Meaning of Ruth 2:6

This verse, spoken by the overseer of the reapers, identifies Ruth as a foreigner, a Moabite woman who has returned with Naomi from her homeland. This initial identification is crucial as it immediately establishes Ruth's status within the Israelite community of Bethlehem. Her foreignness is not presented as a judgment but as a factual descriptor, setting the stage for the subsequent interactions and highlighting the extraordinary nature of her loyalty and integration. The overseer's response is straightforward, providing Naomi with the information she sought about the gleaner working in her fields, thereby initiating a more personal connection between Ruth and the household of Boaz.

Context and Background

The scene unfolds in Bethlehem during the barley harvest. Naomi, having returned from Moab after years of absence, is in a state of destitution. Ruth, her Moabite daughter-in-law, has demonstrated unwavering devotion by accompanying Naomi back to Judah, even though it meant leaving her own people and gods behind. When Ruth goes to glean in the fields to provide for them, she happens upon the field belonging to Boaz, a kinsman of Naomi's late husband, Elimelech. The overseer of Boaz's reapers is questioned about this foreign woman working among his laborers, prompting his factual and descriptive reply.

Key Themes and Messages

• Foreignness and Inclusion: Ruth's Moabite identity is central. The verse underscores that she is an outsider, yet her presence is not met with immediate hostility but with a factual report. This hints at a potential for inclusion despite her foreign status.
• Loyalty and Devotion: Ruth's decision to leave Moab with Naomi is an act of profound loyalty. This verse, by identifying her origins, implicitly points to the sacrifice she made.
• Divine Providence: The narrative is subtly guided by God's hand. Ruth's presence in Boaz's field, and the overseer's identification of her, are all steps leading to her eventual integration into Israel and the lineage of David.
• Observation and Inquiry: The overseer's response is a result of his duty to know who is working on his master's land. This highlights the importance of awareness and understanding within a community, even in seemingly mundane interactions.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse speaks to the transformative power of God's grace, which extends beyond national and ethnic boundaries. Ruth's story illustrates that God can work through individuals who, by human standards, are outsiders. It encourages believers to look beyond superficial distinctions of origin or background and to recognize the inherent worth and potential for divine purpose in every person. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of diligence and hard work, as Ruth's gleaning is what brings her to this pivotal encounter.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Ruth's story is a vital bridge in the Old Testament, connecting the period of the Judges to the establishment of the Davidic monarchy. By being incorporated into Boaz's lineage, Ruth, a Moabite woman, becomes an ancestress of King David, and consequently, of Jesus Christ. This inclusion of a foreigner in the messianic line is a significant theological statement about God's redemptive plan, which is not limited to one nation but encompasses all who embrace Him.

Analogies

One could see this as a ship captain being informed about a new passenger who has boarded, noting their origin and purpose for being on board. The information is factual, but it sets the stage for the captain to understand the passenger's journey and potential impact on the ship's voyage. Another analogy might be a human resources manager being informed about a new employee's background and previous work experience; the information is essential for understanding their integration into the company.

Relation to Other Verses

• Ruth 1:4: This verse directly contrasts with Ruth 2:6, as it explains why Ruth is a Moabite in Bethlehem: "They took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth." This establishes her prior identity and connection to Moab.
• Ruth 2:5-6: The overseer's statement is a direct response to Boaz's question in Ruth 2:5: "Who does that young woman belong to?" This shows a chain of inquiry and reporting.
• Ruth 2:10-11: Ruth's humble response to Boaz, where she acknowledges her foreignness and expresses gratitude for his kindness, directly echoes the overseer's identification: "I am Ruth, your servant. May I continue to glean and gather behind the reapers. Come and see how the men are working, so that I may have food for my family to eat. You have been so kind to me!" (paraphrased). This highlights her awareness of her outsider status and her appreciation for the grace extended to her.
• Matthew 1:5: This verse in the New Testament genealogy explicitly names Ruth as an ancestress of Jesus: "Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse..." This confirms the fulfillment of the narrative's broader significance.