Then her mother-in-law asked her, "Where did you glean today, and where did you work? Blessed be the man who noticed you." So she told her mother-in-law where she had worked. "The name of the man I worked with today is Boaz," she said. Then her mother-in-law asked her,Naomi carefully watches over Ruth, whose labor in the fields provides food for both widows. Ruth’s faithful choice to remain with Naomi after the death of her husband has joined their futures together in dependence on the Lord’s provision. Rut 3:1 One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her,… “Where did you glean today, and where did you work? Gleaning was required by God’s law as a means of mercy for the poor, widows, and foreigners (Leviticus 19:9–10; Deuteronomy 24:19). Naomi recognizes that Ruth has received unusual favor, since she has returned with an abundant supply of grain. Lev 19:9 When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to… Blessed be the man who noticed you.” Naomi invokes God’s blessing upon the landowner who protected and generously provided for Ruth. Boaz’s kindness reflects the covenant concern God commanded toward the vulnerable and reveals the Lord’s providential care for Naomi and Ruth. 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 recounts the events of the day, demonstrating the trust and devotion that mark her relationship with Naomi. Her report allows Naomi to see that the Lord has directed Ruth to a field belonging to a member of Elimelech’s family. 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 is a relative of Naomi’s deceased husband, placing him within the family circle from which a kinsman-redeemer could arise. His name, meaning strength, suits his coming role as protector, provider, and redeemer for Ruth and Naomi. Through Boaz, God preserves the family line that will lead to David and ultimately to Jesus Christ. Rut 4:1 Meanwhile, Boaz went to the gate and sat down there.… Persons / Places / Events 1. RuthA Moabite widow who has shown loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, by staying with her and seeking to provide for them both. 2. Naomi Ruth's mother-in-law, who has returned to Bethlehem after the death of her husband and sons, and is now dependent on Ruth's gleaning for sustenance. 3. Boaz A wealthy and influential relative of Naomi's late husband, who owns the field where Ruth gleans. He shows kindness and protection towards Ruth. 4. Bethlehem The town in Judah where Naomi and Ruth have returned, and where the events of this chapter take place. 5. Gleaning The act of collecting leftover crops from farmers' fields after they have been commercially harvested, a provision in the Law of Moses for the poor and foreigners. Teaching Points God's Providence and ProvisionRuth's encounter with Boaz is not coincidental but a demonstration of God's providence. Believers can trust that God is actively working in their lives, even in seemingly mundane circumstances. The Importance of Character Ruth's diligence and loyalty are rewarded. Her character opens doors for God's blessings. Christians are encouraged to cultivate virtues that reflect God's character. Community and Support Naomi's blessing upon Boaz highlights the importance of community support and gratitude. Believers should recognize and appreciate the kindness of others, fostering a spirit of community. Faithfulness in Small Things Ruth's faithfulness in gleaning, a humble task, leads to greater opportunities. This teaches that faithfulness in small responsibilities can lead to greater blessings and responsibilities. God's Redemption Plan The account of Ruth and Boaz is a foreshadowing of Christ's redemptive work. It reminds believers of God's overarching plan to redeem and restore. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Ruth's experience of gleaning reflect God's provision for the marginalized in society, and how can we apply this principle today?2. In what ways does Ruth's character influence the events of this chapter, and how can we emulate her virtues in our own lives? 3. How does Naomi's response to Ruth's day of gleaning demonstrate the importance of community and gratitude? 4. What does the account of Ruth and Boaz teach us about God's providence and timing in our lives? 5. How does the inclusion of Ruth and Boaz in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5) enhance our understanding of God's redemptive plan through Christ? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 19:9-10This passage outlines the law of gleaning, which provides for the poor and the foreigner, showing God's provision and care for the marginalized. Proverbs 31:10-31 The description of a virtuous woman, which parallels Ruth's industriousness and character. Matthew 1:5 Boaz is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus, highlighting the significance of his and Ruth's lineage in God's redemptive plan. People Boaz, Elimelech, Ephah, Naomi, RuthPlaces Bethlehem, MoabTopics Account, Attention, Blessed, Blessing, Boaz, Bo'az, Declareth, Discerning, Glean, Gleaned, Grain, Hast, Labored, Law, Man's, Mother-in-law, Notice, Noticed, Regard, Ruth, Showed, To-day, Worked, Working, Wrought, WroughtestDictionary of Bible Themes Ruth 2:1-20Library 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 2:19 NIVRuth 2:19 NLT Ruth 2:19 ESV Ruth 2:19 NASB Ruth 2:19 KJV Ruth 2:19 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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