“So she set out and went and gleaned…” – Ruth 2:3a

Scripture reading: Ruth 2:8-16

This word “glean” appears twelve times just in this one chapter. That means that we’re supposed to take notice. It’s a rich Old Testament word.

On one level what Ruth is doing is straight forward. She’s working hard to make sure that she and Naomi get some supper. But, there’s more going on, much more.

In Exodus 16 the word “gather,” is exactly the same Hebrew word as “glean” in our chapter. That chapter is all about God’s provision of manna for His people during their desert wanderings. Verse 4 says, “Then the LORD said to Moses “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather,” … there’s the word… you could say, “And the people shall go out and glean a day’s portion every day.”

Do you see where this is going? The gleaning of Exodus 16 was so critical to the survival of God’s people, so critical to their redemption. It’s no wonder that verse 7 of Exodus 16 tells us that the manna was a pointer to the “glory of the LORD.”

Ruth may not have understood it at the time, but we do need to understand it. In those gleanings she and Naomi were to see God’s glory as He provided for them.  We also need to understand from John 6 that Jesus Christ is the true bread from heaven, the One in whom we have our redemption, the One who reveals God’s glory to us!

Suggestions for prayer

Pray that God helps you understand more deeply your need for Jesus Christ, the true bread from heaven. Ask your heavenly Father to help you see the immensity of His glory in providing you with a Saviour as well.

Since 2019, Rev. Rodney Vermeulen has served the Attercliffe Canadian Reformed Church near Dunnville, Ontario, Canada. He, his wife, children and grandchildren are deeply grateful for the blessing of daily living under the shelter of God’s wings. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.