“And when she rose up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, ‘Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. Also let grain from the bundles fall purposely for her; leave it that she may glean, and do not rebuke her’ ” (Ruth 2:15, 16).
Gleaning has a history that dates to ancient times, and many civilizations allowed people to glean leftover crops from the fields. While most farmers today don’t support the practice of gleaning, Orthodox Jewish farmers in Israel are still encouraged by their rabbis to allow the poor to glean in their fields every seventh year.
Soon after arriving in Bethlehem with her mother-in-law, Ruth decided to glean grain during the barley harvest. When Boaz noticed Ruth gleaning in his field and discovered who she was, he greeted her and told her to glean only in his field. He was going to make sure she was safe and successful in her gleaning. He also made certain that she had plenty of water and food while she worked there.
Ruth was so overwhelmed by his kindness that she threw herself on the ground and asked why he would bother to take notice of a foreigner. Boaz revealed that he had heard all about her. He knew how kind she had been to Naomi, and that she had left her own family and homeland to accompany her mother-in-law. He knew she had forsaken the heathen ways of her country and had come to trust in the one true God. Filled with intense admiration for this young woman, he was delighted to help her in any way he could.
When Ruth told her mother-in-law about her experience and the man she had met, Naomi was excited and pleased. Boaz, she said, was a close relative and someone they could depend on in their need.
We, too, are needy in so many ways. Thankfully, there is One we can depend on. Jesus is completely worthy of our trust. As the Scripture says, “He who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame” (1 Peter 2:6). Are you trusting in Him to guide you?
Dear Lord, thank You for caring for us, and help us to trust in You more fully today.
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