Ruth meets Boaz

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Encouragement

Boaz is described as a kinsman of Elimelech’s (Naomi’s husband who died) al­though the exact relationship is not told. Ruth and Naomi were very poor and so it was fortunate that they arrived at their new home in the beginning of harvest. There were not many ways of earning a living open to widows but the Old Testament law provided that the poor be allowed to pick up grain left behind the reapers (Deut. 24:19). Ruth offered to go in search of food along with the poor gleaners (vv. 1-2). Naomi told her to “Go ahead,” so right away, Ruth went out to pick up grain in a field owned by Boaz (v. 3). 

Boaz evidently lived in Bethlehem and came out to his farm after the laborers had started their work. He was immediately attracted to Ruth and asked some questions about her (vv. 4-5). When he found out who she was (vv. 6-7) he went to Ruth and told her to not pick up grain in anyone else’s field but to stay here and follow behind the reapers (vv. 8-9). He also said, “I have warned the men not to bother you, and whenever you are thirsty, you can drink from the water jars they have filled.” Ruth questioned why he was so good to her (v. 10). He stated that he was impressed by all she had done for Naomi and the sacrifice she had made in leaving her parents and native land and in deciding to follow the God of Israel (vv. 11-12). She then asked him for favor in his sight (v. 13).

Application

It is apparent that Boaz didn’t just allow gleaners to come into his fields because the law stated that he had to. He took a personal interest in those who were in need and wanted to help them. I need to think of someone with good character qualities like Ruth that our family can encourage and help.

Ruth 2:1-13 (English Standard Version)


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