"And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field."
Context:The Book of Ruth tells the story of Ruth, a Moabite woman, who after the death of her husband, chooses to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, and accompanies her to Bethlehem. In Ruth 2, Ruth begins gleaning in the fields of Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s deceased husband. This verse occurs in a conversation between Naomi and Ruth regarding Ruth’s activities in the fields.
Importance of the Verse:Ruth 2:22 captures Naomi’s advice to Ruth concerning her gleaning activities. Naomi suggests that it is better for Ruth to continue working in the same field where she had found favour with Boaz, rather than moving to a different field where she might face unfamiliarity or potential harm.
Key Themes and Lessons:
- Faithfulness and Diligence:Ruth’s commitment to providing for herself and Naomi demonstrates faithfulness and diligence. She works hard by gleaning in the fields to gather food for them. This teaches us the importance of faithfulness in our daily responsibilities and the rewards it can bring.
- God’s Providence:Throughout the book of Ruth, we see God’s providential care for Ruth and Naomi. Naomi recognises this when she advises Ruth to stay in the same field where she found favour. It reveals Naomi’s understanding that God was working through Boaz’s kindness and provision. We learn that God’s providence often works through the actions of people around us.
- Seeking Wise Counsel:Naomi’s advice to Ruth indicates the value of seeking and heeding wise counsel. Naomi, as an older and experienced woman, provides guidance to Ruth. This reminds us of the importance of seeking advice from those who are wise and have more experience, as they can provide valuable insights and help us make better decisions.
Application:
- Faithfulness and Diligence:We can apply this verse by cultivating faithfulness and diligence in our work, relationships, and responsibilities. By being diligent and committed to what we do, we can experience God’s blessings and favour in our lives.
- Trusting in God’s Providence:Ruth’s story teaches us to trust in God’s providential care. Even in difficult circumstances, we can have faith that God is working behind the scenes, orchestrating events for our good. We should trust in His timing and guidance, knowing that He can use people and circumstances to bless us.
- Seeking Wise Counsel:It is wise to seek advice from godly and experienced individuals when making important decisions. By seeking wise counsel, we can gain different perspectives, avoid potential pitfalls, and make better choices in our lives.
Remember to read the entire book of Ruth to grasp the full narrative and the broader lessons it offers.
