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 grainThis 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 where her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned Ruth brought out what she had saved from her meal and gave it to her Persons / Places / Events 1. RuthA 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 ThingsRuth'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 19:9-10This 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.
People Boaz, Elimelech, Ephah, Naomi, RuthPlaces Bethlehem, MoabTopics Bringeth, Eaten, Forth, Gathered, Giveth, Gleaned, Got, Herself, Law, Mother-in-law, Naomi, Reserved, Rest, Ruth, Satiety, Satisfied, Showed, Sufficed, Taketh, Taking, TownDictionary of Bible Themes Ruth 2:1-20Library 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 2:18 NIVRuth 2:18 NLT Ruth 2:18 ESV Ruth 2:18 NASB Ruth 2:18 KJV Ruth 2:18 Commentaries Bible Hub |