Background and Context

The meeting of Boaz and Ruth is a pivotal event in the Book of Ruth, which is set during the time of the judges, a period characterized by social and religious upheaval in Israel. The narrative unfolds in Bethlehem, a town in Judah, and is a account of loyalty, providence, and redemption. Ruth, a Moabite widow, has returned to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law, Naomi, after the death of their husbands. Naomi, originally from Bethlehem, had moved to Moab during a famine. Upon her return, she is accompanied by Ruth, who has pledged her loyalty to Naomi and to the God of Israel.

The Encounter in the Fields

Ruth 2:1-3 introduces Boaz as a "man of standing" from the clan of Elimelech, Naomi's deceased husband. Ruth, seeking to provide for herself and Naomi, goes to glean in the fields, a practice allowed by the Mosaic Law to support the poor and the foreigner (Leviticus 19:9-10). By divine providence, she finds herself in the field of Boaz.

Boaz's Kindness and Protection

Boaz notices Ruth and inquires about her identity. Upon learning of her loyalty to Naomi, he extends kindness and protection to her. In Ruth 2:8-9 , Boaz says, "Listen, my daughter. Do not go and glean in another field, and do not go away from here. Stay here with my servant girls. Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the girls. I have ordered the young men not to touch you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and drink from the water jars the men have filled."

Boaz's actions reflect the biblical principles of compassion and care for the vulnerable. His protection of Ruth, a foreigner and widow, exemplifies the spirit of the law and the heart of God for justice and mercy.

Ruth's Response and Boaz's Blessing

Ruth is overwhelmed by Boaz's generosity and asks why she has found favor in his eyes, given her status as a foreigner. Boaz responds in Ruth 2:11-12 , "I have been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the LORD repay your work, and may you receive a rich reward from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge."

Boaz's blessing highlights the theme of divine providence and reward for faithfulness. His acknowledgment of Ruth's sacrifice and commitment underscores the biblical value of loyalty and devotion.

Provision and Generosity

Boaz continues to show generosity by inviting Ruth to eat with his harvesters and instructing his workers to leave extra grain for her to glean. Ruth 2:14-16 describes how Boaz ensures Ruth is well-fed and able to gather an abundance of grain, further demonstrating his kindness and the provision of God through human agents.

Significance in the Lineage of David

The meeting of Boaz and Ruth sets the stage for their eventual marriage, which is significant in the biblical narrative as it leads to the birth of Obed, the grandfather of King David. This union not only highlights the inclusion of a Gentile in the lineage of Israel's greatest king but also foreshadows the inclusive nature of the Gospel, where all nations are invited into the covenant community through faith in Jesus Christ, a descendant of David.

Conclusion

The encounter between Boaz and Ruth is a testament to God's providential care and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through ordinary human actions. It illustrates the power of faithfulness, kindness, and divine orchestration in the lives of those who trust in the Lord.