Discover Ruth 2 and how Ruth gleans in Boaz's field, finding God's favor and provision through unexpected kindness.
The journey of Naomi and Ruth from Moab to Bethlehem was complete, but their future remained uncertain. Two widows without a male protector faced a life of poverty and vulnerability in ancient Israel. The barley harvest had begun, and the law of Moses provided a way for the poor to gather food through gleaning. Ruth, the Moabite widow, determined to provide for herself and her mother-in-law by working in the fields.
Ruth went to glean in the fields of Bethlehem after receiving permission from Naomi. She happened to come to the field belonging to Boaz, a wealthy relative of Naomi's deceased husband. Boaz noticed Ruth and inquired about her identity. The servant in charge reported that Ruth was the Moabite woman who had returned with Naomi. Boaz then extended extraordinary kindness to Ruth, inviting her to remain in his field and drink from the water provided for his servants. Ruth's humble response revealed her character as she questioned why she had found such favor in his eyes.
The encounter between Ruth and Boaz demonstrates God's favor working through human kindness. Boaz had heard of Ruth's loyalty to Naomi and commended her for seeking refuge under the wings of the Lord. He went beyond the requirements of the law by inviting Ruth to eat with his reapers and instructing his men to leave extra grain for her to gather. Ruth gleaned until evening and returned to Naomi with an abundance of barley. Naomi recognized God's hand in this provision and declared that the Lord had not stopped showing kindness to the living and the dead.
Ruth's Decision to Glean
The Humble Request
Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace (Ruth 2:2). Ruth took the initiative to provide for her mother-in-law. She was not ashamed of her poverty and was willing to work hard. Ruth's request demonstrated her humility and her commitment to Naomi.
The law of Moses commanded landowners to leave the corners of their fields unharvested for the poor and the stranger (Leviticus 19:9-10). Ruth was qualified as both a widow and a foreigner to glean in the fields. Yet she did not demand this right but asked for grace and favor. Her modest approach revealed her character and her respect for others.
Naomi's Blessing
And she said unto her, Go, my daughter (Ruth 2:2). Naomi gave Ruth permission to go and glean. The blessing of Naomi showed her trust in Ruth and her acceptance of Ruth's offer. Naomi was in a poor condition and could not provide for Ruth herself. The decision to allow Ruth to glean was a practical necessity.
The relationship between Naomi and Ruth was marked by mutual love and respect. Ruth was willing to work for their provision. Naomi was willing to receive help from her daughter-in-law. The bond between them was a model of covenant faithfulness and family loyalty.
The Providence of God
She went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz (Ruth 2:3). The narrator describes Ruth's arrival in Boaz's field as her hap. The word suggests chance or coincidence from a human perspective. Yet the context of the book reveals that God's hand was guiding Ruth's steps.
The providence of God is a central theme in the book of Ruth. What appeared to be chance was actually divine direction. God was orchestrating events to accomplish His purposes. The lesson for believers is that God guides even the seemingly small events of life. The apostle Paul writes: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God (Romans 8:28).
Boaz and His Character
A Mighty Man of Wealth
And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz (Ruth 2:1). Boaz was introduced before Ruth went to the field. The introduction prepared the reader for the meeting that would follow. Boaz was a man of position and wealth in Bethlehem.
The phrase mighty man of wealth describes Boaz as both wealthy and influential. The same Hebrew words described Gideon in Judges 6:12. Boaz was respected in the community and had authority over his workers. His character would be revealed through his actions toward Ruth.
The Greeting of Boaz
And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The Lord be with you. And they answered him, The Lord bless thee (Ruth 2:4). The greeting between Boaz and his workers revealed the godly character of both master and servants. The exchange was a prayer for blessing and a recognition of the Lord's presence.
The language of piety was woven into the daily life of Boaz and his household. The greeting demonstrated that true religion affects all areas of life. The workers responded with respect and blessing. The atmosphere of the field was one of mutual respect and faith.
Boaz's Inquiry
Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this? (Ruth 2:5). Boaz noticed Ruth among the gleaners. The question revealed his interest in the stranger. The servant reported that Ruth was the Moabite woman who had returned with Naomi.
The servant's report included details about Ruth's conduct. She had asked permission to glean and had worked diligently from morning until a brief rest. The report confirmed Ruth's character as modest and industrious. The stage was set for Boaz to extend kindness to Ruth.
The Kindness of Boaz
The Invitation to Stay
Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens (Ruth 2:8). Boaz addressed Ruth with kindness and respect. He called her daughter, a term of affection and protection. He invited her to stay in his field and work alongside his maidens.
Boaz also offered protection: Have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? (Ruth 2:9). The instruction prevented any harm or insult to Ruth. Boaz also invited her to drink from the water provided for his workers. The offer of water was a significant kindness in the heat of harvest.
Ruth's Humble Response
Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger? (Ruth 2:10). Ruth responded with humility and gratitude. She recognized that Boaz had shown her kindness beyond what she deserved. She questioned why a wealthy Israelite would notice a poor Moabite widow.
