And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz.
And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter.
And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.
And, behold, Boaz came from Beth–lehem, and said unto the reapers, The Lord be with you. And they answered him, The Lord bless thee.
Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?
And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab:
And she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house.
Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens:
Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn.
Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?
And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy 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.
Then she said, Let me find favour in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens.
And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left.
And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:
And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not.
So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley.
And she took it up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed.
And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man’s name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz.
And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the Lord, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.
And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest.
And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field.
So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law.
Ruth 2 marks a significant turning point in the book of Ruth, shifting from the initial despair and loss to a glimmer of hope and divine provision. It's a beautiful story of faithfulness, kindness, and God's providential hand working behind the scenes in the lives of ordinary people. This chapter showcases Ruth's humble diligence and Boaz's generous spirit, ultimately paving the way for redemption and restoration.
Setting the Stage (Ruth 2:1-3)
The chapter opens by introducing Boaz, a relative of Naomi's deceased husband Elimelech. He is described as a man of standing, highlighting his wealth and influence within the community of Bethlehem. As Matthew_1:5 reveals, Boaz was the son of Rahab, the former prostitute who hid Israel's spies in Jericho (Joshua_2:1-24; Joshua_6:22-25). Bethlehem, where Naomi and Ruth have returned, is presented as a seemingly sleepy town, yet God is preparing it to be the site of His miraculous intervention later in history (Micah_5:2; Matthew_2:1).
Driven by her desire to provide for Naomi, Ruth humbly asks for permission to glean in the fields. Gleaning was a provision in the Mosaic Law (Leviticus_19:9-10; Leviticus_23:22; Deuteronomy_24:19-21) that allowed the poor to gather leftover grain after the harvest. Ruth's initiative demonstrates her willingness to work hard and her commitment to caring for her mother-in-law.
The narrative then takes a providential turn. Ruth "happened" to find herself in the field belonging to Boaz (Ruth_2:3). This seemingly random event is far from coincidental. The author subtly emphasizes God's guiding hand, orchestrating events to bring Ruth into the path of her kinsman-redeemer. As Tony Evans aptly puts it, "Of course, nothing happens by chance, and no one just happens to be anywhere."
Boaz's Kindness and Protection (Ruth 2:4-16)
Boaz arrives at his field and notices Ruth. He inquires about her, learning that she is the Moabitess woman who accompanied Naomi back from Moab. Impressed by Ruth's loyalty and selflessness, Boaz extends extraordinary kindness to her.
He instructs her to glean only in his fields, ensuring her safety and protection. He even orders his workers to intentionally leave extra grain for her to gather (Ruth_2:8-9, 15-16). Furthermore, he invites her to eat with him and his workers, treating her with respect and dignity.
Ruth is overwhelmed by Boaz's generosity, questioning why she, a foreigner, has found such favor in his eyes (Ruth_2:10). Boaz responds by acknowledging her remarkable character and her unwavering devotion to Naomi. He recognizes that she has "left your father and mother and your homeland and have come to live with a people you did not know before" (Ruth_2:11).
Boaz pronounces a blessing upon Ruth, praying that the Lord, under whose wings she has come for refuge, would reward her (Ruth_2:12). This blessing speaks to Ruth's spiritual journey, her decision to trust in the God of Israel. She has sought refuge in Him, and Boaz recognizes and affirms her faith.
Naomi's Recognition and Hope (Ruth 2:17-23)
At the end of the day, Ruth returns to Naomi with a significant amount of barley. Naomi is astonished by the abundance and inquires about the source of her blessing. When Ruth reveals that she gleaned in the field of Boaz, Naomi recognizes the hand of God at work.
Naomi exclaims, "May he be blessed by the Lord, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!" (Ruth_2:20). She then reveals a crucial piece of information: Boaz is one of their "family redeemers," or kinsman-redeemers.
The concept of a kinsman-redeemer was an important aspect of Israelite law and culture. A kinsman-redeemer had the responsibility to redeem property that had been sold due to poverty and to provide for a widow who had lost her husband without having a son. This provision ensured that families would not lose their inheritance and that widows would be cared for. (See Deuteronomy_25:5-10 for more on levirate marriage, a related concept.)
Naomi realizes that Boaz's kindness is not just a random act of generosity but a potential pathway to redemption and restoration for both her and Ruth. She encourages Ruth to continue gleaning in Boaz's field throughout the harvest season, recognizing that God is working through him to provide for their needs.
Naomi understands that this was no chance encounter and that the sovereign hand of God had made a connection for them.
God's Providential Hand
Ruth 2 is a powerful reminder of God's providential care. Even in the midst of hardship and loss, He is working behind the scenes to bring about His purposes. Ruth's faithfulness, Boaz's kindness, and Naomi's wisdom all play a part in God's plan.
As Tony Evans points out, God can similarly work through your circumstances today to bring about future blessings and even to change the world. We may not always understand His plans, but we can trust that He is working for our good and for His glory. Just as Ruth's story ultimately led to the lineage of King David, our lives can also be part of God's larger story of redemption.
This chapter is filled with hope, demonstrating that even in the darkest of times, God's light can break through and lead us to a brighter future. Ruth 2 sets the stage for the next chapter, where Ruth will take a bold step of faith, setting in motion the events that will ultimately lead to her redemption and the fulfillment of God's promises.
