Proverbs 31:10-31
The virtuous woman, like Ruth, is industrious and caring for her family.

Matthew 25:35-40
Jesus teaches about serving others, as Boaz served Ruth.

Romans 8:28
God works all things together for good, as seen in His providence in Ruth’s life.Ruth’s Initiative and Faith
Ruth takes the initiative to glean in the fields, demonstrating her willingness to work and her faith in God’s provision. “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor” (Ruth 2:2).

Boaz’s Kindness and Protection
Boaz notices Ruth and extends kindness and protection to her, reflecting God’s care for the vulnerable. “The LORD be with you!” Boaz called out to them. “The LORD bless you!” they replied (Ruth 2:4).

God’s Providence
The chapter illustrates God’s providence as Ruth “happened” to glean in Boaz’s field, a relative of Naomi. “As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech” (Ruth 2:3).

Character and Reputation
Ruth’s character and reputation precede her, as Boaz acknowledges her loyalty to Naomi. “All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully reported to me” (Ruth 2:11).Step Out in Faith
Like Ruth, we should take initiative and trust God to provide for our needs, even in uncertain circumstances.

Show Kindness to Others
Boaz’s example encourages us to show kindness and protection to those in need, reflecting God’s love.

Recognize God’s Hand
Be attentive to how God might be working in the ordinary details of your life, orchestrating events for His purposes.

Build a Godly Reputation
Strive to live in such a way that your character and actions speak positively to others about your faith.1. Naomi
Naomi is Ruth's mother-in-law. She is a widow who has returned to Bethlehem from Moab after the death of her husband and sons. Naomi plays a crucial role in guiding Ruth and is a central figure in the narrative. Her name in Hebrew, נָעֳמִי (Na'omi), means "pleasant" or "my delight."

2. Ruth
Ruth is a Moabite widow and the daughter-in-law of Naomi. She is known for her loyalty and devotion to Naomi, choosing to stay with her and adopt her people and God. Ruth's name in Hebrew, רוּת (Rut), is thought to mean "friend" or "companion."

3. Boaz
Boaz is a wealthy and influential landowner in Bethlehem and a relative of Naomi's deceased husband, Elimelech. He is described as a man of standing and becomes Ruth's kinsman-redeemer. His name in Hebrew, בֹּעַז (Bo'az), means "strength" or "swiftness."

4. The Servant in Charge of the Reapers
This unnamed servant is responsible for overseeing the reapers in Boaz's fields. He provides information to Boaz about Ruth's identity and her hard work in the fields.

5. The Reapers
These are the workers in Boaz's fields who are harvesting the barley. They interact with Ruth as she gleans behind them.1. Bethlehem
This is the town where Naomi and Ruth return to from Moab. It is significant as the setting for much of the Book of Ruth and is also known as the "House of Bread." In Hebrew, Bethlehem (בֵּית לֶחֶם) means "house of bread," which is fitting given the agricultural context of the story.

2. Field of Boaz
Ruth goes to glean in the fields and happens to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz. This field is significant as it is where Ruth meets Boaz, who plays a crucial role in her and Naomi's redemption. The Hebrew word for field is "שָׂדֶה" (sadeh), indicating an open area of land used for agriculture.1. Introduction of Boaz
The chapter begins by introducing Boaz as a relative of Naomi's late husband, Elimelech. He is described as a "man of standing" (Ruth 2:1), which in Hebrew is "gibbor chayil," indicating a man of wealth, influence, and noble character.

2. Ruth Seeks Permission to Glean
Ruth requests Naomi's permission to go to the fields to glean leftover grain, hoping to find favor in someone's eyes (Ruth 2:2). The Hebrew word for "glean" is "laqat," which refers to gathering leftover crops.

3. Ruth Gleans in Boaz's Field
Ruth happens to glean in the field belonging to Boaz (Ruth 2:3). The text emphasizes the providential nature of this event with the phrase "as it turned out," suggesting divine orchestration.

4. Boaz Inquires About Ruth
Boaz arrives from Bethlehem and greets his harvesters with a blessing. He notices Ruth and asks his foreman about her identity (Ruth 2:4-5). The foreman identifies her as the Moabite who returned with Naomi.

