Then Boaz said to Ruth, "Listen, my daughter. Do not go and glean in another field, and do not go away from this place, but stay here close to my servant girls. Then Boaz said to Ruth,Boaz was a wealthy landowner in Bethlehem and a relative of Elimelech, Naomi’s late husband. His direct attention to Ruth begins the unfolding of God’s provision for Naomi’s family and prepares for Boaz’s later work as kinsman-redeemer. Rut 3:10 Then Boaz said, “May the LORD bless you, my daughter.… “Listen, my daughter. Boaz speaks with the care and authority of an older protector. Though Ruth was a Moabite widow and a newcomer in Bethlehem, he treats her with dignity rather than suspicion, extending kindness to one who had sought refuge among the people of Israel. Psa 45:10 Listen, O daughter! Consider and incline your ear:… Do not go and glean in another field, The law permitted the poor, widows, and foreigners to gather grain left behind at harvest (Leviticus 19:9–10; Deuteronomy 24:19–22). Boaz provides more than bare legal access to food; he directs Ruth to a place where she will receive generous and secure provision. Lev 19:9-10 When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to… and do not go away from this place, A woman gleaning alone could be vulnerable to harassment or abuse, especially as a foreigner. Boaz’s field becomes a place of protection under his authority, reflecting the refuge Ruth had sought under the wings of the God of Israel. Gen 26:3 Stay in this land as a foreigner, and I will be with you… but stay here close to my servant girls. Ruth is welcomed into the company of Boaz’s female workers rather than left isolated in the fields. Her inclusion anticipates her fuller reception into Israel and into the family line through which David—and ultimately Jesus Christ—would come. Rut 3:2 Now is not Boaz, with whose servant girls… Persons / Places / Events 1. BoazA wealthy landowner in Bethlehem, a relative of Naomi's deceased husband, Elimelech. He is known for his kindness and adherence to the laws of God. 2. Ruth A Moabite widow who has shown loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, by leaving her homeland to live in Bethlehem. Her character is marked by faithfulness and humility. 3. Bethlehem A town in Judah, significant as the setting for the events of the Book of Ruth and later as the birthplace of King David and Jesus Christ. 4. Gleaning The act of collecting leftover crops from farmers' fields after they have been harvested. It was a provision in the Mosaic Law for the poor and foreigners (Leviticus 19:9-10). 5. Servant Girls Female workers in Boaz's fields who were responsible for harvesting. Ruth is invited to stay with them, ensuring her safety and provision. Teaching Points God's Provision and ProtectionBoaz's invitation to Ruth to stay in his field is a reflection of God's care and provision for those who trust in Him. It reminds us that God often uses people to fulfill His purposes and provide for our needs. Kindness and Generosity Boaz exemplifies the biblical principle of kindness and generosity. As believers, we are called to show kindness to others, especially those who are vulnerable or in need. Faithfulness and Loyalty Ruth's loyalty to Naomi and her willingness to work hard in a foreign land demonstrate the importance of faithfulness. Our commitment to God and others should be unwavering, even in challenging circumstances. Community and Belonging Boaz's acceptance of Ruth into his community illustrates the importance of inclusion and belonging. The church should be a place where everyone feels welcomed and valued. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Boaz's treatment of Ruth reflect God's character and His laws regarding the poor and foreigners?2. In what ways can we show kindness and generosity to those in need in our own communities? 3. How does Ruth's account encourage us to remain faithful and loyal in our relationships, even when it is difficult? 4. What can we learn from Boaz about creating a welcoming and inclusive community within our church or social circles? 5. How does the account of Ruth and Boaz point us to the greater account of redemption found in Jesus Christ? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 19:9-10This passage outlines the law of gleaning, which Boaz is following by allowing Ruth to glean in his fields. It reflects God's provision for the poor and the foreigner. Proverbs 31:10-31 The description of a virtuous woman 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 significance in God's redemptive plan.
People Boaz, Elimelech, Ephah, Naomi, RuthPlaces Bethlehem, MoabTopics Abide, Boaz, Bo'az, Carefully, Cleave, Close, Daughter, Ear, Fast, Field, Furthermore, Girls, Glean, Grain, Hast, Hearest, Hence, Leave, Listen, Maidens, Maids, Pass, Ruth, Servant, Stay, Thus, WomenDictionary of Bible Themes Ruth 2:1-20 5117 Ruth Library 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 2:8 NIVRuth 2:8 NLT Ruth 2:8 ESV Ruth 2:8 NASB Ruth 2:8 KJV Ruth 2:8 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |