The Verse
King James Version (KJV): And Ruth the Moabitess said, He hath fully apprised me, that I should keep close to his young men, until they have ended all his harvest.
New International Version (NIV): Ruth the Moabite said, “He even said to me, ‘Stay with my workers until they finish harvesting all my grain.’”
English Standard Version (ESV): And Ruth the Moabite said, “Besides, he said to me, ‘You shall keep close to my young men until they have finished all my harvest.’”
Introduction
From the glittering tales of kings and queens to the humble narratives of ordinary individuals, the Bible paints a vast, vibrant tapestry of human experiences. In this verse from the book of Ruth, we see the story of an ordinary woman, Ruth, who displays extraordinary faith and character. This verse offers a glimpse into the essence of Ruth’s faith and her willingness to stay in a foreign land and work hard.
Her story, like those of all God’s servants, is filled with smaller moments that reveal her steadfast faith. In Ruth 2:21, we see one such moment, where she commits to staying with Boaz’s workers until the harvest’s end, showcasing her dedication, humility, and commitment to her new life and God’s providence.
Historical Context
Ruth is one of the rare books in the Bible named after a woman, and it is a story of survival, loyalty, and love. Our verse comes from a time when Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi, being widowed, had returned to Bethlehem. Naomi had a relative, Boaz, who allowed Ruth to glean in his fields. In Ruth 2:21, Ruth acknowledges Boaz’s kindness and instructions to stay with his workers until the end of the harvest season.
Key Word Analysis
The key words/phrases in this verse are ‘Ruth the Moabitess’, ‘fully apprised’/’said to me’, ‘keep close’, ‘young men’, and ‘ended all his harvest’. ‘Ruth the Moabitess’ signifies Ruth’s foreigner status in Israel. ‘Fully apprised’ or ‘said to me’ shows Ruth’s understanding and acceptance of Boaz’s instructions. ‘Keep close’ indicates Ruth’s closeness to Boaz’s workers and her place among them. ‘Young men’ and ‘ended all his harvest’ refer to Boaz’s workers and the harvest season, respectively.
Spiritual Insight
This verse underscores the trust displayed by Ruth in God’s providence and Boaz’s kindness. It is a testament to the importance of humility, obedience, and hard work in the eyes of God. It also indicates that God cares for his people, providing refuge and sustenance in times of need.
Life Application
Modern readers can learn from Ruth’s humility, obedience, and trust in God. We are reminded that no matter our circumstances, we should persevere, trust in God’s plan, and remain committed to our responsibilities. Ruth’s story encourages us to take refuge under the wings of God, finding safety and solace in His divine providence.
What Jesus Might Say About This Verse
“My child, like Ruth, you too are welcomed into my Father’s field, regardless of your past or your origins. Remain close to my teachings, persevere in your faith, and find refuge under the wings of my Father’s care. Your humble obedience and trust in Him will be rewarded, for my Father nurtures those who seek Him.”
Prayer Prompt
Lord, give us the strength to trust in your divine providence, to follow your ways, and to find our refuge in you. Like Ruth, may we remain steadfast in our faith, humble in our actions, and diligent in our responsibilities. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: Who is Ruth in the Bible?
Ans: Ruth is a Moabite woman who showed extraordinary faith and loyalty. She is known for her devotion to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and her obedience to God.
Ques: What is the main message of Ruth 2:21?
Ans: The verse highlights Ruth’s obedience, humility, and trust in God’s providence. It teaches us about loyalty, hard work, and faith.
Ques: Why did Ruth decide to stay with Boaz’s workers?
Ans: Ruth was following Boaz’s instructions and was finding protection and provision in his field. It was her obedience and humility that led her to stay.
Ques: How does Ruth 2:21 relate to our everyday life?
Ans: This verse encourages us to trust in God’s plan, be diligent in our responsibilities, and find refuge in His divine care, just as Ruth did.
Related Verses
Ruth 1:16: But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.”
Ruth 2:12: The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.
Ruth 3:10: He said, “Blessed be you by the LORD, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich.”
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