Ruth 2:18

And she took [it] up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed.

And she took it up {H5375}, and went {H935} into the city {H5892}: and her mother in law {H2545} saw {H7200} what she had gleaned {H3950}: and she brought forth {H3318}, and gave {H5414} to her that she had reserved {H3498} after she was sufficed {H7648}.

She picked it up and went back to the city. Her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned, and Rut brought out and gave her what she had left over after eating her fill.

She picked up the grain and went into the town, where her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned. And she brought out what she had saved from her meal and gave it to Naomi.

And she took it up, and went into the city; and her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth and gave to her that which she had left after she was sufficed.

Commentary

Ruth 2:18 describes the moment Ruth returns to Bethlehem after her day of gleaning in the fields of Boaz, bringing her abundant harvest back to her mother-in-law, Naomi. This verse serves as a crucial turning point, revealing the immediate fruit of Ruth's diligence and Boaz's extraordinary kindness, setting the stage for future developments in their story.

Context

Having arrived in Bethlehem as impoverished widows, Ruth, a Moabite, sought permission to glean in the fields, a provision for the poor under Israelite law. By divine providence, she found herself in the fields belonging to Boaz, a wealthy and respected kinsman of Naomi's late husband. Throughout the day, Boaz showed Ruth exceptional favor, instructing his reapers to leave extra grain for her and even inviting her to eat with them. This verse marks the end of her first day, as she brings the substantial results of her labor and Boaz's generosity home to Naomi.

Key Themes

  • Diligence and Provision: Ruth's hard work in the fields, combined with Boaz's generosity, resulted in a bountiful provision. She gathered far more than a typical gleaner, demonstrating that diligence often yields rich rewards.
  • God's Providence and Human Kindness: While Ruth simply went to glean, it was God's hand that guided her to Boaz's field (Ruth 2:3). Boaz's actions, such as instructing his young men to let her glean among the sheaves and even pull out stalks for her (Ruth 2:16), were acts of profound kindness that reflect divine favor.
  • Filial Devotion and Mutual Care: Ruth's primary motivation for gleaning was to provide for Naomi, showcasing her unwavering loyalty and love for her mother-in-law. The verse also highlights Naomi's own generosity, as she had "reserved after she was sufficed," implying she had some food but still welcomed and shared in Ruth's bounty.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "reserved after she was sufficed" indicates that Naomi already had enough food for herself. Yet, Ruth still brought her entire gleaning, and Naomi received it. This act of sharing, even when not strictly necessary for survival, underscores the deep bond and mutual care between them. The Hebrew word for "gleaned" (לקט, laqat) refers to the act of gathering leftover grain, but Boaz's specific instructions ensured Ruth received far more than just what was accidentally dropped.

Practical Application

Ruth 2:18 serves as a beautiful illustration of several timeless principles:

  1. The Value of Hard Work: Ruth's diligent effort was blessed and multiplied. Our efforts, when undertaken with purpose, often lead to unexpected provisions.
  2. The Power of Generosity: Boaz's open-handedness transformed Ruth's situation. Our acts of kindness, big or small, can have a profound impact on others' lives and often come back to bless us.
  3. Caring for Family and Community: The verse emphasizes the importance of providing for and sharing with those we love, especially family. It's a picture of communal support and the joy of shared blessings.
  4. God's Faithful Provision: Even in difficult circumstances, God often provides for His people through the kindness of others and the fruit of their labor. This verse encourages us to trust in His providence in our daily needs.
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Cross-References

  • Ruth 2:14

    And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched [corn], and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left.

  • John 6:12

    When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.

  • John 6:13

    Therefore they gathered [them] together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.

  • 1 Timothy 5:4

    But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.
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