Let your eyes be on the field they are harvesting, and follow along after these girls. Indeed, I have ordered the young men not to touch you. And when you are thirsty, go and drink from the jars the young men have filled." Let your eyes be on the field they are harvesting,Boaz directs Ruth to remain in the portion of his land where his servants are working. Israel’s gleaning laws provided for the poor, widows, and foreigners, allowing them to gather what harvesters left behind (Leviticus 19:9–10; Deuteronomy 24:19–22). Ruth humbly receives this provision and labors diligently rather than demanding assistance. Lev 19:9-10 When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to… and follow along after these girls. Ruth is invited to stay with the female gleaners, whose presence offered practical guidance and protection. Boaz openly includes the Moabite widow among his workers, giving her a secure place within the covenant community. Her acceptance anticipates the gathering of those once far off into the people of God. Gen 24:61 Then Rebekah and her servant girls got ready… Indeed, I have ordered the young men not to touch you. Boaz uses his authority to protect Ruth from harassment or harm. A foreign widow working in the fields stood in a vulnerable position, yet Boaz acts with righteousness and kindness. His care reflects God’s concern for the weak and oppressed and points forward to the faithful protection Christ gives His people. Gen 26:11 So Abimelech warned all the people, saying,… And when you are thirsty, go and drink from the jars the young men have filled.” Boaz grants Ruth access to water drawn by his own servants, a generous privilege for a gleaner. In the heat and labor of harvest, water meant refreshment and life. The provision displays God’s gracious care through Boaz and recalls the living water Christ gives to all who come to Him in faith (John 4:10–14). Jhn 2:6-8 Now six stone water jars had been set there… Persons / Places / Events 1. RuthA Moabite widow who has shown loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, by returning with her to Bethlehem. Ruth is a model of faithfulness and humility. 2. Boaz A wealthy and influential landowner in Bethlehem, who is a relative of Naomi's deceased husband. He is known for his kindness and adherence to the laws of God. 3. Naomi Ruth's mother-in-law, who has returned to Bethlehem after the death of her husband and sons. She represents the community and family ties in Israel. 4. Bethlehem The setting of the account, a town in Judah, which is significant as the future birthplace of King David and Jesus Christ. 5. The Harvest The event during which Ruth gleans in the fields of Boaz, symbolizing God's provision and the opportunity for redemption and blessing. Teaching Points God's ProvidenceRuth 2:9 shows how God orchestrates events for the good of those who love Him. Ruth's meeting with Boaz is not by chance but part of God's plan. Protection and Provision Boaz's instructions to Ruth to stay in his fields and drink from the water jars highlight God's provision and protection for those who seek refuge under His wings. Kindness and Compassion Boaz's actions demonstrate the importance of showing kindness and compassion to others, especially those who are vulnerable or outsiders. Obedience and Humility Ruth's willingness to follow Boaz's instructions reflects a heart of obedience and humility, qualities that are pleasing to God. Community and Support The account emphasizes the role of community in providing support and care, encouraging believers to be active participants in their faith communities. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Ruth 2:9 illustrate God's providence in the lives of Ruth and Naomi, and how can we recognize His providence in our own lives?2. In what ways does Boaz's treatment of Ruth challenge us to show kindness and compassion to those who are different from us or in need? 3. How does the concept of a kinsman-redeemer in Ruth's account point to the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ? 4. What can we learn from Ruth's example of obedience and humility, and how can we apply these qualities in our daily walk with God? 5. How does the community in Bethlehem support Ruth and Naomi, and what does this teach us about the importance of being part of a faith community? Connections to Other Scriptures The account of Ruth and Boaz connects to the concept of the kinsman-redeemer found in Leviticus, which outlines the responsibilities of a relative to redeem a family member in need.The kindness of Boaz towards Ruth can be compared to the parable of the Good Samaritan, illustrating love and compassion beyond cultural boundaries. Ruth's loyalty and faithfulness echo the covenantal faithfulness God shows to His people, as seen throughout the Old Testament.
People Boaz, Elimelech, Ephah, Naomi, RuthPlaces Bethlehem, MoabTopics Along, Athirst, Charged, Commanded, Cutting, Draw, Drawn, Drink, Drunk, Field, Filled, Follow, Girls, Harvesting, Hast, Haven't, Indeed, Jars, Molest, Orders, Reap, Reaped, Reaping, Servants, Thirsty, Touch, Vessels, WheneverDictionary of Bible Themes Ruth 2:1-20Library 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 2:9 NIVRuth 2:9 NLT Ruth 2:9 ESV Ruth 2:9 NASB Ruth 2:9 KJV Ruth 2:9 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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