Ruth 2:1-23
Q.1. How were Boaz and Naomi related? Did Ruth end up gleaning in the field of Boaz? What kind of work ethic did she display? How did Ruth treat her mother-in-law? – (Ruth 2:1-7)
Boaz was a wealthy close relative of Naomi, through her marriage with Elimelech (Ruth 2:1). Ruth went out to work, hoping to find someone who would show her kindness. At harvest time, the Israelites were commanded to leave enough grain to meet the needs of foreigners, orphans, and widows – and you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt; therefore I am commanding you to do this thing (Ruth 2:2 c.f. Deut.24:22 c.f. Deut.24:19-23). Ruth happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz (Ruth 2:3). She did not plan what was to happen … but undoubtedly God did. When Boaz arrived from Bethlehem, his servants informed him that Ruth was – … the young Moabite woman who returned with Naomi from the land of Moab (Ruth 2:6). They told him that she had asked to glean after the reapers and had worked hard until that time (Ruth 2:6-7).
Q.2. What kind of a man was Boaz? What did Boaz find appealing about Ruth? How did he treat Ruth? Why did he give Ruth special treatment? – (Ruth 2:4-16)
The approach that Boaz had towards his workers revealed that he considered the Lord in his daily affairs (Ruth.2:4). He was extremely caring and protective of the faithful Ruth. He told her – 8 … Listen carefully, my daughter. Do not go to glean in another field nor go on from this one but stay here with my maids. 9 Let your eyes be on the field which they reap and go after them. Indeed, I have commanded the servants not to touch you. When you are thirsty, go to the water jars and drink from what the servants draw (Ruth 2:8-9). Boaz had discovered the true worth of Ruth. He showed no prejudice against those from other cultures. Ruth was much younger than he was (Ruth 3:10). What attracted Boaz to Ruth? All that you have done for your mother-in-law after the death of your husband has been fully reported to me, and how you left your father and your mother and the land of your birth and came to a people that you did not previously know. 12 May the Lord reward your work, and your wages be full from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge (Ruth 2:11-12). Ruth’s response was gracious. She acknowledged the kindness of Boaz (Ruth 2:10 & 13). Boaz invited her to eat with his servants. He served her roasted grain. Possibly for the first time in years, she ate enough to be satisfied (Ruth 2:14). Boaz also gave a private order, instructing the harvesters to leave plenty of grain for Ruth to collect and take back to Naomi (Ruth 2:151-16).
Q.3. How did God use Ruth and Boaz to encourage Naomi? What wise advice did Naomi give Ruth? How does this unfolding story increase your confidence in God’s care? – (Ruth 2:17-23)
In the evening, Ruth returned with enough barley to satisfy them both (Ruth 2:17-18). Naomi inquired who it was who had so generously provided. She was told it was Boaz (Ruth 2:19). This revived her faith, and she said – … May he be blessed of the Lord who has not withdrawn his kindness to the living and to the dead. She then told Ruth – The man is our relative, he is one of our closest relatives (Ruth 2:20). Naomi advised Ruth to accept the offer of Boaz to only glean in his field, thus gaining protection and provision (Ruth 2:21-22) – So she stayed close by the maids of Boaz in order to glean until the end of the barley harvest and the wheat harvest. And she lived with her mother-in-law (Ruth 2:23). It is clear from this story that God is always a step ahead in protecting us and in providing for all our needs.