What is the meaning of Ruth 2:20? Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law Naomi has just learned of Ruth’s providential meeting with Boaz. Her immediate response shows: • A renewed sense of hope after the bitterness of Ruth 1:20–21. • A mentoring spirit toward Ruth, much like Titus 2:3-5 calls older women to guide younger ones. • Recognition that God is weaving their ordinary day into His extraordinary plan (Romans 8:28). May he be blessed by the LORD Naomi’s first instinct is to bless Boaz, acknowledging the LORD as the source of every gift (James 1:17). Similar blessings appear in Genesis 24:27 and Numbers 6:24-26, reminding us that genuine kindness is rooted in covenant faithfulness. Boaz has acted as God’s instrument; the praise, however, goes upward. who has not withdrawn His kindness from the living or the dead “Kindness” points to God’s steadfast love that never fails (Psalm 136:1). • Living: Naomi and Ruth still experience God’s provision. • Dead: Elimelech and Mahlon are honored through the preservation of their family line, echoing 2 Samuel 9:1 where David shows kindness to Jonathan’s household. God’s covenant loyalty spans generations (Psalm 103:17). Naomi continued Her words flow as understanding dawns. What looked like random gleaning (Ruth 2:3) is revealed as divine appointment. Proverbs 16:9 illustrates how God directs steps even when people feel they are choosing their own path. The man is a close relative Under Israel’s family structures, a close relative carried specific obligations (Leviticus 25:25). Naomi hears more than coincidence—she hears God restoring what was lost, fulfilling the promise of Deuteronomy 32:36 that He cares for His servants. He is one of our kinsman-redeemers The kinsman-redeemer had the duty to: • Buy back family land to keep it within the clan (Leviticus 25:25-27). • Marry a childless widow to preserve the deceased brother’s name (Deuteronomy 25:5-6). Boaz’s presence signals that Ruth and Naomi’s future is not hopeless. This role foreshadows the ultimate Redeemer, Jesus, who “gave Himself to redeem us” (Galatians 4:4-5; Ephesians 1:7). summary Ruth 2:20 shows Naomi moving from despair to praise as she recognizes God’s unwavering kindness expressed through Boaz. The verse highlights: • God’s sovereignty guiding everyday events. • His faithful love reaching both the living and the dead. • The kinsman-redeemer concept that anticipates Christ’s redemptive work. What seemed like mere survival becomes a testimony of divine blessing and covenant faithfulness. |
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