Ruth's response revealed her character. She did not take Boaz's kindness for granted but was overwhelmed by it. Her humility was a reflection of her faith. The lesson for believers is to respond to God's grace with humility and gratitude.
Boaz's Knowledge of Ruth
And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband (Ruth 2:11). Boaz had heard of Ruth's loyalty to Naomi. The report of Ruth's character had spread throughout Bethlehem. Boaz commended Ruth for leaving her family and her homeland to come to a people she had not known.
Boaz offered a blessing: 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). The blessing recognized Ruth's faith in the God of Israel. The image of wings was a metaphor for divine protection. Ruth had sought refuge under the wings of the Lord.
The Mealtime Invitation
And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar (Ruth 2:14). Boaz invited Ruth to eat with his reapers. The invitation was an act of extraordinary generosity. Ruth was not merely allowed to glean but was treated as part of the household.
Ruth sat beside the reapers and ate until she was satisfied. Boaz reached her parched corn, a common food in those days. The act of sharing the meal was a sign of acceptance and favor. Ruth's provision was more than enough for her needs.
The Generosity Beyond the Law
The Command to the Reapers
And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not (Ruth 2:15). Boaz went beyond the requirements of the law. The law allowed gleaning in the corners of the field. Boaz allowed Ruth to glean among the sheaves themselves.
Boaz also commanded: And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not (Ruth 2:16). The instruction was a deliberate act of generosity. The reapers were to drop extra grain for Ruth to gather. The provision ensured that Ruth would have an abundance.
The Abundance of the Harvest
So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley (Ruth 2:17). Ruth worked diligently from morning until evening. The amount of barley she gathered was about an ephah, or nearly a bushel. The quantity was remarkable for a day's gleaning.
The abundance was a sign of God's provision. Ruth had worked hard, but Boaz's generosity had made the abundance possible. The lesson for believers is that God provides for those who trust in Him. The psalmist writes: O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him (Psalm 34:9).
Ruth's Return to Naomi
And she took it up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed (Ruth 2:18). Ruth returned to Naomi with the grain she had gleaned. She also brought the food she had reserved from the meal. The provision was a blessing to Naomi.
Naomi asked: Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee (Ruth 2:19). Naomi recognized that someone had shown unusual kindness to Ruth. The question showed Naomi's concern for Ruth's well-being. The blessing recognized the hand of God in the provision.
The Recognition of God's Hand
The Name of Boaz Revealed
And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man's name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz (Ruth 2:19). Ruth revealed that Boaz was the one who had shown her kindness. The name Boaz connected Ruth's experience to the family of Elimelech.
Naomi responded: Blessed be he of the Lord, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead (Ruth 2:20). Naomi blessed Boaz and recognized that God was at work. The kindness of Boaz was a reflection of God's covenant faithfulness.
The Kinsman-Redeemer Revealed
And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen (Ruth 2:20). Naomi revealed that Boaz was a kinsman-redeemer. The kinsman-redeemer was a relative who could redeem property and provide for the family. The revelation brought hope to Naomi and Ruth.
The concept of the kinsman-redeemer was rooted in the law of Moses. The kinsman could buy back land sold under duress (Leviticus 25:25). The kinsman could also marry a widow to preserve the family line (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). Boaz was eligible to act as redeemer for Naomi and Ruth. The revelation was the turning point of the story.
The Continuing Provision
And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest (Ruth 2:21). Ruth reported that Boaz had invited her to stay through the entire harvest. The invitation was a promise of continuing provision.
Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field (Ruth 2:22). Naomi encouraged Ruth to accept Boaz's offer. The protection and provision of Boaz were better than any other option. Ruth continued to glean through the barley and wheat harvest and dwelt with her mother in law.
Lessons from Ruth 2
God's Providence in Ordinary Events
The narrative of Ruth 2 reveals God's providence working through ordinary events. Ruth went to glean in the fields and happened to come to Boaz's field. The word happened suggests chance, but the context reveals divine direction. God was orchestrating events to accomplish His purposes.
The psalmist writes: The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord (Psalm 37:23). The lesson for believers is that God guides even the seemingly small events of life. The providence of God is not limited to the dramatic but extends to the ordinary.
The Character of Boaz
Boaz demonstrated generosity, kindness, and faithfulness. He went beyond the requirements of the law to provide for Ruth. He protected her from harm and invited her to share in the provision of his household. Boaz's character was a reflection of his faith in God.
The apostle Paul writes: Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us (Ephesians 5:1-2). The example of Boaz encourages believers to show kindness and generosity to others. The provision of Boaz was a model of godly character.
The Faith of Ruth
Ruth demonstrated faith, humility, and industry. She left her homeland to follow Naomi and the God of Israel. She worked diligently to provide for Naomi and herself. Her faith was recognized by Boaz, who commended her for seeking refuge under the wings of the Lord.
The apostle Paul writes: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8). Ruth's faith was the foundation of her actions. The lesson for believers is that faith is expressed through obedience and trust in God.
The Kindness of God
The kindness of Boaz was a reflection of the kindness of God. Naomi recognized that the Lord had not stopped showing kindness to the living and the dead. The provision of Boaz was an answer to the prayers and needs of Naomi and Ruth.
The psalmist writes: The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy (Psalm 103:8). The kindness of God is abundant and enduring. The lesson from Ruth 2 is that God's kindness is revealed through the actions of His people.
Connections to Scripture
The Law of Gleaning
The practice of gleaning was rooted in the law of Moses. The law commanded landowners to leave the corners of their fields for the poor and the stranger (Leviticus 19:9-10). The law also required that gleanings be left for the widow and the orphan (Deuteronomy 24:19). Ruth qualified as both a widow and a stranger.
The law of gleaning was a provision of God's grace for the vulnerable. The law reflected God's concern for the poor and the marginalized. The lesson for believers is to care for those in need. The provision of Boaz went beyond the minimum of the law.
The Kinsman-Redeemer
The concept of the kinsman-redeemer was rooted in the law of Moses. The kinsman could redeem property and provide for the family. The kinsman could also marry a widow to preserve the family line. Boaz was eligible to act as redeemer for Naomi and Ruth.
The role of the kinsman-redeemer points forward to Christ. The apostle Paul writes: In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:7). Christ is the Redeemer who has redeemed us from the curse of the law. The story of Ruth points forward to the greater redemption in Christ.
The Lineage of David
The book of Ruth records the lineage of David. Ruth and Boaz became the parents of Obed, who was the grandfather of David. The lineage of David was the lineage of the Messiah. The inclusion of Ruth, a Moabite, in the lineage of David demonstrates God's grace to the Gentiles.
The apostle Paul writes: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28). The inclusion of Ruth foreshadows the inclusion of the Gentiles in the church. The lesson from Ruth 2 is that God's grace extends to all people.
Conclusion
The second chapter of Ruth is a beautiful account of God's providence and grace. Ruth went to glean in the fields and came to the field of Boaz. Boaz showed kindness to Ruth beyond the requirements of the law. Ruth responded with humility and gratitude. The provision of Boaz was a reflection of God's kindness. Naomi recognized the hand of God in the provision.
The story of Ruth and Boaz is a testament to God's faithful provision for His people. Ruth was a poor widow and a foreigner, yet God provided for her through the generosity of Boaz. The kindness of Boaz was a reflection of the kindness of God. The lesson for believers is that God provides for those who trust in Him. The provision may come through the generosity of others, but the source is God. The story of Ruth encourages believers to trust in the faithful provision of God.
The encounter between Ruth and Boaz also points forward to the greater provision of Christ. Boaz was a kinsman-redeemer who provided for Ruth and Naomi. Christ is the ultimate Redeemer who has provided salvation for all who trust in Him. The invitation to seek refuge under the wings of the Lord is an invitation to trust in Christ. The story of Ruth 2 calls believers to trust in God's provision, to show kindness to others, and to rest in the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was Ruth's motivation for gleaning in the fields of Bethlehem?
Ruth's motivation was to provide food for herself and her mother-in-law Naomi. She was a poor widow without a male provider. Ruth was willing to work hard and humble herself to gather grain. She demonstrated love and loyalty to Naomi by taking responsibility for their provision. Ruth's decision to glean was an act of faith and love.
2. Why did Boaz show such kindness to Ruth?
Boaz showed kindness to Ruth because he had heard of her loyalty to Naomi. He recognized her faith in the God of Israel and commended her for seeking refuge under His wings. Boaz was a godly man who went beyond the requirements of the law to provide for Ruth. His kindness was also motivated by his relationship to Naomi's family as a kinsman-redeemer.
3. What is the significance of Boaz inviting Ruth to eat with his reapers?
The invitation was a sign of extraordinary generosity and acceptance. Ruth was not merely allowed to glean but was treated as part of the household. The invitation broke social barriers and demonstrated Boaz's kindness. The meal provided Ruth with nourishment and strength for her work. The invitation was also a sign of honor and favor.
4. How did Boaz go beyond the requirements of the law in his treatment of Ruth?
Boaz allowed Ruth to glean among the sheaves, which was not permitted by the law. The law only allowed gleaning in the corners of the field. Boaz also instructed his reapers to drop extra grain for Ruth to gather. The provision ensured that Ruth would have an abundance. Boaz's actions went far beyond what was required.
5. What does the concept of the kinsman-redeemer mean in the book of Ruth?
The kinsman-redeemer was a relative who could redeem property and provide for the family. The kinsman could also marry a widow to preserve the family line. Boaz was eligible to act as redeemer for Naomi and Ruth. The concept points forward to Christ, who is our Redeemer. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law through His death and resurrection.
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