Overview:
Ruth 2 records Ruth’s encounter with Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s late husband, Elimelek. Ruth, who is determined to support her mother-in-law, goes to glean in the fields to gather food. She happens to work in Boaz’s field, where Boaz notices her diligence and kindness toward Naomi. Boaz, impressed by Ruth’s loyalty, provides protection and generous provision for her. Naomi rejoices when she learns that Ruth has found favor with Boaz, recognizing God’s hand at work. This chapter illustrates God’s providence, the kindness and protection offered by Boaz, and the seeds of hope for Ruth and Naomi’s future.
Key themes include God’s provision, kindness, and loyalty, as well as the idea of a kinsman-redeemer. Ruth 2 shows how God works through the faithfulness of ordinary people to bring about His redemptive plans.
Historical and Literary Context:
In ancient Israel, the law allowed the poor, foreigners, and widows to glean in the fields during harvest (Leviticus 19:9-10, Deuteronomy 24:19-22). Ruth’s position as a foreigner and a widow makes her vulnerable, but her diligent work and her humility reflect her strength and faith. The concept of the kinsman-redeemer (goel) plays an important role in the story, where a close relative has the duty to redeem a family member in distress. Boaz’s role as a kinsman-redeemer foreshadows Christ’s redemptive work on behalf of humanity.
Key Themes and Doctrinal Points:
God’s Provision and Providence:
Ruth’s “chance” arrival in Boaz’s field underscores God’s unseen hand guiding her steps. God’s provision is evident as Ruth finds both sustenance and protection under Boaz’s care.
“As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelek” (Ruth 2:3).
This seemingly coincidental meeting highlights God’s providence, orchestrating events for His purposes. The New Testament encourages believers to trust in God’s care and guidance, knowing that He directs the paths of those who seek Him (Proverbs 3:5-6, Matthew 6:31-33).
The Kindness and Generosity of Boaz:
Boaz exemplifies godly kindness and generosity, welcoming Ruth despite her foreign status and ensuring her safety in his fields. Boaz’s actions reflect the character of God, who cares for the marginalized and provides for His people.
“Boaz replied, ‘I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband… May the Lord repay you for what you have done’” (Ruth 2:11-12).
Boaz’s blessing and protection of Ruth reflect God’s command to show kindness to foreigners and the vulnerable. The New Testament echoes this, calling believers to love and care for others, especially those in need (Hebrews 13:2, James 1:27).
The Role of the Kinsman-Redeemer:
Boaz’s role as a kinsman-redeemer foreshadows Jesus Christ, who redeems believers from sin and restores them to a relationship with God. The concept of a kinsman-redeemer emphasizes family loyalty and sacrifice, as the redeemer assumes responsibility for the welfare of his kin.
“The Lord bless him!” Naomi said to her daughter-in-law. “He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead” (Ruth 2:20).
Naomi’s recognition of Boaz as a relative opens the door for hope and restoration. The New Testament reveals Jesus as the ultimate Redeemer who brings humanity back to God through His sacrificial love (Ephesians 1:7, 1 Peter 1:18-19).
Verse-by-Verse Analysis:
Ruth 2:1-3:
“Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a man of standing from the clan of Elimelek, whose name was Boaz” (Ruth 2:1).
The introduction of Boaz as a relative foreshadows his role as a kinsman-redeemer. Ruth’s decision to glean reflects her commitment to support Naomi, despite the risks associated with being a foreigner in a foreign land.
Ruth 2:4-7:
“Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, ‘The Lord be with you!’” (Ruth 2:4).
Boaz’s greeting and his inquiry about Ruth’s identity reveal his character as a godly and compassionate leader. His blessing over the workers and interest in Ruth’s well-being show his respect for God’s law and his genuine care for others.
Ruth 2:8-9:
“So Boaz said to Ruth, ‘My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here. Stay here with the women who work for me’” (Ruth 2:8).
Boaz’s protective stance toward Ruth reflects his commitment to provide a safe environment for her. By inviting Ruth to stay and glean only in his fields, he offers her both provision and security.
Ruth 2:10-12:
“At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, ‘Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?’” (Ruth 2:10).
Ruth’s humility is evident in her response to Boaz’s kindness, acknowledging her foreign status. Boaz’s response highlights his respect for Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi and his hope that God will bless her for her selflessness.
Ruth 2:13-14:
“‘May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord,’ she said… At mealtime Boaz said to her, ‘Come over here. Have some bread and dip it in the wine vinegar’” (Ruth 2:13-14).
Boaz’s invitation to Ruth at mealtime represents a gesture of hospitality and acceptance. Sharing bread with Ruth signifies his acknowledgment of her dignity, regardless of her background.
Ruth 2:15-17:
“As she got up to glean, Boaz gave orders to his men, ‘Let her gather among the sheaves and don’t reprimand her. Even pull out some stalks for her from the bundles and leave them for her to pick up’” (Ruth 2:15-16).
Boaz’s generosity goes beyond the basic requirements of the law, instructing his workers to leave extra grain for Ruth. His actions demonstrate kindness that reflects God’s provision and care for those in need.
Ruth 2:18-20:
“Her mother-in-law asked her, ‘Where did you glean today? Where did you work? Blessed be the man who took notice of you!’” (Ruth 2:19).
