What does Ruth 2:18 mean?
"¶ 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 2:18 (KJV) states: "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."
This verse is found in the Book of Ruth, which tells the story of a woman named Ruth who remains loyal to her mother-in-law Naomi and follows her to Bethlehem after the death of her husband. The story is set during the time of the judges in Israel and serves as a beautiful example of faithfulness, loyalty, and redemption.
In Ruth 2:18, we see Ruth returning to Naomi after a day of gleaning in the fields of Boaz. This verse serves as a moment of realization for Naomi, as she sees what Ruth has gleaned and is reminded of the kindness and hard work of her daughter-in-law. The context of this verse is part of a larger narrative that showcases Ruth's humility, industriousness, and devotion to her mother-in-law, and ultimately to God.
One of the central themes of this verse is the concept of providence and the blessing of hard work. Gleaning was a practice in ancient Israel where the poor and marginalized were allowed to gather the leftover grain from the fields after the harvest. Ruth, as a foreigner and a widow, would have been considered a part of this marginalized group. However, through her diligence and commitment to providing for herself and Naomi, she was able to gather an abundant amount of grain.
Additionally, the verse highlights the theme of selflessness and generosity. Ruth not only brings her gleanings back to Naomi, but she also reserves a portion for her after ensuring she had enough for herself. This act of generosity and thoughtfulness reflects Ruth's character and her commitment to caring for her mother-in-law.
Symbolically, Ruth 2:18 can also be seen as a representation of the concept of the virtuous woman. In Proverbs 31, we are presented with an idealized portrait of a woman who is diligent, responsible, compassionate, and wise. Ruth embodies many of these qualities, making her a shining example of what it means to be a virtuous woman.
Another layer of symbolism in this verse is the foreshadowing of Ruth's relationship with Boaz. As the narrative progresses, we see Boaz stepping in to protect and provide for Ruth, ultimately leading to their marriage and the continuation of Naomi's lineage. The gleanings that Ruth brings back to Naomi serve as a tangible evidence of Boaz's favor and provision for Ruth and Naomi.
Overall, Ruth 2:18 is a pivotal moment in the narrative of Ruth and Naomi. It serves as a reminder of Ruth's character and her unwavering commitment to caring for Naomi. It also sets the stage for the unfolding of God's providential care and the fulfillment of His promises. This verse is a beautiful illustration of the themes of providence, selflessness, and the virtuous woman, all of which are central to the larger narrative of redemption and grace found in the Book of Ruth.
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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