Topical Bible: Ruth: Receives Kindness from Boaz

◄ Ruth: Receives Kindness from Boaz ►

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Introduction

Ruth, a Moabite woman, is a central figure in the Book of Ruth, which is part of the Old Testament. Her account is one of loyalty, faith, and divine providence. Ruth's journey from Moab to Bethlehem and her subsequent interactions with Boaz highlight themes of kindness, redemption, and God's provision.

Background

Ruth was the daughter-in-law of Naomi, an Israelite woman who had moved to Moab with her husband and two sons due to a famine in Bethlehem. After the deaths of her husband and sons, Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem. Ruth, demonstrating remarkable loyalty, chose to accompany 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).

Ruth's Encounter with Boaz

Upon arriving in Bethlehem, Ruth sought to provide for herself and Naomi by gleaning in the fields during the barley harvest. It was here that she encountered Boaz, a wealthy and influential relative of Naomi's deceased husband, Elimelech. Boaz's kindness towards Ruth is a pivotal moment in the narrative.

Boaz's Kindness

Boaz first noticed Ruth gleaning in his fields and inquired about her identity. Upon learning of her loyalty to Naomi, Boaz extended his protection and provision to her. He instructed his workers to allow Ruth to glean among the sheaves and even to leave extra grain for her to collect. Boaz said to Ruth, "Listen, my daughter. Do not go and glean in another field, and do not go away from here. Stay here with my servant girls" (Ruth 2:8). He further assured her of safety and encouraged her to drink from the water jars his men had filled.

Boaz's actions were not only generous but also in accordance with the Levitical law, which commanded landowners to leave the edges of their fields unharvested for the poor and the foreigner (Leviticus 19:9-10). Boaz's kindness went beyond the letter of the law, reflecting his character and the providence of God in Ruth's life.

Ruth's Response

Ruth was deeply moved by Boaz's kindness and expressed her gratitude, saying, "Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you should take notice of me, even though I am a foreigner?" (Ruth 2:10). Boaz acknowledged her loyalty to Naomi and her decision to seek refuge under the wings of the God of Israel, further blessing her for her faith and actions.

Significance

The kindness Boaz showed to Ruth is significant for several reasons. It exemplifies the biblical principle of loving-kindness (Hebrew: "chesed"), a steadfast love and mercy that reflects God's own character. Boaz's actions also set the stage for his role as a kinsman-redeemer, a concept that foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ.

Ruth's account, particularly her reception of kindness from Boaz, is a testament to God's providence and the unfolding of His plan through ordinary human actions. It highlights the importance of faithfulness, kindness, and the transformative power of divine grace working through individuals.

Nave's Topical Index

Ruth 2:4-17
And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said to the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless you.
Nave's Topical Index

Ruth 3:15
Also he said, Bring the veil that you have on you, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Ruth
... In Bethlehem, Ruth receives peculiar kindness from Boaz, a wealthy landowner, who
happens to be a kinsman of Naomi; and Naomi, with a woman's happy instinct ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/ruth.htm

The People's Christ
... the names of Jesse, Obed, Boaz, and Ruth, awoke no ... It is because thereby the whole
race receives honor ... exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness towards us ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the peoples christ.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... he connects us with himself, when he receives us into ... sake, by visiting him in mercy
and kindness, it is ... man, confirmed his promise of marriage to Ruth in the ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... manifold, a man cannot receive one but he receives many, many ... of faith in Christ,
by acts of kindness to Christ ... As Boaz said to his servants, when Ruth was to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm