Ruth 2

            Verse 1: Chapter 2 introduces the kinsman of Elimelech, Boaz, a man of great wealth and status among the people of Judah and Bethlehem. The term “kinsman” in this verse means that Boaz is a close relative of Elimelech, probably his brother, though the text doesn’t say so specifically. What is clear from the use of this term is that Boaz, per Mosaic Law, is eligible to redeem that which belonged to Elimelech – whether it be land, possessions, or the widow of his son. (Leviticus 25:25, Deuteronomy 25:5-6)
 
            Verses 2-3: More of Ruth’s character is revealed here. Though she is a stranger in a strange land, she does not hesitate to go to work in order to provide for herself and Naomi. (v.2) Gleaning of the annual harvests was guaranteed by the Mosaic Law, and so Ruth arrives, by God’s providence, at the portion of the field belonging to Boaz. (v.3) (Leviticus 19:9-10, 23:22, Deuteronomy 24:19) The phrase “…after Him in Whose sight I shall find grace…” (v.2) is another expression of Ruth’s budding faith and belief in the God of Naomi and her people. Ruth has no doubt been instructed by Naomi on the Mosaic Law and the providence of God, hence her willingness to go glean in the harvest fields. Ruth demonstrates humility and obedience, both to God and her elder, Naomi, which are two key characteristics of a godly woman.
 
            Verses 4-17: Boaz, coming to inspect his field and the progress of the harvest, sees Ruth for the first time. The other workers fill him in on who she is and where she came from. (v.4-7) Boaz introduces himself to Ruth and instructs her not to go gleaning in any other field except his. (v.8) He tells her to stay with the other maidens, following his reapers until the end of the harvest. (v.9, 21) When she is thirsty she is free to drink of the water provided for the men and the other maidens. (v.9) Ruth’s response is another indicator of her godly character. (v.10) She marvels at Boaz’s grace and mercy, questioning why he would show such great favor to a stranger, especially one who is not even an Israelite. She is unaware of Boaz’s relation to her late husband, and that’s why she’s so surprised and humbled by Boaz’s kindness.
            Boaz’s kindness to Ruth, as well as his response to her in verses 10-11, reveal a godly character that perfectly complements Ruth’s. Boaz shows himself to be a true and obedient servant of the LORD, demonstrating both the letter and the spirit of the Mosaic Law. He is impressed with Ruth’s industriousness and willingness to help provide for Naomi, as well as her bravery in leaving her homeland to come dwell among an unfamiliar people. Verse 12 is a blessing, in which Boaz recognizes his own ability to give shelter and provision to someone in need, just as the LORD God of Israel has sheltered and provided for His chosen people. It’s also likely that Boaz is aware of his familial connection to Naomi and Ruth, and thus he’s even more inclined to show kindness and mercy to her in obeying the law of Moses.
            Ruth is again humbled and overwhelmed by Boaz’s kindness, and she emphasizes once more the fact that she’s “…not like unto one of thine handmaidens.” (v.13) Ruth is still amazed that Boaz would show such generosity to a stranger and foreigner. But Boaz goes even further by inviting her to dine with the other reapers, and he gives her more than just bread and water. (v.14) After the meal, when Ruth has returned to the field to continue gleaning, Boaz instructs the reapers to allow Ruth to take of the main harvest in addition to the usual gleaning of that which the reapers leave behind. (v.15) The term “sheaves” refers to the bulk of the harvest, the best of the crops that are gathered in the initial wave of reaping. And, just to make sure there’s plenty for Ruth to harvest, Boaz tells his men to purposely leave behind some of the crops as they continue reaping the field. (v.16)
            Ruth gleans until the evening, gathering enough grain to make an ephah of barley, more than enough to sustain her and Naomi for several days. (v.17)
            In just a few verses, we see that Boaz encapsulates the ideal godly man, a man who is diligent in all his ways and setting a right, godly example for all of his household and community. He does not abuse his power or authority, instead using his position, wealth, and authority to provide generously for the needy and the poor, as well as for his own workers and household. Boaz is an example of the truly masculine, godly man that all men should strive to be.
           
            Verses 18-23: When Ruth shows Naomi the result of her day’s work, Naomi is amazed at the amount of barley Ruth has obtained. (v.18-19) When Ruth explains about Boaz and his generosity to her, Naomi immediately recognizes the hand of God at work and praises Him for His kindness and providence. (v.20) She explains to her daughter-in-law who Boaz is and his connection to their family, and that it was by God’s design that Ruth chose that particular field in which to glean. (v.22) Ruth obeys both Naomi and Boaz by continuing to glean in his field alongside the other maidens for the remainder of the harvest season. (v.23)
 
            There’s no such thing as coincidences in the lives of God’s children, especially those who are truly humble and surrendered completely to His sovereign will. The meeting of Ruth and Boaz was prearranged and ordained by God because He knew beforehand what choices they would each make in their lives prior to meeting that day during the harvest. Because this story is told only from the perspective of Ruth and Naomi, we are left to wonder about Boaz’s past and why a man of his age, wealth, and social status is still unmarried at the time he and Ruth first meet. But, ultimately, it doesn’t matter. What is important is that, by God’s design and providence, Boaz met Ruth at just the right time. And because he is kinsman to Elimelech he’s in the right position to be for Ruth and Naomi the kinsman redeemer.
            It’s also a logical assumption from the kindness that Boaz shows to Ruth at their first meeting that he finds her beautiful and desirable. The love between a man and a woman is also of God, and it’s clear from this passage that Ruth has definitely caught Boaz’s eye. There’s something different about her that he is drawn to, but, as we’ll see in chapter 3, Boaz will need some nudging and encouragement from Ruth, under the guidance of Naomi, to jump start this new romance.