day's work, Rut 2:17. 1. She took care not to lose time, for she gleaned until evening. We must not be weary of well-doing, because in due season we shall reap. She did not make an excuse to sit still, or go home, till the evening. Let us work the works of him that sent us, while it is day. She scarcely used, much less did she abuse, the kindness of Boaz; for, though he ordered his servants to leave handfuls for her, she continued to glean the scattered ears. 2. She took care not to lose what she had gathered, but threshed it herself, that she might the more easily carry it home, and might have it ready for use. The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting, and so loseth the benefit of it, but the substance of a diligent man is precious, Pro 12:27. Ruth had gathered it ear by ear, but, when she had put it all together, it was an ephah of barley, about four pecks. Many a little makes a great deal. It is an encouragement to industry that in all labour, even that of gleaning, there is profit, but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury. When she had got her corn into as little compass as she could, she took it up herself, and carried it into the city, though, had she asked them, it is likely some of Boaz's servants would have done that for her. We should study to be as little as possible troublesome to those that are kind to us. She did not think it either too hard or too mean a service to carry her corn herself into the city, but was rather pleased with what she had gotten by her own industry, and careful to secure it; and let us thus take care that we lose not those things which we have wrought, which we have gained, Jo2 1:8.
II. She paid her respects to her mother-in-law, went straight home to her and did not go to converse with Boaz's servants, showed her what she had gleaned, that she might see she had not been idle.
1.She entertained her with what she had left of the good dinner Boaz had given her. She gave to her what she had reserved, after she was sufficed (Rut 2:18), which refers to Rut 2:14. If she had any thing better than another, her mother should have part with her. Thus, having shown industry abroad, she showed piety at home; so children's maintaining their parents is called (Ti1 5:4), and it is part of the honour due to them by the fifth commandment, Mat 15:6.
2.She gave her an account of her day's work, and how a kind providence had favoured her in it, which made it very comfortable to her; for the gleanings that a righteous man hath are better than the harvests of many wicked, Psa 37:16. (1.) Naomi asked her where she had been: Where hast thou gleaned today? Note, Parents should take care to enquire into the ways of their children, how, and where, and in what company they spend their time. This may prevent many extravagancies which children, left to themselves, run into, by which they bring both themselves and their parents to shame. If we are not our brethren's, yet surely we are our children's keepers: and we know what a son Adonijah proved, that had never been chidden. Parents should examine their children, not to frighten nor discourage them, not so as to make them hate home or tempt them to tell a lie, but to commend them if they have done well, and with mildness to reprove and caution them if they have done otherwise. It is a good question for us to ask ourselves in the close of every day, "Where have I gleaned today? What improvements have I made in knowledge and grace? What have I done or obtained that will turn to a good account?" (2.) Ruth gave her a particular account of the kindness she had received from Boaz (Rut 2:19) and the hopes she had of further kindness from him, he having ordered her to attend his servants throughout all the harvest, Rut 2:21. Note, Children should look upon themselves as accountable to their parents and to those that are over them, and not think it a disparagement to them to be examined; let them do that which is good, and they shall have praise of the same. Ruth told her mother what kindness Boaz had shown her, that she might take some occasion or another to acknowledge it and return him thanks; but she did not tell her how Boaz had commended her, v. 11. Humility teaches us, not only not to praise ourselves, but not to be forward to publish others' praises of us. (3.) We are here told what Naomi said to it. [1.] She prayed heartily for him that had been her daughter's benefactor, even before she knew who it was (Rut 2:19): Blessed be he, whoever he was, that did take knowledge of thee, shooting the arrow of prayer at a venture. But more particularly when she was told who it was (Rut 2:20): Blessed be he of the Lord. Note, The poor must pray for those that are kind and liberal to them, and thus requite them, when they are not capable of making them any other requital. Let the loins of the poor bless those that refresh them, Job 29:13; Job 31:20. And he that hears the cries of the poor against their oppressors (Exo 22:27), it may be hoped, will hear the prayers of the poor for their benefactors. She now remembered the former kindnesses Boaz had shown to her husband and sons, and joins those to this: he has not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. If we generously show kindness even to those that seem to have forgotten our former favours, perhaps it may help to revive the remembrance even of those which seem buried. [2.] She acquainted Ruth with