Ruth 2:12 - May Yahweh repay your work, and a full reward be given to you from Yahweh, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”
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What does "Ruth 2:12" mean?
This verse, Ruth 2:12, is a blessing Boaz pronounces upon Ruth after she has shown kindness and loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Let's break down the meaning:
"May Yahweh repay your work..." This is a prayer that God will recompense Ruth for her diligent labor in gleaning in the fields, providing for Naomi, and for her willingness to leave her homeland and family to care for Naomi. "Yahweh" is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing the personal relationship and direct involvement of God in their lives.
"...and a full reward be given to you from Yahweh, the God of Israel..." This expands on the first part, emphasizing that the reward will come directly from God. It's not just about earthly recompense, but a divine blessing. By specifying "the God of Israel", it connects Ruth to the covenant God made with Israel, even though she is a Moabite.
"...under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” This is the heart of the verse. The image of "wings" is a metaphor for God's protection, care, and security. It's often used in the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 91:4). This phrase acknowledges Ruth's choice to trust in Yahweh, the God of Israel. It highlights that she has intentionally sought refuge and protection in Him. This could refer to her conversion to faith in Yahweh but certainly refers to her seeking protection by coming to Bethlehem.
In essence, the verse means:
Boaz is blessing Ruth by asking God to richly reward her for her hard work, her loyalty to Naomi, and especially for her willingness to seek protection and find refuge in God, the God of Israel. It recognizes that Ruth's decision to come to Israel and embrace its culture and faith is a significant act of trust and commitment, deserving of divine blessing.
Significance and Context:
Kindness and Loyalty: The blessing is directly linked to Ruth's kindness and loyalty to Naomi. It highlights the importance of these virtues in the eyes of God.
God's Providence: The verse reflects the belief that God rewards those who trust in Him and live righteously.
Ruth's Faith: It demonstrates Ruth's faith in Yahweh, even as a Moabite, and suggests that God welcomes those who turn to Him, regardless of their background.
Foreshadowing: In the larger narrative, this blessing is prophetic. Ruth's eventual marriage to Boaz and her role in the lineage of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ, represent a fulfillment of this prayer for a "full reward."
Therefore, Ruth 2:12 is a powerful statement about the blessings that come from trusting in God and living a life of kindness and loyalty. It underscores the idea that God is a refuge and protector for those who seek Him.
Ruth 2:12 - May Yahweh repay your work, and a full reward be given to you from Yahweh, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”
What does "Ruth 2:12" mean?
This verse, Ruth 2:12, is a blessing Boaz pronounces upon Ruth after she has shown kindness and loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Let's break down the meaning:
"May Yahweh repay your work..." This is a prayer that God will recompense Ruth for her diligent labor in gleaning in the fields, providing for Naomi, and for her willingness to leave her homeland and family to care for Naomi. "Yahweh" is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing the personal relationship and direct involvement of God in their lives.
"...and a full reward be given to you from Yahweh, the God of Israel..." This expands on the first part, emphasizing that the reward will come directly from God. It's not just about earthly recompense, but a divine blessing. By specifying "the God of Israel", it connects Ruth to the covenant God made with Israel, even though she is a Moabite.
"...under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” This is the heart of the verse. The image of "wings" is a metaphor for God's protection, care, and security. It's often used in the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 91:4). This phrase acknowledges Ruth's choice to trust in Yahweh, the God of Israel. It highlights that she has intentionally sought refuge and protection in Him. This could refer to her conversion to faith in Yahweh but certainly refers to her seeking protection by coming to Bethlehem.
In essence, the verse means:
Boaz is blessing Ruth by asking God to richly reward her for her hard work, her loyalty to Naomi, and especially for her willingness to seek protection and find refuge in God, the God of Israel. It recognizes that Ruth's decision to come to Israel and embrace its culture and faith is a significant act of trust and commitment, deserving of divine blessing.
Significance and Context:
Kindness and Loyalty: The blessing is directly linked to Ruth's kindness and loyalty to Naomi. It highlights the importance of these virtues in the eyes of God.
God's Providence: The verse reflects the belief that God rewards those who trust in Him and live righteously.
Ruth's Faith: It demonstrates Ruth's faith in Yahweh, even as a Moabite, and suggests that God welcomes those who turn to Him, regardless of their background.
Foreshadowing: In the larger narrative, this blessing is prophetic. Ruth's eventual marriage to Boaz and her role in the lineage of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ, represent a fulfillment of this prayer for a "full reward."
Therefore, Ruth 2:12 is a powerful statement about the blessings that come from trusting in God and living a life of kindness and loyalty. It underscores the idea that God is a refuge and protector for those who seek Him.