Berean Study Bible Boaz Meets RuthBoaz was connected to Elimelech’s family, placing him within the circle of relatives responsible for preserving family property and providing help in times of loss. His relationship to Naomi would become central to the restoration of her household. Lev 25:47-49 If a foreigner residing among you prospers,… a prominent man of noble character Boaz was a respected, prosperous landowner whose standing was matched by integrity. His treatment of Ruth and his concern for what was right reveal a man who used his position responsibly. 1Sa 9:1-2 Now there was a Benjamite, a powerful man,… from the clan of Elimelech, His place within Elimelech’s extended family gave him a legitimate role in matters involving Naomi’s land and Ruth’s future. The family connection preserved the possibility that Elimelech’s name and inheritance could remain within the clan. Rut 1:1-2 In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine… whose name was Boaz. Boaz, whose name means “strength” or “in him is strength,” would become Ruth’s redeemer and husband, providing security for Naomi and continuing Elimelech’s family line. He later appears in the genealogy of David and of Jesus Christ. 1Ch 2:11-12 Nahshon was the father of Salmon, and Salmon… And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, Ruth’s Moabite background emphasizes that she was a foreigner in Bethlehem, a town in Judah. Though Moab had often opposed Israel, Ruth had bound herself to Naomi and to Naomi’s God. Her presence in Israel shows that faithfulness to the Lord was not limited by national origin. Rut 1:16-17 But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you”… “Please let me go into the fields and glean heads of grain Gleaning allowed the poor, widows, and resident foreigners to collect what harvesters left behind. Ruth willingly takes the lowly work needed to provide food for herself and Naomi, showing diligence, humility, and concern for her mother-in-law. Lev 19:9-10 When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to… after someone in whose sight I may find favor.” As a foreign widow, Ruth depended on the goodwill of a landowner and his workers. Her request recognizes the vulnerability of her position while expressing confidence that she may receive kindness. Gen 18:3 “My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor”… “Go ahead, my daughter,” Naomi replied. Naomi receives Ruth’s plan with affection and approval. Calling her “my daughter” reflects the bond formed through shared loss and Ruth’s steadfast loyalty. Ruth’s departure for the fields begins the course of events that will bring her into Boaz’s care. Rut 3:1 One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her,… So Ruth departed and went out into the field Ruth acted promptly to support herself and Naomi. As widows without male protection or property, they faced severe economic hardship. Ruth’s willingness to work showed humility, loyalty, and practical faithfulness. Gen 24:63 Early in the evening, Isaac went out to the field… and gleaned after the harvesters. Israel’s law required landowners to leave portions of the harvest for the poor, widows, and foreigners. As a Moabite widow, Ruth depended on this provision and gathered what the reapers left behind. Lev 19:9-10 When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to… And she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, What appeared to be an ordinary choice led Ruth to the field of a man who would become central to Naomi’s family’s restoration. The Lord’s providence was directing events for Ruth’s protection and provision. Pro 16:9 A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines… who was from the clan of Elimelech. Boaz belonged to the family of Naomi’s late husband and was therefore a potential kinsman-redeemer. His relationship to Elimelech would place him in a position to help preserve the family’s inheritance and secure Ruth and Naomi’s future. Rut 4:3-4 And he said to the kinsman-redeemer, “Naomi,… Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem Boaz came from Bethlehem, meaning “house of bread,” to inspect his fields during the barley harvest. His arrival placed him at the precise moment Ruth was gleaning, beginning the events that would provide for Naomi and Ruth. As a wealthy landowner and relative of Naomi’s late husband, he was positioned to become their kinsman-redeemer. 1Sa 17:12 Now David was the son of a man named Jesse, an Ephrathite… and said to the harvesters, The harvest work involved landowners, overseers, and laborers gathering grain in the fields. Boaz’s direct attention to his workers shows responsible oversight and a household marked by order. Deu 24:19 If you are harvesting in your field and forget a sheaf… “The LORD be with you.” Boaz greeted his laborers with a blessing that acknowledged the Lord’s presence over their work and daily lives. 2Th 3:16 may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace.