Ruth 2:8
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, a wealthy and influential man in Bethlehem, is introduced as a kinsman of Naomi's late husband, Elimelech. His interaction with Ruth is significant as it sets the stage for his role as a kinsman-redeemer. This phrase highlights Boaz's initiative and willingness to engage with Ruth, a Moabite widow, which reflects his character and foreshadows his future actions.

Listen, my daughter
The term "my daughter" indicates a tone of kindness and protection. It suggests a familial relationship, emphasizing Boaz's role as a protector and provider. This phrase also reflects the cultural norms of the time, where elders or those in authority would address younger individuals with such terms, showing care and responsibility.

Do not go and glean in another field
Gleaning was a provision in the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 19:9-10) for the poor and foreigners, allowing them to gather leftover crops. Boaz's instruction to Ruth not to glean elsewhere underscores his desire to ensure her safety and well-being, as other fields might not offer the same protection or kindness.

and do not go away from this place
This directive emphasizes the importance of staying within the protection and provision of Boaz's field. It reflects the cultural and social dynamics of the time, where a foreign woman like Ruth could face danger or mistreatment in unfamiliar territories.

but stay here close to my servant girls
Boaz's instruction for Ruth to stay close to his servant girls provides her with a sense of community and security. It also ensures that she is integrated into the social structure of his household, offering her protection and companionship. This act of inclusion is significant, as it foreshadows the acceptance and integration of Ruth, a Moabite, into the Israelite community, ultimately leading to her role in the lineage of David and Jesus Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Boaz
A 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 Protection
Boaz'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 19:9-10
This 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.
Filial, Piety and Fidelity Recognized and RecompensedJ.R. Thomson Ruth 2:5-14
Harvest LessonsUrijah R. Thomas.Ruth 2:8-9
Loving-KindnessC. Ness.Ruth 2:8-9
Masters and ServantsT. Fuller, B. D.Ruth 2:8-9
People
Boaz, Elimelech, Ephah, Naomi, Ruth
Places
Bethlehem, Moab
Topics
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, Women
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ruth 2:1-20

     5809   compassion, human

Ruth 2:2-9

     4456   grain

Ruth 2:5-12

     8436   giving, of possessions

Ruth 2:7-8

     4454   gleaning

Ruth 2:8-9

     5117   Ruth
     5695   girls
     5942   security

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.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested into English Verse
viz., I. The Book of Ruth II. The History of Samson III. Christ's Sermon on the Mount IV. The Prophecy of Jonah V. The Life of Joseph VI. The Epistle of James BY JOHN BUNYAN Licensed According to Order. London: Printed for J. Blare, at the Looking Glass, on London Bridge, 1701. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This very interesting little volume of poems, we believe, has not been reprinted since the year 1701, nor has it ever been inserted in any edition or catalogue of Bunyan's works. This may have
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Exile --Continued.
There are many echoes of this period of Engedi in the Psalms. Perhaps the most distinctly audible of these are to be found in the seventh psalm, which is all but universally recognised as David's, even Ewald concurring in the general consent. It is an irregular ode--for such is the meaning of Shiggaion in the title, and by its broken rhythms and abrupt transitions testifies to the emotion of its author. The occasion of it is said to be "the words of Cush the Benjamite." As this is a peculiar name
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

Appendix viii. Rabbinic Traditions About Elijah, the Forerunner of the Messiah
To complete the evidence, presented in the text, as to the essential difference between the teaching of the ancient Synagogue about the Forerunner of the Messiah' and the history and mission of John the Baptist, as described in the New Testaments, we subjoin a full, though condensed, account of the earlier Rabbinic traditions about Elijah. Opinions differ as to the descent and birthplace of Elijah. According to some, he was from the land of Gilead (Bemid. R. 14), and of the tribe of Gad (Tanch. on
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Pilgrim's Progress
FROM THIS WORLD TO THAT WHICH IS TO COME. THE SECOND PART. DELIVERED UNDER THE SIMILITUDE OF A DREAM. WHEREIN IS SET FORTH THE MANNER OF THE SETTING OUT OF CHRISTIAN'S WIFE AND CHILDREN, THEIR DANGEROUS JOURNEY, AND SAFE ARRIVAL AT THE DESIRED COUNTRY. By JOHN BUNYAN. 'I have used similitudes.'--Hosea 12:10. London: Printed for Nathaniel Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, near the Church, 1684. THE AUTHOR'S WAY OF SENDING FORTH HIS SECOND PART OF THE PILGRIM. Go now, my little book, to every
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Ruth
Goethe has characterized the book of Ruth as the loveliest little idyll that tradition has transmitted to us. Whatever be its didactic purpose--and some would prefer to think that it had little or none-it is, at any rate, a wonderful prose poem, sweet, artless, and persuasive, touched with the quaintness of an older world and fresh with the scent of the harvest fields. The love--stronger than country--of Ruth for Naomi, the gracious figure of Boaz as he moves about the fields with a word of blessing
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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