What does Ruth 2:6 mean?
"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 2:6
Ruth 2:6 (KJV) reads: "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."
The book of Ruth is a beautiful and touching story of loyalty, faith, and redemption. It takes place during the time of the judges in Israel and tells the story of a Moabite woman named Ruth, who is faithful to her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi, after the death of her husband. Ruth's loyalty and selflessness ultimately lead her to a new life and a new family in Bethlehem.
In this particular verse, we find Ruth gleaning in the fields of Boaz, a distant relative of Naomi's late husband. The servant, who is overseeing the reapers, identifies Ruth as the "Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab." This verse is significant in revealing Ruth's identity and sets the stage for her encounter with Boaz, which eventually leads to their marriage and the birth of a son, Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David.
One of the key themes in the book of Ruth is the idea of loyalty and fidelity. Ruth's decision to stay with Naomi and accompany her to Bethlehem demonstrates her unwavering commitment to her mother-in-law and her willingness to embrace Naomi's God. This act of loyalty ultimately leads to Ruth's inclusion in the genealogy of David and, by extension, Jesus Christ. It is a testament to the way that God rewards loyalty and faithfulness, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
The context of this verse is also important to consider. Ruth and Naomi are widows, and in ancient Israel, widows and foreigners were often marginalized and vulnerable. Ruth's identity as a Moabite woman carries with it a stigma, as the Moabites were often viewed with suspicion and disdain by the Israelites. However, through her actions and character, Ruth becomes a shining example of strength, faith, and humility. The fact that the servant recognizes her as the "Moabitish damsel" is a reminder of her outsider status, but it also serves as a precursor to the way that she will ultimately be embraced and accepted into her new community.
Symbolism is also present in this verse. The fields in which Ruth is gleaning represent a place of provision and blessing. It is significant that Ruth is able to find favor and support in the fields of Boaz, who becomes both her kinsman-redeemer and her husband. This symbolizes God's provision for the marginalized and his ability to bring good out of difficult circumstances.
Additionally, Ruth's identity as a Moabitess serves as a symbol of the inclusivity of God's love and grace. Throughout the Bible, God demonstrates his concern for the outsider, the marginalized, and the disenfranchised, and Ruth's story is a powerful example of this. By including Ruth in the ancestral line of David and Jesus, God shows that his grace knows no boundaries and that he can work through anyone, regardless of their background or nationality.
In conclusion, Ruth 2:6 is a pivotal verse in the book of Ruth, as it reveals Ruth's identity and sets the stage for the unfolding of her story. Through this verse, we see the themes of loyalty, providence, and inclusion emerge, as well as the symbolism of the fields as a place of blessing and provision. As we reflect on this verse, we are reminded of God's faithfulness and his ability to bring about redemption and restoration, even in the most unlikely of circumstances.
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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:"
"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 2:6
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."
Ruth 3:6 - "¶ And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her."
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 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 4:6 - "¶ And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it."
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 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."
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 1:6 - "¶ Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread."
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
"¶ And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her." - Ruth 3:6
"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 2:2
Ruth 1:2 - "And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Beth-lehem-judah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there."
"Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?" - Ruth 2:5