Ruth 2:17-23; Ruth 3:1-13
In Israel at the harvest time, the corners of the field had to be left for the poor people and strangers who would come and glean there (Leviticus 19:9; Leviticus 23:22). Consequently Ruth, the poor stranger, has a double entitlement to profit from this provision of grace.
Gleaning speaks to us of the action that we must take for our souls to be fed with what the Lord gives. And often it is with the help of God’s servants that we can enter into these thoughts in a deeper way. This will require some effort from us but the Lord, the true Boaz, will not be slow to give us "good measure, pressed down, and shaken together" (Luke 6:38). Ruth beats out what she has gleaned and takes it home. Let us share with others at home the excellent things which the Lord has given us in His Word.
We have noticed Ruth’s devotion to Naomi. Let us now take note of her submission to her mother-in-law. Young women, what an example Ruth gives you. She does everything Naomi asks her and Naomi, for her part, thinks about Ruth’s rest and happiness (3:1). Where will this rest and happiness be found if not at the feet of Boaz, a type of someone greater than himself? How many people have come to Jesus, tired and burdened, and have found rest for their souls! (Matthew 11:28-29).