"My lord," she said, "may I continue to find favor in your eyes, for you have comforted and spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not like one of your servant girls." “My lord,” she said,Ruth honors Boaz’s standing as a landowner and Israelite man of influence. Her respectful address reflects humility rather than servile fear, especially as she recognizes the generosity he has shown to a destitute foreign widow. 1Ki 1:17 “My lord,” she replied, “you yourself swore”… “may I continue to find favor in your eyes, Ruth asks that Boaz’s gracious protection would continue. Having left Moab and its gods, she depends upon the kindness of God’s people while seeking refuge under the God of Israel’s wings. 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 has given Ruth more than permission to glean; he has treated her with dignity, safety, and compassion. His conduct displays the covenant kindness Israel was to show toward widows, foreigners, and the poor. His words anticipate his later role as Ruth’s kinsman-redeemer, through whom God will provide a future for her and 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 remains conscious that she is a Moabite and does not presume equality with Boaz’s Israelite workers. Yet God’s providence is drawing this foreign woman into Israel, into the family of David, and ultimately into the earthly lineage of Jesus Christ. 1Sa 25:41 She arose, bowed facedown, and said, “Here is your servant,… Persons / Places / Events 1. RuthA Moabite widow who has shown loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, by returning with her to Bethlehem. Ruth is a central figure in this account, demonstrating faithfulness and humility. 2. Boaz A wealthy and influential landowner in Bethlehem, who is a relative of Naomi's deceased husband. He is known for his kindness and adherence to the laws of God. 3. Naomi Ruth's mother-in-law, who has returned to Bethlehem after the death of her husband and sons. She plays a pivotal role in guiding Ruth. 4. Bethlehem The setting of this chapter, a town in Judah where Ruth and Naomi have returned during the barley harvest. 5. The Barley Harvest The time during which Ruth gleans in the fields of Boaz, setting the stage for her encounter with him. Teaching Points Humility and GratitudeRuth 2:13 shows Ruth's humility and gratitude towards Boaz. She acknowledges his kindness and does not take it for granted. We should cultivate a heart of gratitude for the blessings and kindness we receive. God's Provision Through Boaz's actions, we see God's provision for Ruth. This reminds us that God often uses people to fulfill His purposes and provide for our needs. Kindness and Generosity Boaz's treatment of Ruth exemplifies the biblical call to kindness and generosity, especially towards those who are vulnerable or in need. Faithfulness in Relationships Ruth's loyalty to Naomi and her respectful demeanor towards Boaz highlight the importance of faithfulness and respect in our relationships. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Ruth's response to Boaz in Ruth 2:13 reflect her character, and what can we learn from her example about humility and gratitude?2. In what ways does Boaz's treatment of Ruth demonstrate the principles found in Leviticus 19:9-10, and how can we apply these principles in our own lives? 3. How does the setting of the barley harvest in Bethlehem contribute to the unfolding of God's plan for Ruth and Naomi, and what does this teach us about God's timing? 4. Considering Ruth's inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5), what does her account teach us about God's redemptive plan and the inclusion of all people? 5. How can we emulate the kindness and generosity of Boaz in our daily interactions, especially towards those who are marginalized or in need? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 19:9-10This passage outlines the law of gleaning, which Boaz follows by allowing Ruth to glean in his fields. It highlights God's provision for the poor and the foreigner. Proverbs 31:10-31 The description of a virtuous woman in Proverbs can be seen in Ruth's character, as she is industrious, loyal, and kind. Matthew 1:5 Ruth is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus, showing her significance in God's redemptive plan.
People Boaz, Elimelech, Ephah, Naomi, RuthPlaces Bethlehem, MoabTopics Comfort, Comforted, Favor, Favour, Friendly, Girls, Grace, Gracious, Handmaid, Handmaidens, Hast, Heart, Indeed, Kind, Kindly, Maidservant, Maid-servant, Maidservants, Maid-servants, Servant, Servants, Sight, Spoken, Standing, ThoughDictionary of Bible Themes Ruth 2:13 5566 suffering, encouragements in Library A Full Reward. "It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done ... and how thou hast left they father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore. 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 ii. 11, 12). In this interesting narrative we have another instance of the way in which the HOLY GHOST teaches by typical lives. We have dwelt on some precious lessons … J. Hudson Taylor—A Ribband of Blue Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon. Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested into English Verse The Exile --Continued. Appendix viii. Rabbinic Traditions About Elijah, the Forerunner of the Messiah The Pilgrim's Progress Ruth Links Ruth 2:13 NIVRuth 2:13 NLT Ruth 2:13 ESV Ruth 2:13 NASB Ruth 2:13 KJV Ruth 2:13 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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