Topical Bible: Joy of Naomi, when Boaz Showed Kindness to Ruth

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Topical Encyclopedia

The account of Naomi's joy, as recounted in the Book of Ruth, is a poignant narrative of redemption, providence, and divine kindness. Naomi, a woman who had experienced profound loss, finds renewed hope and joy through the actions of Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer, who shows kindness to her daughter-in-law, Ruth.

Background

Naomi, originally from Bethlehem, had moved to Moab with her husband Elimelech and their two sons due to a famine in Judah. In Moab, tragedy struck as Elimelech and both sons died, leaving Naomi with her Moabite daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth. Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem upon hearing that the LORD had provided food for His people. Ruth, demonstrating loyalty and devotion, insisted on accompanying Naomi, famously declaring, "Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God" (Ruth 1:16).

Boaz's Kindness

Upon their return to Bethlehem, Ruth sought to provide for Naomi by gleaning in the fields. It was during this time that she encountered Boaz, a wealthy and influential relative of Elimelech. Boaz, upon learning of Ruth's loyalty to Naomi, extended extraordinary kindness to her. He instructed his workers to allow Ruth to glean among the sheaves and even to leave extra grain for her to gather (Ruth 2:15-16).

Boaz's actions were not merely acts of charity but were deeply rooted in the cultural and religious practice of the kinsman-redeemer, a role that involved protecting the interests of needy relatives. His kindness was a reflection of God's covenantal love and faithfulness, providing a glimmer of hope in Naomi's otherwise bleak circumstances.

Naomi's Joy

When Ruth returned home with an abundance of barley and recounted Boaz's kindness, Naomi's response was one of profound joy and gratitude. She exclaimed, "May he be blessed by the LORD, who has not withdrawn His kindness from the living or the dead" (Ruth 2:20). Naomi recognized the providential hand of God at work through Boaz's actions, seeing it as a sign of divine favor and a turning point in their fortunes.

Naomi's joy was not merely for the material provision but for the hope of redemption and restoration. The kindness of Boaz rekindled her faith in God's steadfast love and His ability to transform sorrow into joy. Naomi's transformation from bitterness to joy is encapsulated in her later role as the nurse to Ruth and Boaz's son, Obed, who would become the grandfather of King David, thus placing Naomi in the lineage of the Messiah (Ruth 4:16-17).

Theological Significance

The joy of Naomi, catalyzed by Boaz's kindness to Ruth, serves as a powerful testament to God's redemptive plan and His unwavering faithfulness to His people. It illustrates the biblical theme of God's providence and the unfolding of His purposes through ordinary human actions. Naomi's account is a reminder of the hope and joy that can emerge from the depths of despair when individuals act in accordance with God's will and extend His love to others.

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Ruth 2:20
And Naomi said to her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the LORD, who has not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said to her, The man is near of kin to us, one of our next kinsmen.
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Ruth 4:14
And the women said to Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which has not left you this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.
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