Stroll through Scripture for June 7, 2026

Based on Ruth 2:1-23

Chapter 2 of Ruth is one of the main passages of Scripture in which we see the practical application of the rules of gleaning as they are set out in Leviticus 19:9-10.  Ruth’s story isn’t about the legality of gleaning, but rather, the practicality of it.  Ruth and Naomi are widows who have no other means to take care of themselves.  Which is what Leviticus 19 was designed to deal with.  

The other thing to notice is how interconnected the community is.  The rich and poor are not separated from each other but are in community and have mutual obligation to one another.  The landowners are expected to leave the edges and fallen stalks without stripping the fields bare, while the poor take what they need.  

In Ruth 2, this goes even farther.  Boaz goes well beyond the requirements of gleaning from Leviticus 19.  He instructs his workers to protect Ruth and leave extra for her.  Word has gotten round to Boaz about Ruth’s care and loyalty to Naomi and Boaz offers grace to her for her devotion.  

Another aspect that is important in this passage has to do with treatment of immigrants and refugees.  In verse 10, Ruth asks this question in response to Boaz’s generosity – “Why have I found favor in your sight, that you should take notice of me, when I am a foreigner?”  It is here that Boaz recounts how he has heard of Ruth’s care for Naomi and blesses her for that care.  

The history of the US is a dual history when it comes to immigrants.  One strand of that history not only acknowledges this country’s immigrant founding and past but celebrates immigrants and their dedication to a better life.  There is also another strand that conflicts with that.  It’s a strand of xenophobia that has been here since before the US was even a country.  The arguments are pretty much the same, the only thing that has changed over time is which group is persecuted.  

I’m not naïve enough to believe that if we just read Ruth 2, it would have a major impact on how we deal with immigrants.  Often the dispute over immigration is not a logical or policy dispute, but rather a struggle over identity.  What Ruth 2 offers is a recognition that regardless of where someone is from, we are called to see their humanity and need.  And if we have the means, we are to assist because we are more alike than not.