“And her mother-in-law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned today? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she showed her mother-in-law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man’s name with whom I wrought today is Boaz.”
Context:The Book of Ruth is a beautiful narrative that takes place during the time of the judges in Israel. It tells the story of a Moabite woman named Ruth, who chooses to remain loyal to her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi, after the death of their husbands. Ruth accompanies Naomi back to Bethlehem, where she seeks to provide for them by gleaning in the fields during the harvest season.
Gleaning and Boaz:Gleaning was a provision in the Mosaic Law where the poor and the foreigners could gather the leftover crops in the fields after the harvest. Ruth happened to find herself gleaning in the field belonging to a wealthy and influential man named Boaz, who was a relative of Naomi’s late husband.
Naomi’s Question:In Ruth 2:19, Naomi asks Ruth where she gleaned that day and where she worked. This indicates Naomi’s concern and interest in Ruth’s activities and well-being. She wanted to know where Ruth had found favour and received provision, as gleaning in the fields was their primary means of sustenance.
Blessing for Boaz:Naomi blesses the person who took notice of Ruth and provided her favour. This shows Naomi’s gratitude and recognition of the kindness shown to Ruth. She acknowledges that it was a blessing for someone to take notice of Ruth’s work and treat her with favour.
Boaz’s Identity:Ruth responds to Naomi by revealing the name of the man with whom she worked that day, which is Boaz. Ruth’s response is significant because Boaz’s identity becomes pivotal in the story, as he plays a crucial role in Ruth’s life and ultimately becomes her kinsman-redeemer.
Overall, Ruth 2:19 highlights Naomi’s concern for Ruth’s well-being, expresses gratitude for the one who showed kindness, and introduces Boaz as a central character in the narrative. This verse sets the stage for future events that will unfold in the book, including the developing relationship between Ruth and Boaz and the providential plan of God for their lives.
