“Let her gather grain right among the sheaves without stopping her. And pull out some heads of barley from the bundles and drop them on purpose for her…and don’t give her a hard time!” Ruth 2:15-16 (NLT)
When Ruth and Naomi arrived in Bethlehem, it was harvest time. They did not have the opportunity to plant their own grain and harvest it since they were coming from a foreign land. They would starve unless there was another way to get food. Naomi, however, knew the Mosaic laws and thereby urged Ruth to follow the harvesters and “glean” or gather what they left behind. In this way, Ruth would be able to provide for herself and Naomi.
Because of the laws of Moses, handed down by God, the landowners were commanded to leave some of the harvests behind for the “poor and foreigners” (Leviticus 19:9; 23:22). Ruth, being a Moabite, belonged to both categories. The harvesters were not to reap to the very edges of their fields, nor were they to go over a field a second time to pick up what was missed the first time. This grain was to be left for the widows and orphans (Deuteronomy 24:19-22). This welfare system, based on God’s instructions, took care of the needy family by encouraging the rich to share their bounty with those less fortunate.
Boaz ordered his reapers not to embarrass Ruth were she to glean in the wrong part of the field; that is, if she didn’t follow the rules exactly. His admonishment offers a glimpse into the heart and character of this man, who took great care to follow the Mosaic law and who, with Ruth, became an ancestor of Jesus Christ.
Was it by chance that Ruth “…found herself working in a field belonging to Boaz, the relative of her father-in-law, Elimelech? (Ruth 2:3 – NLT). Of course not! Even in what appeared to be a chance situation, God was at work, divinely preparing for Ruth and Naomi’s sustenance and the start of a new family.
Never assume that what happens in your life is merely a matter of chance or coincidence. Always remember that God is at work, divinely orchestrating events to bring about His purpose in your life. He provides for those who have no one to provide for them. Let’s remember to thank Him for using others to bless us and to help us appreciate our own who have given to us.
Read: Ruth 4:11-13; 1 Timothy 6: 17-19
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 8:12-21; Luke 7:36-50; Numbers 26:12-65; Numbers 27:1-11
