“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 unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.”
Background:The book of Ruth takes place during the time of the judges in Israel when there was a famine in the land. Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, went to the country of Moab to find food. Unfortunately, Elimelech died, and their sons married Moabite women named Orpah and Ruth. After about ten years, both Mahlon and Chilion died, leaving Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth as widows.
Gleaning in the Field:In this verse, Ruth, who was a Moabite widow, went to glean in the field after the reapers. Gleaning was a provision in the Mosaic Law where the poor and the widows were allowed to gather the leftover grain after the harvesters. Ruth was exercising her right to gather food for herself and her mother-in-law, Naomi.
Her Hap:The word “hap” in this verse means “chance” or “luck.” It implies that Ruth happened to come upon a specific part of the field that belonged to Boaz, who was a relative of Elimelech. However, as we study the book of Ruth further, we see that this was not merely a chance occurrence, but a divinely orchestrated event in God’s plan for Ruth and Naomi.
Divine Providence:Throughout the book of Ruth, we witness God’s providential care for Ruth and Naomi. God directed Ruth to the field of Boaz, who happened to be a close relative of Elimelech. This was significant because according to the Levirate Law, a close relative had the responsibility to redeem the land and marry the widow of a deceased relative. God’s providence set the stage for the events that would unfold and lead to the ultimate redemption of Ruth and Naomi.
Application:The story of Ruth reminds us of God’s faithfulness, even in difficult circumstances. Despite the losses and hardships Ruth and Naomi faced, God was working behind the scenes to bring about their redemption. This verse teaches us that sometimes what may seem like mere chance or luck is actually part of God’s providential plan for our lives. It encourages us to trust in God’s sovereignty and have faith that He is at work, even when we cannot see the bigger picture.
In conclusion, Ruth 2:3 highlights Ruth’s gleaning in the field and her fortunate encounter with the portion of the field belonging to Boaz. It serves as a reminder of God’s providence in our lives and encourages us to trust in His plan, even when things seem uncertain or coincidental.