… “The LORD bless you,” they replied. Their response reflects the respect between Boaz and his workers and the shared faith that shaped the life of his household. Psa 129:8 May none who pass by say to them, “The blessing of the LORD… And Boaz asked the foreman of his harvesters, Boaz appears as a wealthy, respected relative of Elimelech who personally oversees the work on his land. His foreman manages the laborers and daily harvest, reflecting the ordered agricultural life of Israel during the time of the judges. Mat 20:1-8 For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner… “Whose young woman is this?” Boaz notices Ruth among the gleaners and asks about her family identity, an important matter in a society shaped by household and clan connections. Ruth is a Moabite widow gathering what remains after the harvest so that she and Naomi can eat. Boaz’s interest begins the course of events through which Ruth is received into Israel, redeemed through the family of Elimelech, and brought into the line of David. Gen 24:23-27 “Whose daughter are you?” he asked. “Please tell me,… The foreman answered, The foreman oversaw the harvesters and knew those working in Boaz’s fields. His report identifies Ruth as a newcomer whose presence had been noticed. Gen 24:50 Laban and Bethuel answered, “This is from the LORD;…… “She is the Moabitess Ruth was from Moab, a nation east of the Dead Sea with a long history of conflict with Israel. Her foreign background made her devotion to Naomi and her place among the people of Bethlehem especially notable. Rut 4:5 Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the land…… who returned with Naomi Ruth had accompanied Naomi from Moab after the deaths of Naomi’s husband and sons. Their arrival in Bethlehem marked Naomi’s return to her family land and began the events through which the Lord provided for both women. Rut 1:22 So Naomi returned from the land of Moab… from the land of Moab. Ruth had left her homeland and its gods to live among Naomi’s people and trust in the God of Israel. Her journey to Bethlehem placed her in the field of Boaz at the beginning of the barley harvest. Rut 1:1 In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine… She has said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves after the harvesters.’ Gleaning allowed the poor, widows, and foreigners to gather what remained after the harvest. Ruth humbly sought permission to work in Boaz’s field, providing for herself and Naomi. Her request to gather among the sheaves showed unusual initiative, and the overseer’s report draws attention to her respectful conduct. Lev 19:9-10 When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to… So she came out and has continued from morning until now, Ruth had worked steadily throughout the day. Her diligence revealed her devotion to Naomi and her willingness to labor rather than depend on others. God’s providence had brought her to the field of Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s late husband. Psa 104:23 Man goes forth to his work and to his labor until evening. except that she rested a short time in the shelter.” Ruth’s only break was brief, likely taken in a shaded place provided for the workers. The detail confirms her industry and reflects the orderly, humane character of Boaz’s household. Psa 91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High… Then Boaz said to Ruth, Boaz, a prominent landowner in Bethlehem and a relative of Elimelech, takes personal notice of Naomi’s widowed daughter-in-law. Rut 3:10 Then Boaz said, “May the LORD bless you, my daughter.… “Listen, my daughter. He addresses Ruth with paternal kindness, treating the younger foreign widow with dignity and care. Psa 45:10 Listen, O daughter! Consider and incline your ear:… Do not go and glean in another field, Gleaning provided food for the poor, widows, and foreigners. Boaz wants Ruth to receive provision from his fields rather than risk hardship elsewhere. Lev 19:9-10 When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to… and do not go away from this place, As a Moabite woman, Ruth could be vulnerable to mistreatment in unfamiliar fields. Boaz directs her to remain where his authority can protect her. Gen 26:3 Stay in this land as a foreigner, and I will be with you… but stay here close to my servant girls. Ruth is to work alongside the women of Boaz’s household, receiving safety, companionship, and acceptance among his people. Rut 3:2 Now is not Boaz, with whose servant girls… Let your eyes be on the field they are harvesting, Boaz directs Ruth to remain in his fields, where she may glean safely among the harvesters. Gleaning provided food for the poor, widows, and foreigners, and Ruth’s labor shows her determination to support Naomi. Lev 19:9-10 When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to… and follow along after these girls. The female workers offered Ruth a recognized place within the harvest crew. Their presence also gave her practical protection as a foreign widow working in an unfamiliar setting. Gen 24:61 Then Rebekah and her servant girls got ready… Indeed, I have ordered the young men not to touch you. Boaz had commanded his male laborers not to harass or mistreat Ruth. His concern reflects both his authority as landowner and his commitment to protect a vulnerable woman under his care. Gen 26:11 So Abimelech warned all the people, saying,… And when you are thirsty, go and drink from the jars the young men have filled.” Ruth is invited to share the water drawn for Boaz’s workers, an unusual kindness toward a Moabite gleaner. Boaz provides not only permission to gather grain but also safety, refreshment, and acceptance. Jhn 2:6-8 Now six stone water jars had been set there… At this, she fell on her face, bowing low to the ground, Ruth responded with profound humility and gratitude. Her posture honored Boaz as her benefactor and recognized the unexpected kindness he had shown her. 1Sa 25:23 When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off the donkey,… and said to him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes Having no claim upon Boaz’s generosity, Ruth was astonished that he treated her with such consideration. His favor reflected both his upright character and God’s providential care for her. Gen 33:10 But Jacob insisted, “No, please! If I have found favor… that you should take notice of me, Boaz had seen Ruth’s diligence in providing for Naomi and had acted to protect and provide for her. His attention brought security to a widow who had little social standing. 