"And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not."
Background and Context:Ruth is a book in the Old Testament, set during the time of the judges in Israel. It tells the story of Ruth, a Moabite woman who became the great-grandmother of King David. Ruth’s husband died, and she chose to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, rather than returning to her own people. As a widow, Ruth went to glean in the fields, which means to gather leftover grain after the harvesters.
The Act of Gleaning:In ancient Israel, gleaning was a provision made for the poor and the foreigners, allowing them to gather the leftover grain in the fields after the harvesters had finished their work. It was a way to provide for those who were less fortunate and ensure that they had enough to eat. Gleaning was considered an act of charity and was supported by the laws of Israel (Leviticus 19:9-10; Deuteronomy 24:19-22).
Boaz’s Command:In Ruth 2:15, we see Boaz, a wealthy landowner and relative of Naomi, commanding his young men to allow Ruth to glean even among the sheaves. Boaz shows kindness and generosity toward Ruth by instructing his workers not to interfere with her gathering grain. This was an exceptional act because it went beyond what was required by the law of gleaning. It demonstrates Boaz’s compassion and concern for Ruth’s well-being.
Symbolism and Application:
- Compassion for the Vulnerable:Boaz’s command reveals his compassion for Ruth as a foreigner and widow. It reminds us to have empathy and care for those who are marginalised or going through difficult circumstances.
- Generosity and Beyond:Boaz’s act of allowing Ruth to glean among the sheaves shows us that we should go above and beyond the minimum requirements of charity. It encourages us to be generous in our dealings with others, extending kindness and assistance beyond what is expected.
- Inclusion and Acceptance:Boaz’s command demonstrates a spirit of inclusion and acceptance. Despite Ruth being a Moabite and a foreigner, Boaz welcomed her into his fields and treated her with respect. It reminds us to embrace diversity, welcoming and valuing people from different backgrounds.
- God’s Provision:The provision of gleaning in the Old Testament laws and Boaz’s generosity toward Ruth both reflect God’s heart for providing for those in need. It reminds us that God cares about our well-being and often works through people to meet our needs.
Ruth 2:15 showcases the kindness and generosity of Boaz, but it also points to God’s character and His desire for His people to demonstrate compassion and care for others. It encourages us to be attentive to the needs of those around us, especially the vulnerable and marginalised, and to extend love, generosity, and inclusion in our actions.
By studying this verse and the broader context of the book of Ruth, we can learn valuable lessons about character, compassion, and God’s provision for His people.
