The Hidden Blessings of Gleaning
"¶ 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." - Ruth 2:18
The story of Ruth is a beautiful narrative woven into the fabric of Scripture, epitomizing loyalty, hard work, and God’s providential care. In Ruth 2:18, we catch a powerful glimpse of Ruth’s character and her devotion to both her mother-in-law, Naomi, and to the God of Israel. The King James Version reads: "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."
To understand the significance of this verse, we need to reflect on Ruth’s circumstances. A Moabite widow in a foreign land, Ruth faced immense challenges. After the death of her husband, she chose to accompany Naomi back to Bethlehem rather than return to her own family. This act itself exemplified immense bravery and a heart committed to family loyalty. Ruth embraced her new life in Israel not merely out of obligation, but as a profound expression of love and faith.
As a gleaner, Ruth symbolically enters the fields of Boaz, a relative of Naomi's deceased husband. Gleaning was an important provision within the Mosaic Law, allowing the poor and the foreigners to collect leftover crops from the fields after the harvesters had gone through. This law highlighted God's concern for the vulnerable, making room for inclusivity within the community. When Ruth gleans, it is more than just a means of survival; it represents her resilience and willingness to work diligently, ensuring that both she and Naomi could eat.
The act of gleaning is representative of our spiritual journey. We, too, are called to glean in the field of faith—taking up the remnants of grace offered to us after God’s abundance (1 Peter 5:10). Just as the harvesters left behind the edges for the less fortunate, our heavenly Father abundantly provides for our needs, often in ways we might not initially recognize. When Ruth comes home with her gleanings, it shows that even in her modest contributions, God was taking care of her and Naomi.
Verse 18 concludes with a beautiful interaction between Ruth and Naomi. "...and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed." This moment encapsulates the essence of kindness and generosity. Ruth’s heart was not only focused on her own stomach; after meeting her needs, she reserves some of the food for Naomi. This illustrates an important principle: the overflow of our blessings should not only bless us but should extend to others around us. In moments of blessing, do we similarly offer what we have to those who may be lacking?
Furthermore, as Naomis see what Ruth has gleaned, it must have filled her heart with gratitude and reassured her that God was still providentially at work in their lives. Naomi’s earlier bitterness (Ruth 1:20-21) began to transition into hope upon witnessing Ruth’s faithfulness and the bounty she brings. This shows the intricate ways in which God works through our lives. When we remain faithful in our small acts of service, it can seed hope in those around us.
As we reflect on Ruth 2:18, let us ask ourselves:
- Are we recognizing the provisions God has placed in our lives?
- Are we willing to step out in faith, as Ruth did, even when we feel inadequate?
- How can we continue to bless others with the abundance we have received?
In a world where we often focus on what we don’t have, may we learn from Ruth, always looking for the blessings around us to share. Let us glean in faith, trusting that our diligent efforts and our willingness to care for others can lead to unexpected blessings and renewed hope in our communities. Our lives, much like Ruth’s, can become a testimony of God’s provision, marking us as a light to others in their times of need.
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Ruth 2:18 Artwork
Ruth 2:18 - "¶ 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."
"¶ 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." - Ruth 2:18
Ruth 4:18 - "¶ Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron,"
Ruth 1:18 - "When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her."
"¶ Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron," - Ruth 4:18
Ruth 2:22 - "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."
Ruth 2:2 - "And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter."
Ruth 2:8 - "Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens:"
Ruth 2:21 - "And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest."
"Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day." - Ruth 3:18
Ruth 2:3 – "So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters."
Ruth 2:15 - "And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:"
Ruth 3:18 - "Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day."
Ruth 2:5 - "Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?"
"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." - Ruth 2:22
"And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:" - Ruth 2:15
Ruth 4:2 - "And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down."
Ruth 2:1 - "And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz."
Ruth 2:6 - "And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab:"
Ruth 3:2 - "And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor."
Ruth 2:17 - "So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley."
Ruth 2:16 - "And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not."
Ruth 2:4 - "¶ And, behold, Boaz came from Beth-lehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee."
"When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her." - Ruth 1:18
Ruth 2:23 - "So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law."
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 2:3 - "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."
"And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest." - Ruth 2:21
"Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens:" - Ruth 2:8
"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 2:12