“And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left.”
This verse is part of the narrative in the Book of Ruth, which tells the story of a Moabite woman named Ruth who becomes the great-grandmother of King David. Ruth, accompanied by her mother-in-law Naomi, goes to Bethlehem after the death of her husband. There, Ruth gleans in the fields, collecting leftover grain to support herself and Naomi.
In Ruth 2:14:Boaz, a wealthy relative of Naomi’s deceased husband, notices Ruth and speaks to her. Boaz invites her to join the reapers at mealtime and offers her bread to eat. Additionally, he tells her to dip her morsel in the vinegar. Ruth accepts Boaz’s invitation, sits with the reapers, eats the parched corn that Boaz provides, and is satisfied.
This verse reveals a few significant themes and lessons that we can draw from the story of Ruth:
- God’s Provision:Throughout the Book of Ruth, we see God’s provision for Ruth and Naomi. Boaz’s generosity and compassion toward Ruth, allowing her to glean in his field and providing her with food, serve as manifestations of God’s care for the marginalized and needy. It demonstrates that God can use individuals to be agents of His provision and blessing in the lives of others.
- Kindness and Hospitality:Boaz’s invitation to Ruth exemplifies kindness and hospitality. He not only provides her with food but also includes her in the communal meal with the reapers. This act of kindness goes beyond mere charity and displays Boaz’s heart for the foreigner and the stranger, reflecting the biblical principles of treating others with love and compassion.
- Redemption and Foreshadowing:The relationship between Ruth and Boaz holds symbolic significance in the larger context of the story. Boaz, as a close relative of Naomi’s deceased husband, has the potential to act as a kinsman-redeemer. This concept carries legal and familial responsibilities in providing protection and ensuring the continuation of the family line. Boaz’s interactions with Ruth foreshadow their eventual marriage and the fulfillment of the kinsman-redeemer role, providing a glimpse of the broader theme of redemption that unfolds in the book.
Overall, Ruth 2:14:captures a moment of provision, kindness, and the unfolding of God’s plan in the lives of Ruth and Naomi. It teaches us about God’s care for the vulnerable, the importance of extending hospitality, and the foreshadowing of redemption.
