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 in the field until evening.
Ruth's dedication and work ethic are highlighted here, as she labors from morning until evening. This reflects the cultural practice of gleaning, where the poor and foreigners were allowed to gather leftover crops from the fields (Leviticus 19:9-10). Ruth's actions demonstrate her commitment to providing for herself and Naomi, her mother-in-law. The setting is in Bethlehem during the barley harvest, a time of hope and provision after famine. This act of gleaning also foreshadows the provision and protection she will receive from Boaz, a type of Christ, who later becomes her kinsman-redeemer.

And when she beat out what she had gleaned,
The process of beating out the grain involved separating the edible part of the grain from the chaff, a task that required effort and skill. This reflects the agrarian lifestyle of ancient Israel, where such tasks were common. The act of threshing is often used metaphorically in Scripture to describe judgment and purification (Isaiah 41:15-16). Ruth's diligence in this task underscores her resourcefulness and determination, qualities that are rewarded later in the narrative.

it was about an ephah of barley.
An ephah is a unit of measure roughly equivalent to 22 liters or about half a bushel. This substantial amount indicates the abundance of Boaz's field and his generosity, as gleaners typically gathered much less. The provision of an ephah of barley not only meets Ruth and Naomi's immediate needs but also symbolizes God's providence and blessing. This abundance can be seen as a precursor to the greater blessings that come through Ruth's eventual marriage to Boaz, leading to the lineage of King David and ultimately Jesus Christ, fulfilling God's redemptive plan.

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.