Topical Bible: Ruth: Gleaned in the Field of Boaz

◄ Ruth: Gleaned in the Field of Boaz ►

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Introduction

Ruth, a Moabite woman, is a central figure in the biblical narrative found in the Book of Ruth. Her account is one of loyalty, faith, and divine providence. Ruth's gleaning in the field of Boaz is a pivotal moment that highlights her character and sets the stage for her eventual inclusion in the lineage of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ.

Background

Ruth was the daughter-in-law of Naomi, an Israelite woman who had moved to Moab with her husband and two sons due to a famine in Bethlehem. After the deaths of her husband and sons, Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem. Ruth, demonstrating remarkable loyalty, insisted on accompanying her, famously declaring, "Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God" (Ruth 1:16).

Gleaning in the Field of Boaz

Upon their return to Bethlehem, Ruth and Naomi faced the challenge of survival. As widows, they had limited means of support. Ruth took the initiative to glean in the fields, a practice allowed by the Mosaic Law to provide for the poor and the foreigner (Leviticus 19:9-10, Deuteronomy 24:19). Ruth's choice to glean in the field of Boaz, a relative of Naomi's late husband, was divinely orchestrated.

Boaz, a man of standing and wealth, noticed Ruth's diligence and kindness. He inquired about her and learned of her loyalty to Naomi. Boaz instructed his workers to allow Ruth to glean among the sheaves and even to leave extra grain for her to gather. He said to Ruth, "May the LORD repay your work, and may you receive a rich reward from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have taken refuge" (Ruth 2:12).

Significance

Ruth's gleaning in Boaz's field is significant for several reasons. First, it demonstrates her humility and willingness to work hard to provide for Naomi and herself. Second, it highlights the providence of God in guiding Ruth to Boaz's field, setting the stage for her eventual marriage to Boaz. This union is crucial in the biblical narrative, as it leads to the birth of Obed, the grandfather of King David.

Furthermore, Ruth's account exemplifies the inclusivity of God's covenant. Despite being a Moabite, Ruth is welcomed into the community of Israel and becomes an ancestor of the Messiah. Her faith and actions transcend cultural and ethnic boundaries, illustrating the universal scope of God's redemptive plan.

Theological Themes

Ruth's gleaning in the field of Boaz underscores several theological themes. The concept of "chesed," or loving-kindness, is evident in Ruth's loyalty to Naomi and Boaz's generosity towards Ruth. The narrative also emphasizes God's providence and sovereignty, as He orchestrates events to fulfill His purposes.

Additionally, the account of Ruth and Boaz serves as a foreshadowing of the kinsman-redeemer motif, which finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Boaz's role as a redeemer for Ruth and Naomi prefigures Christ's redemptive work for humanity.

Conclusion

Ruth's gleaning in the field of Boaz is a testament to her character and faith. It is a account of divine providence, redemption, and the breaking down of barriers. Through her actions, Ruth becomes an integral part of God's redemptive history, illustrating the power of faith and the inclusivity of God's love.

Nave's Topical Index

Ruth 2:3
And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Boaz and Ruth.
... but to stay with his maidens and glean in his field. ... of me, seeing I am a stranger?"
Boaz was pleased ... So Ruth gleaned that day quite a large quantity of barley ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the old testament/boaz and ruth.htm

Ruth and Naomi.
... So Ruth worked in the field all day, and then beat out the barley which she had
gleaned and took it to the ... Naomi asked Ruth where she had gleaned, and when ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/wee ones bible stories/ruth and naomi.htm

The Story of Ruth, the Gleaner
... Do not go to any other field, but stay here with my young women. ... That evening, Ruth
showed Naomi how much she had gleaned, and told her of the rich man ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of ruth the.htm

Ruth.
... When Boaz came out of the town into his field and greeted his reapers, he said to
his servant having ... "Where hast thou gleaned to-day?" and Ruth told her. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xvi ruth.htm

Ruth
... 'So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and
it ... How Naomi bids Ruth wash and anoint herself, and put on her best garments ...
/.../kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/sermon x ruth.htm

Ruth the Gleaner.
... see how the work went on in his field, he called ... store in the little house; for she
had gleaned more than a ... glad indeed to hear that he had given Ruth leave to ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/ruth the gleaner.htm

The Best Inheritance in Canaan
... In that field right over there Ruth gleaned for Boaz, and her maidenly purity won
the hearts of all. Here is Brother Faithful's house. Let us knock and go in. ...
/.../berry/adventures in the land of canaan/chapter six the best inheritance.htm