Scripture Verse

The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust. Ruth 2:12

Introduction

illustration
Ruth Gleaning, from Bible Heroes,
by Mary A. Lathbury, 1898

Words: Ju­lia H. John­ston, in Bi­ble Stu­dy Songs, by Ber­tha F. Vel­la & Da­ni­el B. Tow­ner (Bos­ton, Mas­sa­chu­setts & Chi­ca­go, Il­li­nois: Pil­grim Press, 1899), pag­es 68–69.

Music: Em­bar­ca­de­ro D. T. Browne, 1899 (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know Browne’s full name, or where to get a good pho­to of him (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els), or a bet­ter one of John­ston,

portrait
Julia H. Johnston (1849–1919)

Lyrics

Long ago to Bethlehem,
From afar returning,
Came Naomi, sore bereaved,
For the homeland yearning.
Ruth, her daughter, clave to her,
Idol gods forsaking;
Lo, she seeks the harvest field,
As the day is breaking.

Refrain

See the reapers bending low,
See the wheat sheaves leaning;
See the Moabitess go,
Gleaning, gleaning, gleaning.

Happy Ruth with rea­dy hands,
Gleans along the borders,
Let some handfuls fall for her,
Hear the master’s orders.
Sweet, unselfish, trustful one,
When the shadows lengthen,
Rich reward awaiteth thee,
Faith and hope to strengthen.

Refrain

Like this gleaner may we be,
Faithful in our calling;
Other hands may bind the sheaves
Where the wheat is falling.
But the gleaners have their place,
Precious handfuls saving,
In the golden harvest fields,
Where the grain is waving.

Refrain