What does Ruth 2:23 mean?
"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 2:23
Ruth 2:23 (KJV): 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.
In Ruth 2:23, we see Ruth continuing to glean in the fields of Boaz until the end of both the barley and wheat harvest. This verse highlights Ruth's faithfulness and dedication to providing for herself and Naomi, her mother-in-law. It also reflects Boaz's kindness and generosity towards Ruth, as he allows her to continue gleaning in his fields. This verse is a continuation of the theme of loyalty, hard work, and the providence of God that is prevalent throughout the book of Ruth.
The book of Ruth is set during a time of great hardship and famine in Israel. It tells the story of Ruth, a Moabite woman, who becomes a widow and chooses to stay with her mother-in-law Naomi rather than return to her own home. Ruth's commitment to Naomi is a testament to her loyalty and love for her. They return to Bethlehem, where Ruth begins gleaning in the fields to provide for herself and Naomi. It is during this time that she meets Boaz, a wealthy and kind landowner who shows her favor and eventually takes her as his wife.
The themes of loyalty, hard work, and divine providence are woven throughout the book of Ruth. Ruth's decision to stay with Naomi and her dedication to gleaning in the fields demonstrate her steadfastness and determination to provide for herself and her mother-in-law. Boaz's kindness and generosity towards Ruth exemplify the concept of 'hesed,' which is the Hebrew word for God's steadfast love and kindness towards his people. Ruth and Boaz's story illustrates how God can use individuals to carry out His will and provide for those in need.
In Ruth 2:23, the mention of both the barley and wheat harvests is significant. The barley harvest typically occurred in the spring, while the wheat harvest followed in the summer. The fact that Ruth stayed in the fields to glean until the end of both harvests emphasizes her unwavering commitment and dedication. It also serves as a reminder of the provision and timing of God. Both the barley and wheat harvests were crucial for the sustenance of the people, and Ruth's diligence ensured that she and Naomi would have enough food to survive.
The symbolism of the harvests in this verse also points to the spiritual nourishment and abundance provided by God. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to the harvest as a metaphor for the Kingdom of God and the gathering of His people (Matthew 9:37-38). The imagery of the harvests in Ruth 2:23 can be seen as a foreshadowing of the spiritual blessings and abundance that God provides for His people. Ruth's labor in the fields represents her willingness to work hard for the well-being of herself and Naomi, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of diligence and perseverance in our own lives.
Overall, Ruth 2:23 is a verse that encapsulates the themes of loyalty, hard work, and divine providence that are central to the book of Ruth. It serves as a reminder of the faithfulness of Ruth, the kindness of Boaz, and the provision of God. The verse also carries with it rich symbolism related to the harvests and God's spiritual provision for His people. Through the story of Ruth and Boaz, we are reminded of the overarching theme of God's steadfast love and care for His people, as well as the importance of showing love and kindness to others.
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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."
"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 2:23
Ruth 2:3 – "So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters."
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 - "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."
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 4:2 - "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."
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."
"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."
"And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore." - Ruth 2:11
Ruth 2:10 - "Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?"