Ruth 2:2

Afrikaans 1933/1953

En Rut, die Moabitiese, het vir Naomi gesê: Laat ek tog die land ingaan en are optel agter die een in wie se oë ek genade sal vind. Toe antwoord sy haar: Gaan my dogter.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, Ruth, a Moabite woman, asks her mother-in-law Naomi for permission to go to the fields to gather leftover grain from the harvest. Naomi gives her permission. The verse shows Ruth's initiative and the mutual support between the two.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a friend who needs help getting food. Ruth, who is like a friend to Naomi, decides to go to a nearby farm to pick up any leftover crops. Naomi, who is like Ruth's family, says it's okay for her to go. This is like when you share your snacks with a friend who didn't bring any.

Historical Background

The Book of Ruth is part of the Old Testament and was likely written between 1050 and 750 BCE. It was written for the Israelite community to illustrate themes of loyalty, kindness, and the providence of God. In Ruth's time, widows and foreigners often faced significant hardships and were expected to gather leftover crops from the fields as a means of survival.

Living It Out Today

A modern scenario could be a person who has recently lost their job and asks a friend for help finding work. The friend gives permission and even offers to help with the search. This shows the importance of community support and taking initiative to improve one's situation.

Topics

• loyalty
• kindness
• providence
• survival
• community
• initiative

Related Verses

• Leviticus 19:9-10
• Matthew 25:35
• 1 Timothy 5:16
• Luke 16:13
• James 1:27

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Ruth want to go to the fields?

Ruth wanted to go to the fields to gather leftover grain to support herself and her mother-in-law, Naomi, showing her resourcefulness and initiative.

What does it mean to 'glean'?

To 'glean' means to collect leftover crops from a field after it has been harvested, which was a common practice for the poor and widows in ancient times.

Why did Naomi give Ruth permission?

Naomi gave Ruth permission because she understood the importance of Ruth's initiative to provide for them both, showing mutual support and trust.

What does this verse teach about community?

This verse teaches about the importance of community support and taking responsibility for one's well-being by using available resources, such as the community's practice of leaving grain for the poor.