5. Boaz Speaks to Ruth
Boaz addresses Ruth, advising her to stay in his fields and assuring her of protection and provision (Ruth 2:8-9). He acknowledges her loyalty to Naomi and prays for God's reward upon her.

6. Ruth Expresses Gratitude
Ruth expresses her gratitude to Boaz, acknowledging his kindness despite her status as a foreigner (Ruth 2:10). The Hebrew word "chen" for "favor" highlights the grace she experiences.

7. Boaz Extends Further Kindness
During mealtime, Boaz invites Ruth to eat with his workers, offering her roasted grain (Ruth 2:14). He instructs his men to allow her to glean among the sheaves and to leave extra grain for her (Ruth 2:15-16).

8. Ruth Gleans Abundantly
Ruth gleans in the field until evening and gathers an ephah of barley, a significant amount (Ruth 2:17). The Hebrew term "ephah" indicates a large quantity, reflecting Boaz's generosity.

9. Ruth Reports to Naomi
Ruth returns to Naomi with her gleanings and shares her encounter with Boaz (Ruth 2:18-19). Naomi recognizes Boaz as a close relative and potential "kinsman-redeemer" (Hebrew: "go'el").

10. Naomi Advises Ruth
Naomi advises Ruth to continue gleaning in Boaz's fields, recognizing the safety and provision he offers (Ruth 2:22). The chapter concludes with Ruth staying close to Boaz's servant girls throughout the harvest season (Ruth 2:23).1. Ruth's Gleaning in Boaz's Field
Ruth 2 begins with Ruth, a Moabite widow, seeking to glean in the fields to provide for herself and her mother-in-law, Naomi. The practice of gleaning, as described in Leviticus 19:9-10, allowed the poor and foreigners to gather leftover crops. This reflects the Hebrew concept of "chesed" (חֶסֶד), meaning loving-kindness or mercy, which is a recurring theme in the book.

2. Introduction of Boaz
Boaz is introduced as a "man of standing" (Ruth 2:1), indicating his wealth and social status. The Hebrew term "gibbor chayil" (גִּבּוֹר חַיִל) suggests not only wealth but also valor and integrity, setting the stage for his role as a kinsman-redeemer.

3. Ruth's Encounter with Boaz
Ruth's encounter with Boaz is marked by his kindness and protection. Boaz acknowledges Ruth's loyalty to Naomi and blesses her, saying, "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" (Ruth 2:12). The imagery of taking refuge under God's wings is a powerful metaphor for divine protection and care.

4. Boaz's Provision for Ruth
Boaz instructs his workers to allow Ruth to glean among the sheaves and even leave extra grain for her (Ruth 2:15-16). This act of generosity goes beyond the legal requirements, demonstrating Boaz's character and foreshadowing his role as a redeemer. The Hebrew root "ga'al" (גָּאַל) for redeemer is significant in understanding the cultural and theological implications of his actions.

5. Ruth's Report to Naomi
Upon returning to Naomi, Ruth shares her experience and the kindness shown by Boaz. Naomi recognizes Boaz as a close relative and potential redeemer, saying, "The man is a close relative; he is one of our kinsman-redeemers" (Ruth 2:20). This introduces the concept of "go'el" (גֹּאֵל), the kinsman-redeemer, which is central to the unfolding narrative of redemption and restoration.

6. Continuation of Gleaning
The chapter concludes with Ruth continuing to glean in Boaz's fields throughout the barley and wheat harvests, living with her mother-in-law (Ruth 2:23). This ongoing provision highlights God's providence and sets the stage for the developing relationship between Ruth and Boaz, emphasizing themes of faithfulness and divine orchestration.1. Divine Providence and Guidance
The theme of divine providence is evident as Ruth "happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz" (Ruth 2:3). The Hebrew word used here, "mikreh," suggests a chance occurrence, yet the narrative implies God's guiding hand in Ruth's steps, orchestrating events for her welfare.