2Sa 9:8 Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant,… even though I am a foreigner?” Ruth remained aware that she was a Moabite living among Israelites, a people with a troubled history with Moab. Yet Boaz did not dismiss her because of her background, and her reception into Israel’s community begins to show God’s purpose to bring her into the family line of David and ultimately of Christ. Lev 19:34 You must treat the foreigner living among you as native-born… Boaz replied, Boaz was a respected and prosperous landowner in Bethlehem, known for dealing honorably with those under his care. He had taken notice of Ruth and spoke to her with kindness and protection. Rut 3:10 Then Boaz said, “May the LORD bless you, my daughter.… “I have been made fully aware of all you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, News of Ruth’s devotion to Naomi had spread through the community. Rather than returning to Moab after Mahlon’s death, Ruth remained with Naomi in her poverty and grief, providing the support Naomi could no longer secure for herself. Rut 1:8 Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law,… how you left your father and mother and the land of your birth, Ruth had given up the security of her family, homeland, and former way of life. Her choice was costly, especially for a young widow without children or property. Gen 12:1 Then the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country… and how you came to a people you did not know before. As a Moabite, Ruth entered a land and community where she had no natural standing. Yet she came with Naomi and placed herself among Israel, trusting the God of Israel and identifying herself with His people. Rut 1:16 But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you”… May the LORD repay your work, Boaz recognizes Ruth’s faithful care for Naomi and her decision to leave Moab for Judah. Her actions reveal genuine devotion to Naomi and trust in Israel’s God. Psa 62:12 and loving devotion to You, O Lord.… and may you receive a rich reward from the LORD, Boaz asks God to bless Ruth abundantly for her faithfulness. Though she is a foreigner and a widow, she has come to seek the Lord rather than return to her former life in Moab. Gen 15:1 After these events, the word of the LORD came to Abram… the God of Israel, Ruth has identified herself with the covenant people of God. Her place in Israel anticipates her later role in the family line of David. Exo 5:1 After that, Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said… under whose wings you have taken refuge.” Ruth has placed herself under the Lord’s protection and care. The image conveys the safety of one who trusts God and seeks shelter among His people. Psa 91:4 He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings… “My lord,” she said, Ruth speaks with proper respect to Boaz, recognizing his standing as a landowner and a man of authority within Bethlehem. Though she had come from Moab and possessed no claim upon him, she approaches him humbly. 1Ki 1:17 “My lord,” she replied, “you yourself swore”… “may I continue to find favor in your eyes, Having received unexpected protection and provision, Ruth asks that Boaz’s kindness toward her would continue. As a widow and a foreigner, her future depended greatly on the mercy of others. Est 5:8 If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it pleases… for you have comforted and spoken kindly to your maidservant, Boaz had treated Ruth with consideration rather than suspicion or contempt. His words gave reassurance to a woman who had left her homeland and entered Israel with Naomi. Gen 50:21 Therefore do not be afraid. I will provide for you… though I am not like one of your servant girls.” Ruth does not presume upon Boaz’s generosity. She knows she is not one of his household servants and remains aware of her position as a Moabite outsider, making his care for her all the more significant. 1Sa 25:41 She arose, bowed facedown, and said, “Here is your servant,… At mealtime Boaz said to her, During the harvest day, Boaz extended personal kindness to Ruth, a poor Moabite widow gleaning in his fields. His attention showed that she was not to be treated as an outsider or ignored among the workers. Pro 9:5 “Come, eat my bread and drink the wine I have mixed. “Come over here; He welcomed Ruth into the company of his servants, crossing the ordinary social distance between a landowner and a foreign gleaner. Jhn 4:16 Jesus told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” have some bread and dip it into the vinegar sauce.” Boaz provided a simple harvest meal of bread and sour wine, offering Ruth both food and dignity. Jhn 13:26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I give this morsel… So she sat down beside the harvesters, Ruth was received among Boaz’s workers rather than left apart in shame or need. Lev 19:9-10 When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to… and he offered her roasted grain, Boaz himself made sure she had food, revealing his generosity and growing concern for her welfare. 