Ruth 2:3 - She went, and came and gleaned in the field after the reapers; and she happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech.
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What does "Ruth 2:3" mean?
This verse from Ruth 2:3 is simple but packed with important details that drive the plot of the Book of Ruth. Let's break it down:
"She went, and came and gleaned in the field after the reapers;"
"She went, and came": This simply means Ruth went out into a field and gleaned, which was the process of collecting leftover grain after the main harvest was complete.
"gleaned in the field after the reapers": This is a key action. Gleaning was a provision in the Law of Moses (Leviticus 19:9-10, Deuteronomy 24:19-22) designed to help the poor and widowed obtain food. By gleaning, Ruth was humbly seeking to provide for herself and her mother-in-law, Naomi. It also highlights their desperate situation. They were reduced to relying on the charity of others.
"and she happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech."
"she happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz": This is crucial. The word "happened" (or its equivalent depending on the translation) is often interpreted as divinely guided. While Ruth was simply trying to find food, her steps were being directed by God to a specific place – Boaz's field. This is where the central romance and redemption story will begin.
"Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech": This introduces Boaz and establishes his important connection to Naomi. Elimelech was Naomi's deceased husband, and Boaz was a relative (likely a more distant relative) on Elimelech's side of the family. This family connection will become pivotal later in the story because Boaz is a kinsman-redeemer, meaning he has a legal and moral obligation to help Naomi and, by extension, Ruth. This also lays groundwork for the possibility of Boaz marrying Ruth and continuing Elimelech's family line.
In summary, this verse signifies:
Ruth's humility and resourcefulness: She is working hard to provide for herself and Naomi.
The provision of the Law: She is exercising her right to glean according to Israelite law.
Divine Providence: Her "chance" encounter with Boaz's field is not a random event but a key step in God's plan.
Family connection: The relationship between Boaz and Elimelech's family sets the stage for Boaz to act as a kinsman-redeemer.
The verse is a seemingly simple sentence, but it sets the stage for the rest of the story of Ruth, highlighting themes of faithfulness, redemption, and God's providential care. It hints at a future romance and redemption for Ruth and Naomi through Boaz's actions.
Ruth 2:3 - She went, and came and gleaned in the field after the reapers; and she happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech.
What does "Ruth 2:3" mean?
This verse from Ruth 2:3 is simple but packed with important details that drive the plot of the Book of Ruth. Let's break it down:
"She went, and came and gleaned in the field after the reapers;"
"She went, and came": This simply means Ruth went out into a field and gleaned, which was the process of collecting leftover grain after the main harvest was complete.
"gleaned in the field after the reapers": This is a key action. Gleaning was a provision in the Law of Moses (Leviticus 19:9-10, Deuteronomy 24:19-22) designed to help the poor and widowed obtain food. By gleaning, Ruth was humbly seeking to provide for herself and her mother-in-law, Naomi. It also highlights their desperate situation. They were reduced to relying on the charity of others.
"and she happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech."
"she happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz": This is crucial. The word "happened" (or its equivalent depending on the translation) is often interpreted as divinely guided. While Ruth was simply trying to find food, her steps were being directed by God to a specific place – Boaz's field. This is where the central romance and redemption story will begin.
"Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech": This introduces Boaz and establishes his important connection to Naomi. Elimelech was Naomi's deceased husband, and Boaz was a relative (likely a more distant relative) on Elimelech's side of the family. This family connection will become pivotal later in the story because Boaz is a kinsman-redeemer, meaning he has a legal and moral obligation to help Naomi and, by extension, Ruth. This also lays groundwork for the possibility of Boaz marrying Ruth and continuing Elimelech's family line.
In summary, this verse signifies:
Ruth's humility and resourcefulness: She is working hard to provide for herself and Naomi.
The provision of the Law: She is exercising her right to glean according to Israelite law.
Divine Providence: Her "chance" encounter with Boaz's field is not a random event but a key step in God's plan.
Family connection: The relationship between Boaz and Elimelech's family sets the stage for Boaz to act as a kinsman-redeemer.
The verse is a seemingly simple sentence, but it sets the stage for the rest of the story of Ruth, highlighting themes of faithfulness, redemption, and God's providential care. It hints at a future romance and redemption for Ruth and Naomi through Boaz's actions.