the relation their family was in to Boaz: The man is near of kin to us. It should seem she had been so long in Moab that she had forgotten her kindred in the land of Israel, till by this providence God brought it to her mind. At least she had not told Ruth of it, though it might have been some encouragement to a young proselyte. Unlike to humble Naomi are many, who, though fallen into decay themselves, are continually boasting of their great relations. Nay, Observe the chain of thought here, and in it a chain of providences, bringing about what was designed concerning Ruth. Ruth names Boaz as one that had been kind to her. Naomi bethinks herself who that should be, and presently recollects herself: "The man is near of kin to us; now that I hear his name, I remember him very well." This thought brings in another: "He is our next kinsman, our goel, that has the right to redeem our estate that was mortgaged, and therefore from him we may expect further kindness. He is the likeliest man in all Bethlehem to set us up." Thus God brings things to our mind, sometimes on a sudden, that prove to have a wonderful tendency to our good. [3.] She appointed Ruth to continue her attendance in the fields of Boaz (Rut 2:22): "Let them not meet thee in any other field, for that will be construed a contempt of his courtesy." Our blessed Saviour is our Goel; it is he that has a right to redeem. If we expect to receive benefit by him, let us closely adhere to him, and his fields, and his family; let us not go to the world and its fields for that which is to be had with him only, and which he has encouraged us to expect from him. Has the Lord dealt bountifully with us? Let us not be found in any other field, nor seek for happiness and satisfaction in the creature. Tradesmen take it ill if those that are in their books go to another shop. We lose divine favours if we slight them. Some think Naomi gave her daughter-in-law a tacit rebuke; she had spoken (Rut 2:21) of keeping fast by the young men. "Nay," said Naomi (Rut 2:22), "It is good that thou go out with his maidens; they are fitter company for thee than the young men." But they are too critical. Ruth spoke of the young men because they were the principal labourers, and to them Boaz had given directions concerning her; and Naomi takes it for granted that, while she attended the young men, her society would be with the maidens, as was fit. Ruth dutifully observed her mother's directions; she continued to glean, to the end, not only of barley-harvest, but of the wheat-harvest, which followed it, that she might gather food in harvest to serve for winter, Pro 6:6-8. She also kept fast by the maidens of Boaz, with whom she afterwards cultivated an acquaintance, which might do her service, Rut 2:23. But she constantly came to her mother at night in due time, as became a virtuous woman, that was for working days, and not for merry nights. And when the harvest was ended (as bishop Patrick expounds it) she did not gad abroad, but kept her aged mother company at home. Dinah went out to see the daughters of the land, and we know what a disgrace her vanity ended in. Ruth kept at home, and helped to maintain her mother, and went out on no other errand than to get provision for her, and we shall find afterwards what preferment her humility and industry ended in. Seest thou a man diligent in his business? Honour is before him.
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SUMMARY
Ruth 2:18 vividly portrays Ruth's return to Bethlehem with a remarkably abundant harvest of gleaned grain, far surpassing typical expectations. This pivotal moment underscores the immediate fruit of Ruth's diligent labor and, more profoundly, the extraordinary kindness extended by Boaz. It serves as a crucial transition in the narrative, setting the stage for Naomi's astonished inquiry and the subsequent unfolding of God's providential plan, which transforms their dire circumstances into a burgeoning hope for provision and restoration.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Ruth 2:18 employs several effective literary devices that enrich its meaning and impact. Juxtaposition is powerfully evident in the stark contrast between Ruth and Naomi's initial impoverished and desolate state at the beginning of chapter 2 and the overflowing abundance Ruth brings home in this verse. This immediate shift from scarcity to surplus highlights the dramatic change in their fortunes, largely due to Boaz's kindness. Symbolism is also at play, as the overflowing measure of grain Ruth brings home is not merely food; it symbolizes God's providential care, Boaz's extraordinary generosity, and the blossoming hope for the future. It represents a tangible manifestation of blessing and the reversal of their fortunes. Furthermore, the scene creates a subtle Dramatic Irony and Suspense for the reader, as Naomi is initially unaware of the source of Ruth's bounty, while the reader knows it came from Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer. This builds anticipation for the subsequent reveal and Naomi's strategic response. Finally, the verse functions as a Turning Point, marking the end of Ruth's initial period of independent struggle and the beginning of Naomi's active strategizing to secure their future through Boaz.