Ruth 2:16 - Also pull out some for her from the bundles, and leave it. Let her glean, and don’t rebuke her.”
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What does "Ruth 2:16" mean?
This verse, Ruth 2:16, is Boaz instructing his servants to intentionally leave extra grain for Ruth to collect during the harvest. Let's break it down:
"Also pull out some for her from the bundles..." This is the key part. Boaz is ordering his servants to actively pull grain from the already-gathered bundles (presumably the best grain) and leave it behind for Ruth. This isn't just simple generosity; it's deliberately making it easier for her to find food.
"...and leave it. Let her glean..." The servants are to leave the extra grain on the ground, allowing Ruth to collect it through gleaning – the practice of gathering leftover crops after the harvesters have finished. Gleaning was a right allowed to the poor, widows, and orphans in Israelite society, but Boaz is going above and beyond the usual practice by giving her extra.
"...and don’t rebuke her." This is crucial. Gleaning was hard work and sometimes those in charge would look down on gleaners or discourage them. Boaz is specifically instructing his servants not to harass or scold her in any way. He's ensuring that she feels welcome and safe while gleaning in his fields.
In essence, the verse is about:
Exceptional kindness: Boaz shows Ruth uncommon generosity. He doesn't just allow her to glean; he makes it easier and more fruitful for her.
Protection and respect: He ensures that she is treated with dignity and protected from any mistreatment by his workers.
Divine provision: It highlights God's provision for Ruth and Naomi through Boaz's compassion, setting the stage for the rest of the story where Boaz eventually becomes their kinsman-redeemer.
Justice and compassion: Boaz's actions demonstrate how those with resources should use them to help the vulnerable and marginalized.
The verse is a powerful illustration of Boaz's character as a righteous and compassionate man who follows God's law in spirit and in deed. It also shows God's care for the vulnerable.
Ruth 2:16 - Also pull out some for her from the bundles, and leave it. Let her glean, and don’t rebuke her.”
What does "Ruth 2:16" mean?
This verse, Ruth 2:16, is Boaz instructing his servants to intentionally leave extra grain for Ruth to collect during the harvest. Let's break it down:
"Also pull out some for her from the bundles..." This is the key part. Boaz is ordering his servants to actively pull grain from the already-gathered bundles (presumably the best grain) and leave it behind for Ruth. This isn't just simple generosity; it's deliberately making it easier for her to find food.
"...and leave it. Let her glean..." The servants are to leave the extra grain on the ground, allowing Ruth to collect it through gleaning – the practice of gathering leftover crops after the harvesters have finished. Gleaning was a right allowed to the poor, widows, and orphans in Israelite society, but Boaz is going above and beyond the usual practice by giving her extra.
"...and don’t rebuke her." This is crucial. Gleaning was hard work and sometimes those in charge would look down on gleaners or discourage them. Boaz is specifically instructing his servants not to harass or scold her in any way. He's ensuring that she feels welcome and safe while gleaning in his fields.
In essence, the verse is about:
Exceptional kindness: Boaz shows Ruth uncommon generosity. He doesn't just allow her to glean; he makes it easier and more fruitful for her.
Protection and respect: He ensures that she is treated with dignity and protected from any mistreatment by his workers.
Divine provision: It highlights God's provision for Ruth and Naomi through Boaz's compassion, setting the stage for the rest of the story where Boaz eventually becomes their kinsman-redeemer.
Justice and compassion: Boaz's actions demonstrate how those with resources should use them to help the vulnerable and marginalized.
The verse is a powerful illustration of Boaz's character as a righteous and compassionate man who follows God's law in spirit and in deed. It also shows God's care for the vulnerable.