Ruth and Naomi arrived in Bethlehem at the time of the barley harvest. Needing food, Ruth requested Naomi’s permission to find a field where she could glean behind the reapers. The head servant in the field of Boaz, a relative of her father-in-law, granted her permission to glean.
Coming from Bethlehem in the course of the day, Boaz greeted the workers in his field. Seeing the woman, he inquired about her. The servant told him,
It is the young Moabite woman who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab. …she came and has continued from morning until now, though she rested a little in the house. (Ruth 2:6-7)
The landowner then went to Ruth, charging her to remain in his fields and glean there, and not to go elsewhere. In his field, and with his men, she would find safety, for he had commanded the men not to touch her. Further, they told her to drink from the water the young men had drawn when she was thirsty.
Then, Boaz invited her to sit and eat with him and his men. He gave her a piece of bread, of which she ate a portion, and then saved the rest.
His kindness confused her. Why had he taken notice of her – she was a foreigner in the land. He answered her,
It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband … The LORD repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge. (Ruth 2:11-12)
After lunch, Boaz told the young men to let grain fall from the bundles, that she might glean it.
When evening came, she returned to Naomi, giving her the portion of bread she saved from lunch. When she saw the barley Ruth had gathered, she realized that someone had taken notice of her. Naomi was delighted to hear that the LORD used Boaz, her deceased husband’s relative, to help them. Ruth returned to Boaz’s field and worked there until the harvest was done.
Observations & Lessons
Ruth did not go with her mother-in-law looking for a free ride. Rather than expecting a handout, she engaged in hard labour to support herself and Naomi. We should all be willing to work as we are able, that we might provide for our needs and that of others (Acts 20:35; Ephesians 4:28). Paul said that one who does not provide for his own is worse than an unbeliever (1 Timothy 5:8). We can learn in this woman the commitment which we should have for our own family, to be sure that their needs are met.
Not only did she work, but Ruth displays an excellent work ethic. She was in the field from morning till evening, gathering barley. Her diligence impressed the servant in charge of the field, and he in turn told Boaz how devoted she was. When we have a job to do, it is right that we give our whole heart to it. Paul instructed those who serve before another,
whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance (Colossians 3:23-24)
Boaz had heard reports of her friendship and diligent service to Naomi. We do not know how he knew, just simply that he knew. We may not always be aware of who is watching us or when, but we can be sure that what we do, where we go, how we speak, and more are noticed by those around us. Their perception of who we are is shaped by what they see and hear. Friend, what are people seeing in your life? What do people hear from your mouth? What kind of report might others hear about you?
The kindness of Boaz to Ruth was directly related to her kindness to Naomi. Solomon once wrote,
A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24)
Ruth lived up to her name (lit. friendly). The LORD rewarded her faithfulness.
At the close of chapter 1, Naomi, feeling so bitter about the events in her life, called herself “Mara” (meaning bitter). As sorrowful as the loss of her husband and two sons was, Naomi began to realize that God had not forsaken her. Instead, He was now blessing her through Ruth (Ruth 2:20). Sometimes we focus so much on the bad things which happen, that we fail to see the good which God showers upon us. Let us be aware of the good-ness of God in our lives, and ready ourselves to be a tool in the hand of God to bless others also.
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