Naomi’s joy at Ruth’s success reflects her hope in God’s provision and her recognition of Boaz’s generosity. Her blessing over Boaz signifies the beginning of renewed faith and hope in God’s care.
Ruth 2:21-23:
“‘He even said to me, “Stay with my workers until they finish harvesting all my grain.”’ Naomi said to Ruth her daughter-in-law, ‘It will be good for you, my daughter, to go with the women who work for him, because in someone else’s field you might be harmed’” (Ruth 2:21-22).
Naomi encourages Ruth to remain in Boaz’s fields for continued protection and provision, highlighting Boaz’s character and the security he offers. The chapter ends with Ruth continuing to glean, establishing stability in Naomi and Ruth’s life.
Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ:
Ruth 2 reveals God’s faithfulness and provision through the kindness of Boaz, a forebear of Jesus, who ultimately fulfills the role of kinsman-redeemer for all humanity. Boaz’s generosity and protection mirror God’s care for the vulnerable, while his role as a redeemer foreshadows Christ’s redemptive work. Through Jesus, believers receive grace and mercy, becoming part of God’s family regardless of their background or past.
In the New Testament, Jesus acts as the ultimate Redeemer, who sacrifices Himself for humanity, ensuring protection, provision, and eternal life for those who believe in Him. Like Boaz, Jesus extends kindness and protection, welcoming all who seek Him and giving them a place of belonging in His family (John 6:37, Romans 5:8).
Sermon Outline and Flow:
- Introduction: God’s Provision in Unexpected Places
- Set the context of Ruth 2, introducing Ruth’s gleaning in Boaz’s field and her encounter with Boaz.
- Introduce themes of God’s providence, kindness, and the role of the kinsman-redeemer.
- Point 1: God’s Providence and Care
- Discuss Ruth’s “chance” arrival in Boaz’s field and how it reflects God’s unseen guidance and provision.
- Application: How can believers trust God’s providence in their lives, knowing He guides and provides for them?
- Point 2: The Kindness and Generosity of Boaz
- Explore Boaz’s care for Ruth, emphasizing his compassion and willingness to go beyond the letter of the law to help her.
- Application: How can believers show kindness and generosity to others, reflecting God’s love and care?
- Point 3: The Role of the Kinsman-Redeemer
- Reflect on Boaz as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who redeems and restores believers, bringing them into God’s family.
- Application: How does understanding Jesus as our Redeemer deepen our gratitude and commitment to follow Him?
- Conclusion: Jesus as the Ultimate Redeemer and Provider
- Emphasize that Jesus offers protection, provision, and a place in God’s family, calling believers to trust and follow Him.
- Call to Action: How can believers live out their faith, showing loyalty to God and kindness to others?
Illustrations and Examples:
- Example of Kindness: Share a story of someone who extended kindness to a stranger, reflecting God’s love and provision.
- Metaphor of “Finding Shelter”: Use the imagery of shelter in a storm, illustrating how Boaz’s field represented safety for Ruth, just as God provides security for His people.
Application for Today’s Christian:
Ruth 2 encourages believers to trust in God’s providence, understanding that He is at work in every circumstance. Boaz’s kindness toward Ruth challenges believers to show compassion and generosity, especially toward those in need. This chapter also invites reflection on Jesus’ role as our Redeemer, who provides protection and restores us to a relationship with God.
Through Jesus, believers find security and belonging in God’s family. Just as Boaz welcomed and provided for Ruth, Jesus offers grace and mercy, calling believers to live out His love by caring for others (Matthew 25:40, Galatians 6:10).
Connection to the Father in Ruth 2:
God the Father’s provision and kindness are reflected in Boaz’s actions toward Ruth. Through His providence, Ruth finds herself in a place of safety and blessing, illustrating God’s attentive care and His desire to provide for His children.
Connection to Jesus Christ in Ruth 2:
Jesus, like Boaz, is the ultimate Redeemer who welcomes the outcast and provides for the needs of His people. Through Christ’s sacrificial love, believers receive the gift of eternal life and protection under God’s care. Jesus calls His followers to reflect this love in their relationships, showing kindness to all (1 John 4:9-11, Ephesians 2:13).
Connection to the Holy Spirit in Ruth 2:
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out kindness, generosity, and faithfulness, as seen in Boaz’s example. The Spirit guides believers to see and meet the needs of others, working through them to display God’s compassion and care (Galatians 5:22-23, Romans 15:13).
Connection to God’s Love in Ruth 2:
God’s love is evident in Boaz’s kindness toward Ruth and His provision for Naomi’s family. God’s care for the vulnerable and His provision for His people reflect His compassionate heart. Through Jesus, believers experience this love, understanding that they are valued and cared for by God (Psalm 23:1, John 3:16).
Reflection Questions:
- How can you trust in God’s providence, even in uncertain circumstances?
- In what ways can you extend kindness and generosity to those in need, as Boaz did?
- How does understanding Jesus as our Redeemer inspire gratitude and commitment in your life?
- How can you show loyalty and love to God by caring for others?
- What does Ruth’s story teach you about God’s ability to work through everyday acts of faithfulness?
Ruth 2 presents a powerful message of God’s providence, kindness, and redemption. Through Jesus, believers experience the ultimate expression of these qualities, called to reflect His love and faithfulness in their lives.