2. Kindness and Loyalty
Boaz's kindness towards Ruth is a central theme, as he instructs his workers to allow her to glean and even leave extra grain for her (Ruth 2:15-16). This reflects the Hebrew concept of "hesed," a covenantal loyalty and loving-kindness, which Boaz extends to Ruth, recognizing her loyalty to Naomi.

3. Provision and Protection
Boaz provides for Ruth's physical needs and ensures her safety, instructing the young men not to touch her and allowing her to drink from the water jars (Ruth 2:9). This reflects the biblical principle of caring for the vulnerable, as outlined in the Mosaic Law.

4. Social and Economic Justice
The practice of gleaning, as seen in Ruth 2, highlights the theme of social justice. The law allowed the poor and foreigners to glean in the fields (Leviticus 19:9-10), and Boaz's adherence to this law demonstrates a commitment to economic justice and care for the marginalized.

5. God's Blessing and Favor
Boaz acknowledges Ruth's faithfulness and prays for God's blessing upon her, saying, "May the LORD repay your work, and may you receive a rich reward from the LORD, the God of Israel" (Ruth 2:12). This theme underscores the belief that God rewards faithfulness and integrity.

6. Redemption and Hope
The introduction of Boaz as a "kinsman-redeemer" (Ruth 2:20) foreshadows the theme of redemption. The Hebrew term "go'el" refers to a relative who restores the rights of another, pointing to the hope of restoration and future provision for Ruth and Naomi.

7. Community and Belonging
Ruth's integration into the community of Bethlehem is a significant theme. Despite being a Moabite, she is accepted and protected within the community, illustrating the biblical ideal of inclusion and the breaking down of ethnic barriers through shared faith and values.1. Ruth 2:1 – Does the description of Boaz as a “man of great wealth” align with what we know of the economic conditions in ancient Israel?

2. Ruth 2:2–3 – Is it historically plausible that a foreign widow could freely glean in a stranger’s field with no social or legal barriers?

3. Ruth 2:8–9 – Would a landowner of that era realistically grant such personal protection and privileges to a gleaner, especially a Moabite?

4. Ruth 2:14 – Does the abundant meal provided to Ruth suggest an idealized scenario rather than a factual account of limited agricultural resources?

5. Ruth 2:19–20 – Are Boaz’s generous actions consistent with other Old Testament depictions of social norms, or do they present an uncharacteristically benevolent culture?

1. Discuss how the concept of gleaning reflects God's care for the poor and marginalized. How can we apply this principle in today's society?

2. How does Ruth demonstrate humility in this chapter? What can we learn from her example?

3. What attributes does Boaz display that makes him a model of godly character? How can you emulate these attributes in your life?

4. How does Boaz's treatment of Ruth challenge societal norms of the time? Can you identify similar situations in the contemporary world?

5. How does the relationship between Ruth and Naomi evolve in this chapter? What does it say about their loyalty to each other?

6. How does God's providence appear in Ruth's life? Share a time when you've seen God's providence in your own life.

7. What can we infer about Ruth's character based on Boaz's servants' reports about her?

8. Discuss the significance of Naomi recognizing Boaz as a "kinsman-redeemer". What does this mean for their future?

9. How does Boaz reflect God's character in his treatment of Ruth?

10. How does Ruth's experience in the field influence her faith?

11. How does Ruth demonstrate courage and initiative in this chapter?

12. What role does kindness play in this chapter, and how does it affect the storyline?

13. Compare and contrast the reaction of Boaz's servants and Boaz himself upon learning about Ruth's identity. What does it tell you about their characters?

14. How is generosity displayed in this chapter? Discuss examples in your life where you have been a recipient or giver of such generosity.

15. How can you apply the principle of generosity seen in Boaz's actions to your life?

16. In what ways can you help the "Ruths" of our time - foreigners or marginalized individuals - in your community?

17. How can the interaction between Boaz and Ruth influence your approach to relationships and interactions with others?

18. What are some modern systems or practices that reflect the concept of gleaning?

19. How does Ruth’s commitment to hard work inspire you in your own tasks and responsibilities?

20. What aspects of Ruth and Boaz’s faithfulness to God and to others can you apply to your personal and professional relationships?