1Sa 17:17 One day Jesse said to his son David, “Take this… and she ate and was satisfied The meal met her immediate need and showed the Lord’s provision through Boaz. Mat 14:20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples… and had some left over. Ruth received more than she could eat, an early sign that her time in Boaz’s field would bring unexpected abundance. 2Ki 4:44 So he set it before them, and they ate and had some left… When Ruth got up to glean, When Ruth got up to glean, she continued the work permitted by Israel’s law for the poor and foreigners. Though a Moabite widow, she humbly labored to provide for Naomi and herself, displaying diligence and loyalty. Job 24:6 They gather fodder in the fields and glean the vineyards… Boaz ordered his young men, Boaz used his authority to protect Ruth from the dangers faced by an unaccompanied foreign woman in the fields. His concern reflects both his upright character and his growing favor toward her. 2Sa 18:5 Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai,… “Even if she gathers among the sheaves, Boaz granted Ruth access beyond the usual limits of gleaning. He intended that she receive an abundant supply without shame or interference. Deu 23:25 When you enter your neighbor’s grainfield, you may pluck… do not insult her. His command required his workers to treat Ruth with respect and ensured her safety while she gathered. Exo 22:21-24 You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident,… Rather, pull out for her some stalks from the bundles Boaz instructs his servants to provide Ruth with more than she could glean from the edges and scattered remains of the harvest. Though she is a poor widow and a Moabite, he treats her with unusual generosity, ensuring that she receives an abundant supply without having to ask. Deu 24:19 If you are harvesting in your field and forget a sheaf… and leave them for her to gather. The grain is left where Ruth can collect it herself, preserving her dignity as she works in the field. Boaz’s care meets her immediate need while allowing her to continue providing for Naomi through honest labor. Exo 23:10-11 For six years you are to sow your land and gather… Do not rebuke her.” Boaz forbids his workers from shaming, hindering, or mistreating Ruth. His protection stands in contrast to the vulnerability of a foreign widow in the harvest fields and reveals his righteous concern for one who had come to seek refuge under the God of Israel. Deu 10:18-19 He executes justice for the fatherless and widow,… So Ruth gathered grain in the field until evening. Ruth worked steadily through the day to provide food for herself and Naomi. As a foreign widow, she depended on the provision God had made for the poor through gleaning. The barley harvest in Bethlehem marked a season of renewed provision after the famine, and Ruth’s labor showed both humility and devotion to Naomi. Psa 104:23 Man goes forth to his work and to his labor until evening. And when she beat out what she had gleaned, After gathering the stalks, Ruth prepared the grain herself by separating the kernels from the husks. She did not merely collect food but completed the demanding work necessary to make it usable. Her diligence and practical care reveal the strength of character that Boaz had already recognized. Jdg 6:11 Then the angel of the LORD came and sat down… it was about an ephah of barley. Ruth returned with an unusually large amount, enough to supply Naomi and herself for several days. The abundance reflected Boaz’s protection and generosity toward her, though Ruth may not yet have understood his part in providing for them. God was supplying their immediate needs while directing events toward the redemption of Naomi’s family through Boaz. Ezk 45:11 The ephah and the bath shall be the same quantity… She picked up the grain and went into the town, Ruth returned to Bethlehem carrying the barley she had gathered in Boaz’s field. As a widowed Moabite, she had little security apart from the provision allowed to the poor through gleaning. Her labor showed both humility and determination to provide for Naomi. Lev 19:9-10 When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to… where her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned. Naomi saw the substantial result of Ruth’s day in the fields, evidence that their immediate needs had been met. Having returned to Bethlehem grieving her losses, Naomi began to see signs that the Lord had not abandoned her. Pro 31:16-18 She appraises a field and buys it; from her earnings… And she brought out what she had saved from her meal and gave it to Naomi. Ruth also shared the food left from the meal Boaz had provided. Her care for Naomi remained practical and personal, revealing the loyalty that had led her to leave Moab and remain with her mother-in-law. Jhn 6:12-13 And when everyone was full, He said to His disciples… Then her mother-in-law asked her, Naomi recognized that Ruth had returned with an unusually large amount of grain. As widows without a provider, they depended on gleaning for daily food. Rut 3:1 One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her,… “Where did you glean today, and where did you work? Naomi’s concern reflects both her care for Ruth and the importance of discovering who had treated her generously. Lev 19:9 When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to… Blessed be the man who noticed you.” She pronounced a blessing on the landowner who had shown Ruth favor, unaware at first that he was Boaz, a close relative of her late husband. Psa 41:1 Blessed is the one who cares for the poor;… So she told her mother-in-law where she had worked. Ruth openly reported the events of the day and identified the man responsible for her protection and provision. Rut 3:16 When Ruth returned to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked her,… “The name of the man I worked with today is Boaz,” she said. Boaz, whose name means “strength,” was related to Elimelech and therefore stood within the family line that could act as a kinsman-redeemer. Ruth’s arrival in his field was the beginning of God’s provision for both women and the restoration of Naomi’s household. Rut 4:1 Meanwhile, Boaz went to the gate and sat down there.… Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, Naomi recognized Ruth’s report as evidence that Boaz had shown unusual favor to her. Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi had brought her into the fields of a man connected to their family. Gen 38:11 Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar,… “May he be blessed by the LORD, Naomi asked the LORD to reward Boaz for the generosity and protection he had extended to Ruth. Psa 115:15 May you be blessed by the LORD, the Maker of heaven… who has not withdrawn His kindness from the living or the dead.” Boaz’s actions honored Naomi and Ruth in their need while also preserving the memory and inheritance of Elimelech and his sons. His kindness reflected the covenant faithfulness expected within Israel’s families. 1Sa 20:14-15 And as long as I live, treat me with the LORD’s…… Naomi continued, “The man is a close relative. Boaz belonged to Elimelech’s clan and therefore had a recognized responsibility toward the widows and their family property. Rut 3:12 Yes, it is true that I am a kinsman-redeemer,… He is one of our kinsman-redeemers.” As a kinsman-redeemer, Boaz could help restore the family’s inheritance and secure its future. His role would become central to the preservation of Naomi’s household and Ruth’s place in Israel. Rut 4:1-6 Meanwhile, Boaz went to the gate and sat down there.… Then Ruth the Moabitess said, Ruth’s foreign background remains prominent in the account. Though Moab had long been an enemy of Israel, Ruth had left her people and their gods to identify herself with Naomi and with the God of Israel. Rut 4:10 Moreover, I have acquired Ruth the Moabitess,… “He also told me, Ruth reports Boaz’s words to Naomi, showing that his favor toward her was deliberate and personal. As a respected landowner and Naomi’s relative, Boaz was beginning to provide for their need. Gen 26:3 Stay in this land as a foreigner, and I will be with you… ‘Stay with my young men Boaz directed Ruth to remain with his workers throughout the harvest. His instruction gave her a safe place to glean and placed her under the protection of his household. 1Sa 25:15-16 Yet these men were very good to us. When we were… until they have finished gathering all my harvest.’” Ruth would be supplied through both the barley and wheat harvests, a season lasting several weeks. Boaz’s provision ensured food for Ruth and Naomi and prepared the way for his later role as their redeemer. Deu 24:19-22 If you are harvesting in your field and forget a sheaf… And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law Ruth, Having returned to Bethlehem with Ruth after the death of their husbands, Naomi continues to guide and protect her Moabite daughter-in-law. Their shared hardship has formed a genuine family bond marked by Ruth’s loyalty and Naomi’s care. Rut 1:22 So Naomi returned from the land of Moab… “My daughter, Naomi receives Ruth with the affection and responsibility of a mother. Though Ruth was born in Moab, she has become part of Naomi’s household and people. Rut 3:1 One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her,… it is good for you to work with his young women, Naomi recognizes that Boaz’s field offers Ruth both steady provision and honorable companionship. Remaining among his female workers would allow her to glean without being isolated or vulnerable. Rut 3:2 Now is not Boaz, with whose servant girls… so that nothing will happen to you in another field.” Women gleaning in unfamiliar fields could face mistreatment, especially during the unsettled period of the judges. Naomi urges Ruth to remain under Boaz’s protection, where his instructions had already secured her safety. Pro 1:15 my son, do not walk the road with them… So Ruth stayed close to the servant girls of Boaz Ruth remained in Boaz’s fields under the protection of his female workers, avoiding the dangers faced by a foreign widow gleaning alone. Her humility, diligence, and obedience to Naomi’s guidance allowed her to become known among the people of Bethlehem. Pro 31:15 She rises while it is still night to provide food… to glean grain She continued gathering the portions left for the poor, a provision God had established for widows, foreigners, and the needy. Boaz’s generosity supplied Ruth and Naomi while revealing his growing concern for Ruth. Lev 19:9-10 When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to… until the barley and wheat harvests were finished. Ruth worked through the spring harvest season, from the barley harvest into the wheat harvest. Her steady labor provided food for the household and placed her regularly in Boaz’s field. Rut 1:22 So Naomi returned from the land of Moab… And she lived with her mother-in-law. Ruth did not abandon Naomi after finding provision in Bethlehem. Their shared home reflects Ruth’s enduring loyalty and preserves the family bond that becomes central to the events that follow. Rut 1:16-18 But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you”… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
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