Book of Ruth - Chapter 2 - Verse 16

This verse, found in the story of Ruth in the Bible, speaks to the generosity and kindness of Boaz towards Ruth, a widow who was gleaning in his fields. Boaz instructs his workers to intentionally drop some extra grain for Ruth to gather while she is working. This act of leaving intentional abundance for Ruth shows Boaz's compassion and care for her well-being. By providing her with more grain than she would normally be able to gather on her own, Boaz ensures that Ruth will have enough to sustain herself and her mother-in-law. Additionally, Boaz instructs his workers not to rebuke Ruth for gleaning the extra grain, thus showing respect and understanding for her situation as a widow in need. This verse highlights the importance of generosity and kindness towards those who are less fortunate, and serves as a reminder of the value of caring for others in need.

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse "And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not," it is important to consider the concept of divine providence and God's provision for His people. In this verse from the book of Ruth, Boaz instructs his workers to deliberately leave some grain behind for Ruth to gather as she gleans in his fields. This act of kindness towards Ruth reflects God's care for His people and His command to show compassion and generosity towards the vulnerable in society. The phrase "handfuls of purpose" signifies a deliberate and intentional act of providing for Ruth's needs, showcasing God's sovereign plan at work in the lives of His people. This verse also highlights the importance of not rebuking or shaming those in need, but rather extending a helping hand with love and compassion. By studying the original Hebrew words used in this verse, we can further deepen our understanding of God's character and His desire for His people to reflect His love and mercy in their interactions with others.