Ruth 2:18
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.
She picked up the grain
This phrase highlights Ruth's industriousness and diligence. The Hebrew root for "picked up" is "לָקַט" (laqet), which means to gather or glean. In the context of ancient Israel, gleaning was a provision in the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 19:9-10) for the poor and the foreigner, allowing them to gather leftover crops. Ruth's actions demonstrate her willingness to work hard and her respect for the customs and laws of the land she has come to adopt as her own.

and went into the town
The town referred to here is Bethlehem, a significant location in biblical history. Bethlehem, meaning "House of Bread" in Hebrew, is not only the setting for Ruth's account but also the birthplace of King David and later, Jesus Christ. Ruth's journey into the town symbolizes her integration into the community and foreshadows her role in the lineage of David and Christ.

where her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned
Naomi, Ruth's mother-in-law, is a central figure in the narrative. The Hebrew word for "saw" is "רָאָה" (ra'ah), which implies more than just physical sight; it suggests perception and understanding. Naomi's observation of Ruth's gleaning is a moment of realization and hope, as it signifies God's provision and the potential for redemption and restoration in their lives.

Ruth brought out what she had saved from her meal
This phrase underscores Ruth's selflessness and thoughtfulness. The act of saving part of her meal to share with Naomi reflects her deep love and commitment to her mother-in-law. It also highlights the theme of sacrificial love that runs throughout the book of Ruth, pointing to the greater love account of God's covenant with His people.

and gave it to her
The act of giving is central to the narrative of Ruth. The Hebrew root "נָתַן" (natan) means to give or bestow. Ruth's generosity is a reflection of God's grace and provision. This moment of giving not only meets Naomi's immediate physical needs but also serves as a symbol of the spiritual and relational restoration that God is orchestrating in their lives.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ruth
A Moabite widow who has shown loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, by staying with her and working to provide for them both. Her actions demonstrate faithfulness and diligence.

2. Naomi
Ruth's mother-in-law, who has returned to Bethlehem after the death of her husband and sons. She is a key figure in Ruth's life, providing guidance and support.

3. Bethlehem
The town where Naomi and Ruth have returned, and where Ruth gleans in the fields to support them. It is significant as the future birthplace of King David and Jesus.

4. Gleaning
The act of collecting leftover crops from the fields, which was a provision in the Law of Moses for the poor and foreigners (Leviticus 19:9-10).

5. Boaz's Field
The place where Ruth gleans, owned by Boaz, a relative of Naomi's late husband. Boaz's kindness and protection towards Ruth foreshadow his role as a kinsman-redeemer.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in Small Things
Ruth's diligence in gleaning reflects her faithfulness in small tasks, which God uses for greater purposes. We are called to be faithful in our daily responsibilities.

Provision and Generosity
Ruth's act of sharing her meal with Naomi demonstrates generosity. We are encouraged to share our blessings with others, trusting in God's provision.

God's Sovereignty and Redemption
The account of Ruth illustrates God's sovereign plan and redemption, as He uses ordinary events to fulfill His purposes. We can trust God to work through our circumstances.

Community and Support
Naomi and Ruth's relationship highlights the importance of community and mutual support. We are called to support and encourage one another in our faith journeys.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Ruth's example of faithfulness and diligence challenge you in your daily responsibilities?

2. In what ways can you practice generosity and share your blessings with others, as Ruth did with Naomi?

3. How does the law of gleaning in Leviticus 19:9-10 reflect God's heart for the marginalized, and how can we apply this principle today?

4. What does Ruth's inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5) teach us about God's redemptive plan and the value of every individual?

5. How can you cultivate supportive and encouraging relationships within your community, similar to the relationship between Naomi and Ruth?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 19:9-10
This passage outlines the law of gleaning, which provides for the poor and the foreigner, showing God's care for the marginalized.

Proverbs 31:10-31
The description of a virtuous woman parallels Ruth's character, highlighting her industriousness and care for her family.

Matthew 1:5
Ruth is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus, emphasizing her importance in God's redemptive plan.
Careful of the Fruit of LabourG. Lawson.Ruth 2:18
Carry Home the WheatH. Moorhouse.Ruth 2:18
People
Boaz, Elimelech, Ephah, Naomi, Ruth
Places
Bethlehem, Moab
Topics
Bringeth, Eaten, Forth, Gathered, Giveth, Gleaned, Got, Herself, Law, Mother-in-law, Naomi, Reserved, Rest, Ruth, Satiety, Satisfied, Showed, Sufficed, Taketh, Taking, Town
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ruth 2:1-20

     5809   compassion, human

Ruth 2:14-18

     4456   grain

Ruth 2:14-23

     5117   Ruth

Ruth 2:15-19

     8428   example

Ruth 2:15-23

     4454   gleaning

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.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested into English Verse
viz., I. The Book of Ruth II. The History of Samson III. Christ's Sermon on the Mount IV. The Prophecy of Jonah V. The Life of Joseph VI. The Epistle of James BY JOHN BUNYAN Licensed According to Order. London: Printed for J. Blare, at the Looking Glass, on London Bridge, 1701. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This very interesting little volume of poems, we believe, has not been reprinted since the year 1701, nor has it ever been inserted in any edition or catalogue of Bunyan's works. This may have
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Exile --Continued.
There are many echoes of this period of Engedi in the Psalms. Perhaps the most distinctly audible of these are to be found in the seventh psalm, which is all but universally recognised as David's, even Ewald concurring in the general consent. It is an irregular ode--for such is the meaning of Shiggaion in the title, and by its broken rhythms and abrupt transitions testifies to the emotion of its author. The occasion of it is said to be "the words of Cush the Benjamite." As this is a peculiar name
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

Appendix viii. Rabbinic Traditions About Elijah, the Forerunner of the Messiah
To complete the evidence, presented in the text, as to the essential difference between the teaching of the ancient Synagogue about the Forerunner of the Messiah' and the history and mission of John the Baptist, as described in the New Testaments, we subjoin a full, though condensed, account of the earlier Rabbinic traditions about Elijah. Opinions differ as to the descent and birthplace of Elijah. According to some, he was from the land of Gilead (Bemid. R. 14), and of the tribe of Gad (Tanch. on
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Pilgrim's Progress
FROM THIS WORLD TO THAT WHICH IS TO COME. THE SECOND PART. DELIVERED UNDER THE SIMILITUDE OF A DREAM. WHEREIN IS SET FORTH THE MANNER OF THE SETTING OUT OF CHRISTIAN'S WIFE AND CHILDREN, THEIR DANGEROUS JOURNEY, AND SAFE ARRIVAL AT THE DESIRED COUNTRY. By JOHN BUNYAN. 'I have used similitudes.'--Hosea 12:10. London: Printed for Nathaniel Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, near the Church, 1684. THE AUTHOR'S WAY OF SENDING FORTH HIS SECOND PART OF THE PILGRIM. Go now, my little book, to every
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Ruth
Goethe has characterized the book of Ruth as the loveliest little idyll that tradition has transmitted to us. Whatever be its didactic purpose--and some would prefer to think that it had little or none-it is, at any rate, a wonderful prose poem, sweet, artless, and persuasive, touched with the quaintness of an older world and fresh with the scent of the harvest fields. The love--stronger than country--of Ruth for Naomi, the gracious figure of Boaz as he moves about the fields with a word of blessing
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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