And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz.
And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter.
And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.
And, behold, Boaz came from Beth–lehem, and said unto the reapers, The Lord be with you. And they answered him, The Lord bless thee.
Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?
And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab:
And she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house.
Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens:
Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn.
Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?
And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy 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.
Then she said, Let me find favour in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens.
And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left.
And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:
And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not.
So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley.
And she took it up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed.
And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man’s name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz.
And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the Lord, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.
And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest.
And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field.
So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law.
Ruth 2 marks a significant turning point in the book of Ruth, shifting from the initial despair and loss to a glimmer of hope and divine provision. It's a beautiful story of faithfulness, kindness, and God's providential hand working behind the scenes in the lives of ordinary people. This chapter showcases Ruth's humble diligence and Boaz's generous spirit, ultimately paving the way for redemption and restoration.
Setting the Stage (Ruth 2:1-3)
The chapter opens by introducing Boaz, a relative of Naomi's deceased husband Elimelech. He is described as a man of standing, highlighting his wealth and influence within the community of Bethlehem. As Matthew_1:5 reveals, Boaz was the son of Rahab, the former prostitute who hid Israel's spies in Jericho (Joshua_2:1-24; Joshua_6:22-25). Bethlehem, where Naomi and Ruth have returned, is presented as a seemingly sleepy town, yet God is preparing it to be the site of His miraculous intervention later in history (Micah_5:2; Matthew_2:1).
Driven by her desire to provide for Naomi, Ruth humbly asks for permission to glean in the fields. Gleaning was a provision in the Mosaic Law (Leviticus_19:9-10; Leviticus_23:22; Deuteronomy_24:19-21) that allowed the poor to gather leftover grain after the harvest. Ruth's initiative demonstrates her willingness to work hard and her commitment to caring for her mother-in-law.
The narrative then takes a providential turn. Ruth "happened" to find herself in the field belonging to Boaz (Ruth_2:3). This seemingly random event is far from coincidental. The author subtly emphasizes God's guiding hand, orchestrating events to bring Ruth into the path of her kinsman-redeemer. As Tony Evans aptly puts it, "Of course, nothing happens by chance, and no one just happens to be anywhere."
Boaz's Kindness and Protection (Ruth 2:4-16)
Boaz arrives at his field and notices Ruth. He inquires about her, learning that she is the Moabitess woman who accompanied Naomi back from Moab. Impressed by Ruth's loyalty and selflessness, Boaz extends extraordinary kindness to her.
He instructs her to glean only in his fields, ensuring her safety and protection. He even orders his workers to intentionally leave extra grain for her to gather (Ruth_2:8-9, 15-16). Furthermore, he invites her to eat with him and his workers, treating her with respect and dignity.
Ruth is overwhelmed by Boaz's generosity, questioning why she, a foreigner, has found such favor in his eyes (Ruth_2:10). Boaz responds by acknowledging her remarkable character and her unwavering devotion to Naomi. He recognizes that she has "left your father and mother and your homeland and have come to live with a people you did not know before" (Ruth_2:11).
Boaz pronounces a blessing upon Ruth, praying that the Lord, under whose wings she has come for refuge, would reward her (Ruth_2:12). This blessing speaks to Ruth's spiritual journey, her decision to trust in the God of Israel. She has sought refuge in Him, and Boaz recognizes and affirms her faith.
Naomi's Recognition and Hope (Ruth 2:17-23)
At the end of the day, Ruth returns to Naomi with a significant amount of barley. Naomi is astonished by the abundance and inquires about the source of her blessing. When Ruth reveals that she gleaned in the field of Boaz, Naomi recognizes the hand of God at work.
Naomi exclaims, "May he be blessed by the Lord, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!" (Ruth_2:20). She then reveals a crucial piece of information: Boaz is one of their "family redeemers," or kinsman-redeemers.
The concept of a kinsman-redeemer was an important aspect of Israelite law and culture. A kinsman-redeemer had the responsibility to redeem property that had been sold due to poverty and to provide for a widow who had lost her husband without having a son. This provision ensured that families would not lose their inheritance and that widows would be cared for. (See Deuteronomy_25:5-10 for more on levirate marriage, a related concept.)
Naomi realizes that Boaz's kindness is not just a random act of generosity but a potential pathway to redemption and restoration for both her and Ruth. She encourages Ruth to continue gleaning in Boaz's field throughout the harvest season, recognizing that God is working through him to provide for their needs.
Naomi understands that this was no chance encounter and that the sovereign hand of God had made a connection for them.
God's Providential Hand
Ruth 2 is a powerful reminder of God's providential care. Even in the midst of hardship and loss, He is working behind the scenes to bring about His purposes. Ruth's faithfulness, Boaz's kindness, and Naomi's wisdom all play a part in God's plan.
As Tony Evans points out, God can similarly work through your circumstances today to bring about future blessings and even to change the world. We may not always understand His plans, but we can trust that He is working for our good and for His glory. Just as Ruth's story ultimately led to the lineage of King David, our lives can also be part of God's larger story of redemption.
This chapter is filled with hope, demonstrating that even in the darkest of times, God's light can break through and lead us to a brighter future. Ruth 2 sets the stage for the next chapter, where Ruth will take a bold step of faith, setting in motion the events that will ultimately lead to her redemption and the fulfillment of God's promises.