The Cyber Hymnal ‎#8092

8092. Ruth The Gleaner

1 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.

2 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]

3 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]

Text Information

• First Line: Long ago to Bethlehem
• Title: Ruth The Gleaner
• Author: Julia H. Johnston
• Refrain First Line: See the reapers bending low
• Meter: 76.76.76 D
• Language: English
• Source: Bible Study Songs, by Bertha F. Vella and Daniel. B. Towner (Boston: The Pilgrim Press, 1899)
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: EMBARCADERO
• Composer: D. T. Browne (1899)
• Meter: 76.76.76 D
• Key: B♭ Major
• Copyright: Public Domain