Ruth 2:15
When she rose to glean, Boaz instructed his young men, saying, “Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Boaz didn't just let Ruth glean; he specifically told his men to let her glean "even among the sheaves." This wasn't standard practice; it meant she could glean from the areas where the grain was already gathered, a richer, more plentiful spot, and that she shouldn't be shamed or accused of theft while doing so.
Boaz, upon arriving at his fields and sharing a warm, God-fearing greeting with his reapers, notices Ruth. He inquires about her and, upon learning she is Naomi's daughter-in-law, he instructs his young men to allow her to glean even among the bound sheaves, a privilege beyond the usual custom, and to refrain from any harsh words or actions towards her. This magnifies the favor already shown, ensuring Ruth feels safe and can gather generously, a stark contrast to the potentially hostile environment other gleaners might face.
Boaz doesn't just allow Ruth to glean; he gives her permission to do so in a remarkably generous way. What does this reveal about his heart and the privilege he extends?
Normally, gleaning was permitted only after the main harvest work was done, and in the spaces between the bound sheaves where fallen grain was more plentiful. However, Boaz instructs his workers to let Ruth glean 'even among the sheaves.' This suggests she could glean directly from the stalks being gathered or bound, a much richer opportunity. It’s a significant upgrade from the standard practice, showing Boaz’s intentionality to provide abundantly for her.
Boaz’s command isn't just about providing grain; it's about protecting Ruth's dignity. How does he ensure she is treated with respect?
Boaz explicitly tells his men, 'do not reproach her.' This wasn't just a casual remark; it was a directive to prevent any form of humiliation or accusation. He wanted to shield Ruth from potential scorn or suspicion from his workers, whether they might mock her for being a foreigner, a widow, or potentially seen as trying to steal. Boaz’s protection extends to her reputation and emotional well-being.
Boaz's actions are more than just good deeds; they echo a divine pattern. How does his kindness point to God's own character?
The interaction between Boaz and his reapers starts with a mutual blessing: "The LORD be with you." Boaz’s subsequent, extraordinary kindness to Ruth mirrors the compassionate heart of God. He sees a vulnerable stranger, provides for her generously, and protects her honor. This selfless, protective love is a hallmark of God’s covenant faithfulness. In Boaz's care for Ruth, we see a beautiful earthly reflection of Christ’s own tender regard for His people.
Understand the original words
laqat · Hebrew Verb
The act of gathering leftover crops after the harvest, a provision mandated by the Mosaic Law to support the poor, the widow, and the sojourner.
kalam · Hebrew Verb
The public act of shaming, blaming, or finding fault in someone; in a legal or social context, it refers to causing someone distress or bringing disgrace upon them.
c. 11th Century BC
Period of the Judges
The Book of Ruth is set during the later period of the Judges, a time of decentralized tribal rule and significant social upheaval in Israel. This era was marked by cycles of disobedience, oppression, and deliverance, leading to widespread instability and hardship.
c. 11th Century BC
Famine in Bethlehem
A severe famine struck the land of Judah, including Bethlehem, prompting Elimelech to move his family to the foreign land of Moab. This exodus highlights the dire economic conditions and the vulnerability of the people.
c. 11th Century BC
Naomi and Ruth's Return
After the deaths of her husband and sons in Moab, Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem, accompanied by her Moabite daughter-in-law, Ruth. This marked a pivotal moment, bringing Ruth into the Israelite community and setting the stage for the narrative.
c. 11th Century BC— this verse
Ruth gleans in Boaz's field
Arriving in Bethlehem during the barley harvest, Ruth sought permission to glean leftover grain to support herself and Naomi. She ended up in the field of Boaz, a relative of Naomi's late husband, who showed her extraordinary kindness.
This passage echoes the sentiment of Boaz's greeting to his reapers, 'The LORD be with you,' showing that good relationships based on mutual blessing and God's presence were valued in both the Old and New Testaments.
Deuteronomy 24:19Boaz's extraordinary kindness in allowing Ruth to glean 'even among the sheaves' is a generous application of the law which commanded leaving gleanings for the poor and the sojourner.
Matthew 25:40Boaz's protection and provision for Ruth, a foreigner and a widow, directly mirrors Jesus' teaching that whatever we do for the 'least of these' brothers and sisters, we do for Him.
1 Timothy 5:8Boaz's concern that Ruth 'earn her bread with the sweat of her brow' rather than simply being given handouts aligns with the principle that providing for one's own is a fundamental responsibility.
1 Corinthians 13:4Boaz's instruction not to 'reproach' Ruth reflects the profound truth of love that 'is patient, is kind,' demonstrating a gentle and protective spirit toward those in vulnerable situations.
henryRuth 2:4-16: "And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee."
2:4-16 The pious and kind language between Boaz and his reapers shows that there were godly persons in Israel. Such language as this is seldom heard in our field; too often, on the contrary, what is immoral and corrupt. A stranger would form a very different opinion of our land, from that which Ruth would form of Israel from the converse and conduct…
clarkeRuth 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:"
Let her glean even among the sheaves - This was a privilege; for no person should glean till the sheaves were all bound, and the shocks set up.
Boaz didn't just let Ruth glean; he specifically told his men to let her glean "even among the sheaves." This wasn't standard practice; it meant she could glean from the areas where the grain was already gathered, a richer, more plentiful spot, and that she shouldn't be shamed or accused of theft while doing so.
Boaz, upon arriving at his fields and sharing a warm, God-fearing greeting with his reapers, notices Ruth. He inquires about her and, upon learning she is Naomi's daughter-in-law, he instructs his young men to allow her to glean even among the bound sheaves, a privilege beyond the usual custom, and to refrain from any harsh words or actions towards her. This magnifies the favor already shown, ensuring Ruth feels safe and can gather generously, a stark contrast to the potentially hostile environment other gleaners might face.
Boaz, upon arriving at his fields and sharing a warm, God-fearing greeting with his reapers, notices Ruth. He inquires about her and, upon learning she is Naomi's daughter-in-law, he instructs his young men to allow her to glean even among the bound sheaves, a privilege beyond the usual custom, and to refrain from any harsh words or actions towards her. This magnifies the favor already shown, ensuring Ruth feels safe and can gather generously, a stark contrast to the potentially hostile environment other gleaners might face.
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c. 11th Century BC
Boaz instructs his reapers
Boaz, upon seeing Ruth, not only allowed her to glean but commanded his young men to let her glean freely even among the sheaves and to refrain from reproaching her. This special permission and protection went beyond the standard provisions for gleaners.
"When she rose to glean, Boaz instructed his young men, saying, “Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her." — Boaz didn't just let Ruth glean; he specifically told his men to let her glean "even among the sheaves." This wasn't standard practice; it meant she could glean from the areas where the grain was alr…
