At mealtime Boaz said to her, "Come over here; have some bread and dip it into the vinegar sauce." So she sat down beside the harvesters, and he offered her roasted grain, and she ate and was satisfied and had some left over. At mealtime Boaz said to her,Boaz extended kindness to Ruth in the ordinary setting of the harvest meal. By addressing a Moabite widow who had come to glean among his servants, he treated her with dignity rather than as an outsider. His generosity fulfilled the spirit of God’s commands to provide for the poor and the foreigner (Leviticus 19:9–10). Pro 9:5 “Come, eat my bread and drink the wine I have mixed. “Come over here; Boaz personally welcomed Ruth into the company of his workers. His invitation crossed customary social boundaries between a wealthy landowner, his laborers, and a needy foreign woman. God was already using Boaz to provide safety, belonging, and hope for Ruth. Jhn 4:16 Jesus told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” have some bread and dip it into the vinegar sauce.” The meal was simple harvest food: bread with a sour wine mixture suitable for dipping. Boaz did not merely permit Ruth to take what she could find; he invited her to share food from his own provision. Such hospitality displayed the covenant faithfulness that marked his character. Jhn 13:26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I give this morsel… So she sat down beside the harvesters, Ruth was received among Boaz’s workers rather than kept at a distance. Her place at the meal anticipated her growing place within Israel and within the family through which God would bring David and, ultimately, the Messiah. Lev 19:9-10 When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to… and he offered her roasted grain, Boaz ensured that Ruth received nourishing food from the harvest. His care reflects the Lord’s provision for those who seek refuge under His wings, as Ruth had done (Ruth 2:12). The bread given freely also points forward to Christ, the bread of life who satisfies those who come to Him. 1Sa 17:17 One day Jesse said to his son David, “Take this… and she ate and was satisfied Ruth’s hunger was met through God’s providence working through Boaz’s generosity. The Lord’s care extended beyond her immediate need for gleanings; He gave her enough to eat in safety and fellowship. Mat 14:20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples… and had some left over. The remaining food testified to abundance rather than mere survival. Ruth would carry the provision home to Naomi, allowing Boaz’s kindness to strengthen both widows. God’s gifts often exceed immediate need and reveal His faithful care for those who trust Him. 2Ki 4:44 So he set it before them, and they ate and had some left… Persons / Places / Events 1. RuthA Moabite widow who has shown loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, by staying with her and returning to Bethlehem. Ruth is a model of faithfulness and humility. 2. Boaz A wealthy and influential landowner in Bethlehem, who is a relative of Naomi's deceased husband. He is known for his kindness and adherence to the laws of God. 3. Bethlehem The town in Judah where Naomi and Ruth return to after the famine in Moab. It is also the setting for the events of Ruth 2:14. 4. The Meal The event in Ruth 2:14 where Boaz invites Ruth to eat with him and his workers, symbolizing acceptance and provision. Teaching Points God's Provision and KindnessBoaz's invitation to Ruth to join the meal is a reflection of God's provision and kindness. It reminds us that God cares for the marginalized and provides for their needs. The Importance of Community Ruth's inclusion in the meal signifies acceptance into the community. As believers, we are called to welcome and support those who are new or in need. Humility and Gratitude Ruth's response to Boaz's kindness is one of humility and gratitude. We should cultivate a heart of thankfulness for the blessings and opportunities God provides. The Role of Obedience Boaz's adherence to the law of gleaning demonstrates the importance of obedience to God's commands. Our obedience can be a means of blessing to others. God's Sovereign Plan The events in Ruth's life, including this meal, are part of God's larger plan for redemption. We can trust that God is working in our lives, even in seemingly small events. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Boaz's treatment of Ruth reflect God's character, and how can we emulate this in our interactions with others?2. In what ways does the law of gleaning in Leviticus 19:9-10 connect to the events in Ruth 2:14, and how can we apply this principle of provision in our communities today? 3. How does Ruth's humility and gratitude in response to Boaz's kindness challenge us in our own attitudes towards the blessings we receive? 4. What can we learn from Boaz's obedience to God's law, and how does this influence our understanding of the relationship between faith and works? 5. Considering Ruth's inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus, how does her account encourage us to see God's hand in our own life circumstances, especially when they seem insignificant? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 19:9-10This passage outlines the law of gleaning, which Boaz follows by allowing Ruth to gather grain in his fields. It highlights God's provision for the poor and the foreigner. Proverbs 31:10-31 The description of a virtuous woman can be seen in Ruth's character, as she demonstrates diligence, kindness, and loyalty. Matthew 1:5 Ruth is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus, showing her significance in God's redemptive plan and the inclusion of Gentiles in His covenant.
People Boaz, Elimelech, Ephah, Naomi, RuthPlaces Bethlehem, MoabTopics Ate, Beside, Bit, Boaz, Bo'az, Bread, Corn, Dip, Dipped, Dry, Eat, Eaten, Eateth, Grain, Grain-cutters, Harvesters, Hast, Hither, Leaveth, Meal, Mealtime, Meal-time, Morsel, Nigh, Offered, Parched, Passed, Piece, Reached, Reacheth, Reapers, Reserved, Roasted, Sat, Satisfied, Seat, Served, Sitteth, Sufficed, Thereof, Vinegar, Wanted, WineDictionary of Bible Themes Ruth 2:14 4418 bread Library A Full Reward. "It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done ... and how thou hast left they father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore. The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD GOD of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust" (Ruth ii. 11, 12). In this interesting narrative we have another instance of the way in which the HOLY GHOST teaches by typical lives. We have dwelt on some precious lessons … J. Hudson Taylor—A Ribband of Blue Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon. Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested into English Verse The Exile --Continued. Appendix viii. Rabbinic Traditions About Elijah, the Forerunner of the Messiah The Pilgrim's Progress Ruth Links Ruth 2:14 NIVRuth 2:14 NLT Ruth 2:14 ESV Ruth 2:14 NASB Ruth 2:14 KJV Ruth 2:14 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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