by John O’Malley
“So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley” (Ruth 2:17).
The fruits of Boaz’s grace lay before her, and the next phase of her work began. Though the day had slipped to the evening hours, she began to beat out that she had gleaned. Ruth’s gleanings could not be left unattended that evening. She spent her day not having to work as hard as she had thought she would.
It seemed that, ever since the midday meal, her work had become very easy. Could it have been the more time she spent with Boaz, the easier her labors became? Could it be the meal Boaz shared with her sustained her so much that she had strength beyond her own measure to accomplish the task? No matter the answer to the aforementioned questions, the truth remains she had an abundance of wheat for a normal gleaner.
The Old Testament laws pertaining to these matters permitted gleaning only after the wheat had been gathered and bundled. However, Ruth was permitted to glean among the reapers. Her gleanings yielded seven and a half gallons of wheat. This would be an extraordinary amount. It was the grace of Boaz that brought this amount and her satisfaction in the provision of the Eternal Boaz.
The focal point in this verse should not only spotlight Ruth’s efforts, but rather the grace of Boaz to one he had made his own. Ruth’s testimony before the servant set over the reapers was that she was a diligent, dedicated, and determined worker. Her gleanings represented the interest of the God of Israel under Whose wings she had come to trust. Her gleanings symbolized Boaz’s intention to provide care and comfort to her.
Ruth’s gleaning would not be complete until she had beaten out the grains of barley. This beating would yield the nourishment and supplies she and her mother-in-law required. Each grain of barley indicated an answered prayer, an attentive provider, and an active promise. Ruth had sought God for supply, and He answered. She pursued God, and He gave her a provider. Ruth knew that, since she was under His wings, His promises were sure. This beating time was certainly a blessing time for Ruth.
As you go about this day working with His blessings of barley in your life, consider each grain a representative of an answered prayer, an attentive provider, and an active promise. He loves us with an everlasting love. Ruth carried home seven and a half gallons of barley that day. How much are you carrying home today?