What does "wings" symbolize in Ruth 2:12, and where else is it used? Ruth 2:12—The Phrase in Focus “May the LORD repay your work, and may you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” The Symbol of Wings—What It Conveys - Protection: Like a mother bird drawing her young beneath her feathers, the Lord shelters those who trust Him. - Refuge: A place of safety from enemies, famine, sorrow, or judgment. - Nearness: To be under God’s wings is to be close to His heart, experiencing His covenant love. - Provision: The same God who covers also supplies, as Boaz will soon do for Ruth. Layers of Meaning for Ruth - Personal: A Moabite outsider finds acceptance and security in Israel’s God. - Covenant: The promise to Abraham extends even to Gentiles who seek Him. - Messianic Foreshadowing: Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer, prefigures Christ, whose saving work gathers people under divine wings (cf. Matthew 23:37). Where Else Scripture Uses This Image • Psalm 17:8 — “Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings.” • Psalm 36:7 — “... the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.” • Psalm 57:1 — “... in You my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter.” • Psalm 61:4 — “... let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings.” • Psalm 63:7 — “... in the shadow of Your wings I will sing for joy.” • Psalm 91:4 — “He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge.” • Deuteronomy 32:11-12 — God guards Israel “like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young.” • Isaiah 40:31 — Those who hope in the LORD “will soar on wings like eagles.” • Malachi 4:2 — “... the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.” • Matthew 23:37 — Jesus longs to gather Jerusalem’s children “as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings.” Takeaway for Today - Run to the Lord in every need; His wings are spread wide. - Rest confidently, knowing His protection is literal and sure. - Reflect His sheltering love by extending care to the vulnerable, just as Boaz did for Ruth. |
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