Ruth 2:3

So Ruth departed and went out into the field and gleaned after the harvesters. And she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech.

Study Bible

So Ruth departed and went out into the field
Ruth's departure signifies her proactive nature and willingness to provide for herself and Naomi. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, widows often faced poverty and marginalization. Ruth's decision to glean reflects the Mosaic Law's provision for the poor, as seen in Leviticus 19:9-10 and Deuteronomy 24:19, which allowed the needy to gather leftover crops. This act of gleaning demonstrates Ruth's humility and determination.

and gleaned after the harvesters.
Gleaning was a common practice in ancient Israel, where landowners were instructed to leave the edges of their fields unharvested for the poor and foreigners. Ruth, a Moabite, was both a foreigner and a widow, making her eligible to glean. This practice highlights God's provision for the marginalized and sets the stage for Ruth's encounter with Boaz, a man of standing in the community.

And she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz,
The phrase "she happened" suggests a divine orchestration rather than mere coincidence. In the biblical narrative, God's providence is often at work behind the scenes. Boaz's field becomes a place of blessing and protection for Ruth, illustrating how God guides and provides for those who trust in Him. This moment foreshadows the unfolding of God's plan for Ruth and Naomi's redemption.

who was from the clan of Elimelech.
Boaz's connection to Elimelech, Naomi's deceased husband, is significant. In the cultural and legal context of Israel, the concept of the kinsman-redeemer (goel) was crucial. A kinsman-redeemer had the responsibility to protect the interests of needy family members, as outlined in Leviticus 25:25-55. Boaz's role as a potential redeemer for Ruth and Naomi is a central theme in the book, symbolizing Christ's redemptive work for humanity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ruth
A Moabite widow who demonstrates loyalty and faithfulness by staying with her mother-in-law, Naomi, and seeking to provide for them both.

2. Boaz
A wealthy and influential man from Bethlehem, belonging to the clan of Elimelech. He is a relative of Naomi's deceased husband and plays a significant role as a kinsman-redeemer.

3. Field
The setting where Ruth goes to glean. Fields were divided among different owners, and Ruth "happens" to glean in Boaz's field, which is significant for the unfolding of God's providential plan.

4. Gleaning
The act of collecting leftover crops from farmers' fields after they have been harvested. This was a provision in the Law of Moses for the poor and foreigners (Leviticus 19:9-10).

5. Clan of Elimelech
The family line to which both Naomi's deceased husband and Boaz belong, highlighting the potential for Boaz to act as a redeemer for Ruth and Naomi.

Teaching Points

Divine Providence
Ruth's "happening" upon Boaz's field is not mere chance but a demonstration of God's providential care and guidance. We can trust that God is at work in our lives, even in seemingly random events.

Faithfulness in Action
Ruth's decision to glean reflects her commitment to Naomi and her willingness to work hard. Our faith should be demonstrated through our actions and dedication to serving others.

God's Provision for the Vulnerable
The law of gleaning shows God's heart for the poor and the foreigner. As believers, we are called to care for those in need and provide opportunities for them to thrive.

The Role of Community
Boaz's field represents a community that follows God's laws and provides for the less fortunate. We should strive to create communities that reflect God's love and justice.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ruth's decision to glean in the fields demonstrate her character and faith? What can we learn from her example?

2. In what ways do you see God's providence at work in your own life, similar to how Ruth "happened" to glean in Boaz's field?

3. How does the law of gleaning reflect God's care for the marginalized, and how can we apply this principle in our communities today?

4. What role does Boaz play in Ruth's account, and how does this foreshadow the concept of a kinsman-redeemer in the Bible?

5. How can we, as a church or community, create an environment that supports and uplifts those who are vulnerable or in need?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 19:9-10
This passage outlines the law of gleaning, which provided for the poor and the foreigner, showing God's care for the marginalized.

Proverbs 16:9
This verse speaks to the idea of God's sovereignty in guiding our steps, similar to how Ruth "happened" to glean in Boaz's field.

Romans 8:28
This New Testament verse reflects the theme of God's providence, working all things together for good for those who love Him, as seen in Ruth's account.