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 2:18 serves as a profound testament to God's faithful provision, often mediated through the kindness and generosity of His people. It illustrates that divine providence is not always a miraculous, direct intervention but frequently works through the ordinary means of human diligence and compassion. Boaz's actions, which go beyond the letter of the law, reflect a heart attuned to God's commands regarding care for the vulnerable, embodying the very character of God who provides abundantly for His children. This verse underscores the theological principle that God delights in blessing those who are diligent and who extend grace to others. The surprising abundance Ruth brings home is a tangible sign of God's favor resting upon the desolate, transforming their circumstances from mere survival to a burgeoning hope for full restoration. It reminds us that even in seasons of scarcity, God is at work, orchestrating encounters and opening doors for unexpected blessings.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 2:18 offers rich insights for contemporary believers, encouraging a holistic approach to faith that integrates diligent effort, generous spirit, and unwavering trust in God's provision. Ruth's commitment to hard work, even in challenging circumstances, demonstrates that our active participation is often the channel through which God's blessings flow. Her selfless act of bringing all her gleanings and even her reserved portion to Naomi teaches us the profound joy and spiritual richness found in sharing our blessings, even when we ourselves might be in need. Boaz's extraordinary kindness reminds us that we are called to be conduits of God's grace, extending generosity beyond mere obligation, especially to those who are vulnerable or marginalized. This verse challenges us to look for opportunities to be a "Boaz" in someone else's life, to go the extra mile in our compassion and provision. Ultimately, it invites us to cultivate a heart of gratitude, recognizing that every good and perfect gift comes from above, and to trust that God, in His perfect timing and through unexpected means, will always provide for His children, often in ways that far exceed our expectations.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Ruth bring food to Naomi if Naomi was already 'sufficed' or had 'reserved' food?
Answer: The phrase "reserved after she was sufficed" indicates that Naomi had already eaten her fill and perhaps had some food left over from her own meager stores. Ruth's act of bringing her immense gleanings, and even her own portion of roasted grain that she had saved (from Boaz's lunch invitation in Ruth 2:14), was not out of Naomi's immediate hunger, but out of Ruth's profound devotion, gratitude, and desire to share the extraordinary blessing she had received. It highlights the depth of their mutual care and the overflowing nature of the provision. It also sets up the dramatic reveal of the source of the abundance, as Naomi's surprise (Ruth 2:19) is amplified by the fact that she wasn't expecting such a large quantity. This act of sharing, even when not strictly necessary for survival, underscores the deep bond and mutual care between them, transforming their situation from subsistence to abundance.
How much grain did Ruth glean on this single day?
Answer: While Ruth 2:18 itself doesn't specify the exact amount, the preceding verse, Ruth 2:17, states that Ruth gleaned "about an ephah of barley." An ephah was a significant measure, roughly equivalent to 22 liters or approximately 45 pounds (20 kg) of grain. This was an exceptionally large amount for a single day's gleaning, especially for a lone woman. A typical gleaner might gather only a few pounds. This extraordinary yield was a direct result of Boaz's specific instructions to his reapers to intentionally leave extra grain for Ruth and even pull out stalks for her (Ruth 2:16), demonstrating his profound and intentional kindness. This abundance was a clear sign of divine favor and a turning point for Ruth and Naomi's survival.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth 2:18, with its depiction of abundant provision and unexpected kindness, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate provision and redemption found in Jesus Christ. Boaz, the generous kinsman-redeemer, who goes beyond the letter of the law to lavish grace upon Ruth, serves as a powerful type of Christ. Just as Ruth, a destitute foreigner, found an overflowing supply of sustenance and security in Boaz's field, so too do believers, once alienated from God and spiritually impoverished, find an inexhaustible supply of grace, mercy, and spiritual nourishment in Christ. The abundance of barley Ruth brings home points to the spiritual abundance available in Christ, who declares, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger" (John 6:35). Moreover, the act of Ruth bringing her bounty to Naomi, ensuring her mother-in-law's sustenance, mirrors Christ's self-giving love and provision for His Church, His spiritual bride. Through His ultimate sacrifice, Christ has "reserved" for us an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading (1 Peter 1:4), providing not just enough to be "sufficed" but an overflow of eternal life and blessing. The story of Ruth's provision through Boaz is a testament to God's faithful, redemptive plan, culminating in the person and work of Jesus, our true Kinsman-Redeemer, who brings us into His abundant harvest of salvation and eternal rest (Matthew 11:28).