Ruth 2:14

At mealtime Boaz said to her, "Come over here; have some bread and dip it into the vinegar sauce." So she sat down beside the harvesters, and he offered her roasted grain, and she ate and was satisfied and had some left over.

Study Bible

At mealtime Boaz said to her,
This phrase indicates a specific time during the workday, highlighting the generosity and kindness of Boaz. Mealtime was a communal event, and inviting Ruth, a Moabite and a gleaner, to join was an act of inclusion and grace. This reflects the biblical principle of hospitality and care for the foreigner and the needy, as seen in Leviticus 19:9-10.

“Come over here;
Boaz's invitation is personal and direct, showing his willingness to break social norms. In ancient Israel, social barriers often separated landowners from the poor and foreigners. Boaz's actions prefigure the inclusive nature of Christ's ministry, where He often reached out to those marginalized by society.

have some bread and dip it into the vinegar sauce.”
Bread was a staple food, symbolizing sustenance and life. The vinegar sauce, likely a sour wine or vinegar mixture, was used for flavor. This simple meal reflects the humility and provision of God, reminiscent of the Last Supper where Jesus broke bread with His disciples, symbolizing His body given for humanity (Luke 22:19).

So she sat down beside the harvesters,
Ruth sitting with the harvesters signifies her acceptance into the community. This act of sitting together symbolizes unity and equality, breaking down social barriers. It echoes Galatians 3:28, where Paul speaks of the unity of believers in Christ, regardless of social or ethnic backgrounds.

and he offered her roasted grain,
Roasted grain was a common food during harvest, easy to prepare and nutritious. Boaz personally offering it to Ruth demonstrates his care and provision, akin to how God provides for His people. This act can be seen as a type of Christ, who offers Himself as the bread of life (John 6:35).

and she ate and was satisfied
Ruth's satisfaction from the meal symbolizes God's provision and abundance. It reflects the biblical theme of God satisfying the needs of His people, as seen in Psalm 107:9. This satisfaction also points to the spiritual fulfillment found in Christ.

and had some left over.
The abundance of food, with leftovers, signifies God's overflowing provision. This mirrors the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000, where Jesus provided more than enough for the crowd, with baskets of leftovers (John 6:12-13). It underscores the theme of divine generosity and care.

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. Ruth is a model of faithfulness and humility.

2. Boaz
A wealthy and influential landowner in Bethlehem, who is a relative of Naomi's deceased husband. He is known for his kindness and adherence to the laws of God.

3. Bethlehem
The town in Judah where Naomi and Ruth return to after the famine in Moab. It is also the setting for the events of Ruth 2:14.

4. The Meal
The event in Ruth 2:14 where Boaz invites Ruth to eat with him and his workers, symbolizing acceptance and provision.

Teaching Points

God's Provision and Kindness
Boaz's invitation to Ruth to join the meal is a reflection of God's provision and kindness. It reminds us that God cares for the marginalized and provides for their needs.

The Importance of Community
Ruth's inclusion in the meal signifies acceptance into the community. As believers, we are called to welcome and support those who are new or in need.

Humility and Gratitude
Ruth's response to Boaz's kindness is one of humility and gratitude. We should cultivate a heart of thankfulness for the blessings and opportunities God provides.

The Role of Obedience
Boaz's adherence to the law of gleaning demonstrates the importance of obedience to God's commands. Our obedience can be a means of blessing to others.

God's Sovereign Plan
The events in Ruth's life, including this meal, are part of God's larger plan for redemption. We can trust that God is working in our lives, even in seemingly small events.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Boaz's treatment of Ruth reflect God's character, and how can we emulate this in our interactions with others?

2. In what ways does the law of gleaning in Leviticus 19:9-10 connect to the events in Ruth 2:14, and how can we apply this principle of provision in our communities today?

3. How does Ruth's humility and gratitude in response to Boaz's kindness challenge us in our own attitudes towards the blessings we receive?

4. What can we learn from Boaz's obedience to God's law, and how does this influence our understanding of the relationship between faith and works?

5. Considering Ruth's inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus, how does her account encourage us to see God's hand in our own life circumstances, especially when they seem insignificant?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 19:9-10
This passage outlines the law of gleaning, which Boaz follows by allowing Ruth to gather grain in his fields. It highlights God's provision for the poor and the foreigner.

Proverbs 31:10-31
The description of a virtuous woman can be seen in Ruth's character, as she demonstrates diligence, kindness, and loyalty.

Matthew 1:5
Ruth is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus, showing her significance in God's redemptive plan and the inclusion of Gentiles in His covenant.