Ruth 2:17

So Ruth gathered grain in the field until evening. And when she beat out what she had gleaned, it was about an ephah of barley.

Study Bible

So Ruth gathered grain
The act of gathering grain, or gleaning, was a provision in the Mosaic Law for the poor and the foreigner (Leviticus 19:9-10). Ruth, a Moabite, was both a foreigner and a widow, making her eligible for this provision. The Hebrew word for "gathered" is "לָקַט" (laqet), which implies a careful and diligent collection. This reflects Ruth's industrious nature and her willingness to work hard to provide for herself and Naomi, her mother-in-law. Her actions demonstrate humility and perseverance, qualities that are highly esteemed in the biblical narrative.

in the field until evening
Ruth's dedication is evident as she works from morning until evening. The phrase "until evening" indicates a full day's labor, underscoring her commitment and endurance. In the ancient Near Eastern context, working in the fields was physically demanding, especially for a woman. Ruth's willingness to labor all day highlights her strength and determination. This also foreshadows the divine favor she will receive, as her hard work does not go unnoticed by Boaz, the field's owner.

And when she beat out what she had gathered
The process of beating out the grain involved separating the edible part of the grain from the chaff. This was typically done by threshing, a labor-intensive task. The Hebrew word "חָבַט" (chavat) for "beat out" suggests a vigorous action, again emphasizing Ruth's diligence. This act of threshing is symbolic of purification and preparation, as Ruth's efforts are about to yield a significant reward. It also serves as a metaphor for the refining process that God often uses in the lives of His people.

it was about an ephah of barley
An ephah is a Hebrew unit of dry measure, roughly equivalent to 22 liters or about half a bushel. This amount of barley was substantial, especially for a single day's gleaning, indicating God's provision and blessing upon Ruth's labor. Barley was a staple grain in ancient Israel, often associated with the poor, yet it was also the first grain to be harvested, symbolizing new beginnings and hope. The abundance of Ruth's gleaning is a testament to God's providence and foreshadows the greater blessings that will come through her relationship with Boaz.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ruth
A Moabite widow who has shown loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, by staying with her and returning to Bethlehem. Her actions in this verse demonstrate her diligence and work ethic.

2. Boaz's Field
The location where Ruth gleans. Boaz is a relative of Naomi's deceased husband and a man of standing in the community. His field becomes a place of provision and protection for Ruth.

3. Gleaning
The act of collecting leftover crops from farmers' fields after they have been commercially harvested. This was a provision in the Law of Moses for the poor and foreigners (Leviticus 19:9-10).

4. Ephah of Barley
An ephah is a unit of dry measure used in ancient Israel, roughly equivalent to 22 liters or about half a bushel. This amount signifies a substantial provision for Ruth and Naomi.

5. Evening
The time of day when Ruth finishes her work, indicating her dedication and perseverance throughout the day.

Teaching Points

Diligence in Work
Ruth's example teaches us the value of hard work and perseverance. She labors from morning until evening, demonstrating commitment and responsibility.

God's Provision
Through Ruth's gleaning, we see God's provision for those who trust in Him. He uses ordinary means and people to provide for our needs.

Faithfulness in Small Things
Ruth's faithfulness in the seemingly small task of gleaning leads to greater blessings. We are reminded to be faithful in the tasks God has given us, no matter how insignificant they may seem.

Community Support
The practice of gleaning reflects a community's responsibility to care for its vulnerable members. We are called to be mindful of and provide for those in need around us.

Trust in God's Timing
Ruth's account encourages us to trust in God's timing and provision, even when the work is hard and the results are not immediately visible.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ruth's diligence in gleaning reflect her character, and what can we learn from her example about our own work ethic?

2. In what ways does the practice of gleaning in ancient Israel demonstrate God's care for the marginalized, and how can we apply this principle in our communities today?

3. How does Ruth's account encourage us to trust in God's provision, even when we are in difficult circumstances?

4. What are some "small things" in your life where you can demonstrate faithfulness, and how might God use these for greater purposes?

5. How can we, as a church or community, better support those who are in need, following the example of the gleaning laws in the Old Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 19:9-10
This passage outlines the law of gleaning, which provides for the poor and the foreigner, showing God's care for the marginalized.

Proverbs 31:17
This verse describes the virtuous woman who works with strength and diligence, similar to Ruth's industriousness.

Galatians 6:9
Encourages believers not to grow weary in doing good, for in due time they will reap a harvest, paralleling Ruth's hard work and eventual reward.