Handfuls on Purpose

Ruth 2:5-16

Last week, we went to a friend’s house and picked blueberries. The bushes were loaded with blueberries, and when our hands touched a branch, blueberries would fall into our hands. Our friends blessed us with the kind gift of fresh blueberries, and we came home with an abundant supply. 

Two widows, Ruth and Naomi, returned to Bethlehem from Moab. They had no income and only the small packs they carried. How would they survive? What would they eat? Ruth took the initiative and told Naomi she would go to a harvest field and glean grain (Lev. 19:9-10). 

The owner, Boaz, arrived, blessed his workers, and inquired about the unknown maiden working in the field. His foreman told him about the Moabite woman who returned with Naomi. She had arrived early and humbly asked permission to gather grain. She has been gleaning in the field all morning. (v. 7) 

Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Now, listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women. Let your eyes be on the field that they are reaping, and go after them. Have I not charged the young men not to touch you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink what the young men have drawn.”

- Ruth 2:8-9

Notice Boaz’s kind words to Ruth. He calls her “my daughter” and gives instructions that will keep her safe. Ruth is a woman from a foreign country, and she has no husband. This is a difficult time in Israel’s history. “Every man did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). Boaz is a man of character and strong moral principles. 

Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your eyes that you should notice me, when I am a foreigner?”

- Ruth 2:10

Ruth’s humility speaks volumes. She hears the kindness he has extended to her and expresses wonder and amazement. “Why have I found favor?” 

But Boaz answered her, “All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told to me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before. The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!” 

- Ruth 2:11-12

The people in Bethlehem have been watching since the first day Naomi arrived back home. This young woman from Moab returned with her. Ruth’s kind actions have been observed, and Boaz praises her for the care she has shown to Naomi. 

Photo by Paz Arando on Unsplash

When she got up to glean, Boaz ordered his young men, “Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. And let fall some handfuls for her on purpose and let them lie there for her to glean, and do not rebuke her.”

- Ruth 2:15-16 

Boaz has spoken kindly to Ruth, offered her water, and invited her to have lunch with his reapers. He tells the workmen, “Let her gather grain in the sheaves, and leave extra handfuls … on purpose!” Boaz is a generous man. 

Head to Heart   

Our Heavenly Father delights in giving His children “handfuls on purpose.” 

How have you experienced the Lord’s kindness, provision, and care in your life? 

• Worship Him. Bow before Him. Praise Him. 

• List examples of God’s “handfuls on purpose” in your life. 

• Thank Him for His loving kindness. 

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