What does Ruth 2:15 mean?
"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
The verse Ruth 2:15 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "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."
This verse is found in the Old Testament book of Ruth, which tells the story of a young Moabite woman named Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi. After the death of their husbands, Ruth decides to stay with Naomi and accompany her to Bethlehem. In Bethlehem, Ruth goes to the fields to glean leftover grain in order to provide for herself and Naomi.
In this particular verse, Boaz, a wealthy and kind landowner, offers protection and provision for Ruth as she gleans in his fields. The command to the young men to allow Ruth to glean among the sheaves and not to reproach her reflects Boaz's character and generosity.
One of the main themes of this verse is the idea of provision and protection. Boaz's actions exemplify his willingness to care for Ruth, a stranger and foreigner in the land. This act of compassion and concern for the well-being of others is a central theme throughout the book of Ruth. It serves as a reminder of the importance of showing kindness and hospitality to those in need, especially to foreigners and the marginalized.
Another significant theme in this verse is the concept of gleaning. Gleaning was a practice in ancient Israel where the poor and marginalized were allowed to gather leftover crops from the fields after the harvest. This was a way for the community to provide for those in need and was also a reflection of God's concern for the welfare of the less fortunate. Boaz's command to allow Ruth to glean among the sheaves not only demonstrates his generosity but also underscores the importance of providing for the poor and vulnerable.
The context of this verse is also important in understanding its significance. At the time when Ruth lived, widows and foreigners were often marginalized and vulnerable in society. The kindness and protection that Boaz showed to Ruth went above and beyond what was expected, demonstrating a deep sense of compassion and care for those who were in need.
Furthermore, the symbolism in this verse is worth noting. Boaz's treatment of Ruth can be seen as a foreshadowing of the way God provides for His people. In the same way that Boaz ensures that Ruth has enough to eat and is protected in the fields, so too does God provide for His children, offering them protection and provision in their times of need.
Overall, Ruth 2:15 in the King James Version of the Bible is a powerful reminder of the importance of showing compassion and care for those in need. It serves as an example of the kind of generosity and hospitality that God calls His people to emulate. The themes of provision, protection, gleaning, and the symbolism of God's care for His people all contribute to the rich and impactful meaning of this verse.
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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:"
"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 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 2:22 - "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 2:8 - "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 2:3 – "So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters."
Ruth 1:15 - "And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law."
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
Ruth 3:15 - "Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city."
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 4:15 - "And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him."
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 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."
"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
"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
"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 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
"And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen." - Ruth 2:20
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."