The Verse
King James Version (KJV): And she took it up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed.
New International Version (NIV): Ruth carried it back to town, and her mother-in-law saw how much she had gathered. Ruth also brought out and gave her what she had left over after she had eaten enough.
English Standard Version (ESV): And she took it up and went into the city. Her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned. She also brought out and gave her what food she had left over after being satisfied.
Introduction
We find in this verse, Ruth’s faith manifesting through her works. She had gleaned in the fields, a laborious task that symbolizes her perseverance, and her mother-in-law, Naomi, witnesses the fruit of her labor. This story not only illustrates their physical survival during the times of famine but also beautifully demonstrates the spiritual messages of God’s provision, faith, and reward for those who diligently seek Him.
Historical Context
The book of Ruth is set during the time of Judges, a period marked by famine and hardship in Israel. Ruth, the Moabite widow, chose to stay with her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi. This verse takes place after Ruth decided to glean in the fields of Boaz, a wealthy relative of Naomi, to provide for them both.
Key Word Analysis
“She took it up” – This phrase represents action and initiative. In the original Hebrew text, “took up” is “laqach”, which means to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away.
“Went into the city” – This suggests Ruth’s return to her community, carrying with her the rewards of her labor and faith.
“Gave to her” – The word “gave” in Hebrew is “nathan”, which implies giving out of kindness, a free-will offering. This also signifies Ruth’s generosity and concern for Naomi.
Spiritual Insight
This verse reveals God’s providence and care for His faithful ones. It illustrates the spiritual principle of sowing and reaping, demonstrating that those who trust in God and commit to diligence and hard work will be rewarded.
Life Application
In our lives, we are called to emulate Ruth’s faith, dedication, and hard work. We must remember to share our blessings, just as Ruth shared her gleanings with Naomi, and trust in God’s provision in times of scarcity.
What Jesus Might Say About This Verse
“Beloved, like Ruth, you too are called to work diligently, faithfully trusting in My provision. As she shared her blessings with Naomi, you too should bless others. Remember, I am your Boaz, your Kinsman-Redeemer. Trust in Me and be filled with My love and abundance.”
Prayer Prompt
Dear Lord, strengthen us to work diligently like Ruth, trusting in Your provision. Help us share our blessings with others. Thank You for being our Redeemer, always providing for us. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: Who was Ruth?
Ans: Ruth was a Moabite woman who chose to follow her mother-in-law Naomi’s God and people.
Ques: What does gleaning in the field mean?
Ans: Gleaning is the act of collecting leftover crops from farmers’ fields after they have been commercially harvested.
Ques: What spiritual lesson can we learn from Ruth’s gleaning?
Ans: Ruth’s gleaning teaches us about diligence, faith, God’s provision, sharing blessings, and the principle of sowing and reaping.
Ques: Who is Boaz in relation to Ruth?
Ans: Boaz was a relative of Naomi and later became Ruth’s husband. He is often seen as a type of Christ, our Kinsman-Redeemer.
Related Verses
Proverbs 28:20: A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished. (This verse relates to Ruth’s faithfulness and the resulting blessings.)
2 Corinthians 9:6: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. (This verse aligns with the principle of sowing and reaping as seen in Ruth’s life.)
Galatians 6:9: And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (This verse encourages the same perseverance demonstrated by Ruth.)
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