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by Katie Erickson

At mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come over here. Have some bread and dip it in the wine vinegar.”
When she sat down with the harvesters, he offered her some roasted grain. She ate all she wanted and had some left over. As she got up to glean, Boaz gave orders to his men, “Let her gather among the sheaves and don’t reprimand her. Even pull out some stalks for her from the bundles and leave them for her to pick up, and don’t rebuke her.”
So Ruth gleaned in the field until evening. Then she threshed the barley she had gathered, and it amounted to about an ephah.
- Ruth 2:14-17

In the previous two sections (here and here), we observed the initial dialogue between Boaz and Ruth that was filled with grace, kindness, and humility. Here, we see those themes continue through a meal.

This scene begins at the start of verse 14 with an invitation: “Come over here. Have some bread and dip it in the wine vinegar.” Boaz’s meal invitation to Ruth, a foreigner and a widow, is remarkable. In ancient Israel, social and cultural norms often marginalized women like Ruth. Yet, Boaz’s gesture breaks these barriers, reflecting the heart of God who invites all to His table without discrimination.

This act of kindness is a glimpse of divine hospitality, echoing the inclusive love of Christ, who welcomed sinners and outsiders. The act of sharing bread also foreshadows the Last Supper, where Jesus broke bread with His disciples, symbolizing the fellowship believers share with Him. For Ruth, this was more than a meal; it was a sign of acceptance and belonging. Boaz’s invitation is a picture of God’s grace, which reaches out to those who feel unworthy or outcast. It reminds us that we are all invited to partake in the goodness of God, no matter our past or status.

Then we see that Ruth ate all she wanted, even with some left over. This abundance is significant. In a time of scarcity, Boaz’s generosity ensures that Ruth not only has enough but more than enough. This reflects God’s nature as a provider who not only meets our needs but often blesses us abundantly.

The image of Ruth with leftovers parallels the feeding of the 5,000 in John 6:1-14, where Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes, leaving multiple baskets of leftovers. Both instances highlight God’s ability to provide more than we can ask or imagine. God’s blessings are never just enough; they are often overflowing. This challenges us to trust in His provision and to reflect His generosity to others.

As Ruth returns to glean in verses 15-16, Boaz instructs his men to let her continue to work, and even help her by pulling out some extra stalks. This goes beyond the requirements of the law, which allowed gleaning only at the edges of the field. Boaz’s instructions ensure Ruth's dignity is preserved and her efforts rewarded. His protection over Ruth, ensuring she is not harassed or shamed, mirrors God’s protective care over His people. Boaz acts as a kinsman redeemer, a role that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who protects, redeems, and provides for us.

The passage concludes in verse 17 to let the reader know that Ruth worked hard all day, both gleaning and threshing, and her work amounted to an ephah of barley. An ephah is about 30 pounds—an impressive amount for one day’s work. Her willingness to work hard, even when the task was daunting, demonstrates her commitment to provide for Naomi and her trust in God’s provision. Ruth’s actions remind us that faith and works go hand in hand. Her faith led her to Boaz’s field, but her hard work brought in the abundant provision. In the same way, our faith should inspire us to act diligently in whatever God has called us to do.

The kindness Boaz shows Ruth foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ. Boaz is a type of Christ—the kinsman-redeemer who steps in to rescue, protect, and provide. His actions point to Jesus, who invites all to His table, satisfies our deepest needs, and redeems us from spiritual poverty. Ruth, a Moabite, was an outsider brought into the family of God’s people through Boaz’s grace. Similarly, we, once alienated from God, are brought near through the sacrifice of Jesus (Ephesians 2:12-13).

Just as Boaz extended grace without expecting anything in return, we are called to show kindness without seeking repayment. True grace gives freely, knowing that God rewards every act of love.

Ruth’s faith led her to Boaz’s field—the very place where her needs would be met. In times of uncertainty, we must trust that God knows our needs and will provide at the right time. God often goes above and beyond our expectations, just as Boaz provided more than enough food for Ruth to eat at mealtime and plenty of barley for her to collect.

As this narrative continues to unfold, we see more and more pieces of God’s love and provision for us as His children displayed through the actions of Boaz and Ruth. Sometimes it does take work on our part to be obedient to what God calls us to do, just as Ruth had to work hard that day and was not simply handed her ephah of barley. But God is with us through it all, paving the way for us through His divine guidance.

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