“May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” – Ruth
The verse you’re referring to comes from the book of Ruth in the Old Testament, specifically Ruth 2:12.
In this verse, Boaz, a wealthy landowner, blesses Ruth, a Moabite woman who has recently come to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law Naomi. Ruth has been gleaning in Boaz’s fields to provide for herself and Naomi.
Boaz acknowledges Ruth’s kindness and devotion to Naomi, and he prays for her, saying, “May the Lord repay you for what you have done.
May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”
The phrase “under whose wings you have come to take refuge” is a beautiful metaphorical expression of divine protection and care. In the Bible, the image of wings is often used to symbolize God’s sheltering presence.
For example, in Psalm 91:4, it says, “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
This imagery conveys a sense of safety, warmth, and nurturing, much like a bird sheltering its young under its wings. To be “secure under wings” means to find safety, comfort, and protection in God’s loving embrace.
The story of Ruth itself is a profound narrative of loyalty, faithfulness, and redemption. Ruth, a Moabite woman, chooses to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, even after her husband dies.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties she faces as a foreigner in a new land, Ruth remains steadfast in her commitment to Naomi.
Her selflessness and devotion ultimately lead her to encounter Boaz, who becomes her kinsman-redeemer, providing for and protecting her. This act of kindness and provision reflects God’s care for Ruth, symbolized by being “under his wings.”
Literary references further illuminate the depth and significance of this verse. In literature, the motif of seeking refuge under someone’s wings often conveys themes of protection, guidance, and nurturing.
For instance, in William Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth,” Lady Macbeth expresses her desire for protection and concealment, saying, “Come, seeling night, / Scarf up the tender eye of pitiful day, / And with thy bloody and invisible hand / Cancel and tear to pieces that great bond / Which keeps me pale!… Come, thick night, / And pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell, / That my keen knife see not the wound it makes, / Nor heaven peep through the blanket of the dark, / To cry ‘Hold, hold!’” Lady Macbeth seeks refuge in darkness to conceal her deeds, much like seeking shelter under wings.
Furthermore, in Harper Lee’s novel “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Atticus Finch advises his daughter Scout about the importance of empathy and understanding by saying, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”
This metaphorical imagery of walking around in someone else’s skin can be seen as a form of seeking refuge under another’s perspective, gaining insight and understanding.
In essence, Ruth 2:12 encapsulates themes of divine provision, protection, and refuge. It portrays the idea that those who demonstrate kindness and loyalty, like Ruth, will be rewarded and sheltered under the loving care of God.
The imagery of being “under his wings” evokes a sense of intimacy and security, illustrating the profound relationship between God and those who trust in Him.
Take a moment to explore our curated collection of Inspirational Bible Verses and Quotes, meticulously crafted to illuminate your contemplative moments.
Don’t forget to check out our collection of thoughts of the day with meaning to brighten your day.