And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law Ruth, "My daughter, it is good for you to work with his young women, so that nothing will happen to you in another field." And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law Ruth,Naomi speaks as a widow who has returned to Bethlehem emptied by loss, yet she now recognizes God’s kindness toward Ruth through Boaz. Her care for Ruth reflects the covenant loyalty that has bound the two women together since Ruth left Moab to serve the God of Israel. Rut 1:22 So Naomi returned from the land of Moab… “My daughter, Naomi receives Ruth with genuine maternal affection. Though Ruth was born a Moabite, she has become part of Naomi’s household and has been welcomed among the people of Bethlehem. Their relationship displays the grace by which those once outside Israel’s covenant community could find refuge under the Lord’s wings. 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, Boaz had instructed his workers to protect Ruth and had provided her access to the harvest alongside his female servants. Remaining with them would give Ruth safety, steady provision, and honorable companionship throughout the barley and wheat harvests. Naomi also understands that Boaz is a close relative with the responsibility and opportunity to act as a kinsman-redeemer. Rut 3:2 Now is not Boaz, with whose servant girls… so that nothing will happen to you in another field.” Fields outside Boaz’s protection could expose a vulnerable foreign widow to mistreatment, especially during the troubled era of the Judges. Naomi directs Ruth toward the place where Boaz’s authority and generosity have already been demonstrated. God’s providence is seen in this ordinary counsel, preserving Ruth and advancing His purpose to bring the line of David, and ultimately the Messiah, through her. Pro 1:15 my son, do not walk the road with them… Persons / Places / Events 1. NaomiThe mother-in-law of Ruth, a widow who returned to Bethlehem from Moab after the death of her husband and sons. She plays a pivotal role in guiding Ruth through her new life in Bethlehem. 2. Ruth A Moabite widow and Naomi's daughter-in-law, known for her loyalty and faithfulness. She chose to stay with Naomi and adopt her people and God as her own. 3. Boaz's Field The place where Ruth gleaned during the barley harvest. Boaz, a relative of Naomi's late husband, owned the field and showed kindness to Ruth. 4. Boaz A wealthy and influential man in Bethlehem, who is a kinsman-redeemer for Naomi's family. He is characterized by his generosity and adherence to God's laws. 5. Bethlehem The town in Judah where Naomi and Ruth returned. It is significant as the future birthplace of King David and Jesus Christ. Teaching Points The Importance of Wise CounselNaomi's advice to Ruth reflects the value of seeking and heeding wise counsel from those who are spiritually mature and experienced. God's Protection and Provision Ruth's safety in Boaz's field illustrates God's provision and protection for those who trust in Him and follow His ways. Community and Belonging Naomi's encouragement for Ruth to stay with Boaz's young women emphasizes the importance of community and belonging, especially for those who are new or vulnerable. Faithfulness and Loyalty Ruth's commitment to Naomi and her willingness to work hard in a foreign land demonstrate the virtues of faithfulness and loyalty, which are rewarded by God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Naomi's advice to Ruth reflect the importance of community and accountability in our own lives?2. In what ways does the law of gleaning in Leviticus 19:9-10 demonstrate God's care for the marginalized, and how can we apply this principle today? 3. How does Ruth's account encourage us to trust in God's provision and protection, even when we are in unfamiliar or challenging situations? 4. What characteristics of Ruth can we strive to emulate in our own lives, and how do they align with the description of a virtuous woman in Proverbs 31? 5. How does Ruth's inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5) illustrate God's redemptive plan for all people, and what does this mean for our understanding of God's grace? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 19:9-10This passage outlines the law of gleaning, which allowed the poor and foreigners to gather leftover crops. Ruth's gleaning in Boaz's field is a direct application of this law. 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 caring. Matthew 1:5 Ruth is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus, highlighting her importance in the lineage of Christ and God's inclusive plan of salvation.
People Boaz, Elimelech, Ephah, Naomi, RuthPlaces Bethlehem, MoabTopics Better, Danger, Daughter, Daughter-in-law, Else's, Fall, Field, Girls, Goest, Harmed, Law, Lest, Maidens, Maids, Meet, Met, Molested, Naomi, Na'omi, Ruth, Servant-girls, Shouldst, Someone, WomenDictionary of Bible Themes Ruth 2:14-23Library 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 2:22 NIVRuth 2:22 NLT Ruth 2:22 ESV Ruth 2:22 NASB Ruth 2:22 KJV Ruth 2:22 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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