Text -- Ruth 2:1-3 (NET)

Ruth Works in the Field of Boaz

2:1 Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side of the family named Boaz. He was a wealthy, prominent man from the clan of Elimelech. 2:2 One day Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields so I can gather grain behind whoever permits me to do so.” Naomi replied, “You may go, my daughter.” 2:3 So Ruth went and gathered grain in the fields behind the harvesters. Now she just happened to end up in the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech.

Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Wesley: Rut 2:2

Which was permitted to the poor, and the stranger, Deu 24:19, nor was she ashamed to confess her poverty, nor would she eat the bread of idleness.

Wesley: Rut 2:2

For though it was their duty to permit this, yet she thought it might perhaps be denied her; at least, that it became her modestly and humbly to acknowledge their kindness herein.

Wesley: Rut 2:3

It was a chance in reference to second causes, but ordered by God's providence. God wisely orders small events, even those that seem altogether contingent. Many a great affair is brought about by a little turn, fortuitous as to men, but designed by God.

JFB: Rut 2:2

The right of gleaning was conferred by a positive law on the widow, the poor, and the stranger (see on Lev 19:9 and Deu 24:19). But liberty to glean behind the reapers [Rth 2:3] was not a right that could be claimed; it was a privilege granted or refused according to the good will or favor of the owner.

JFB: Rut 2:3

Fields in Palestine being unenclosed, the phrase signifies that portion of the open ground which lay within the landmarks of Boaz.

Clarke: Rut 2:1

A mighty man of wealth - We have already seen that some suppose Boaz to have been one of the judges of Israel; he was no doubt a man of considerable property.

Clarke: Rut 2:2

Glean ears of corn - The word glean comes from the French glaner , to gather ears or grains of corn. This was formerly a general custom in England and Ireland; the poor went into the fields and collected the straggling ears of corn after the reapers; and it was long supposed that this was their right, and that the law recognized it. But although it has been an old custom, I find that it is now settled, by a solemn judgment in the court of common pleas, that a right to glean in the harvest field cannot be claimed by any person at common law; see Law Dictionary, article gleaning. Any person may permit or prevent it in his own grounds. By the Irish acts, 25 Hen. VIII., c. 1, and 28 Hen. VIII., c. 24, gleaning and leasing are so restricted as to be in fact prohibited in that part of the United Kingdom. See the note on Lev 19:9

Clarke: Rut 2:2

After him in whose sight I shall find grace - She did not mean Boaz; but she purposed to go out where they were now reaping, and glean after any person who might permit her, or use her in a friendly manner. The words seem to intimate that, notwithstanding the law of Moses, the gleaners might be prevented by the owner of the field.

Clarke: Rut 2:3

And her hap was - So she was accidentally or providentially led to that part of the cultivated country which belonged to Boaz.

Defender: Rut 2:3

The custom of gleaning (collecting what had been missed by the officially employed reapers), was a divinely ordained provision for the poor of the land (Lev 19:9, Lev 19:10; Deu 24:19).

Defender: Rut 2:3

To outward appearances, Ruth just "happened" to glean in the field of Boaz, but the entire context makes it clear that this was God's providential leading. God is altogether sovereign; He is not a God of chance. A faithful believer, seeking honestly to know and do the will of God, especially in relation to His already revealed will in Scripture, can be confident that the circumstances around him are not dictated by the laws of probability but by the will and purpose of God (Rom 8:28).

Defender: Rut 2:3

Boaz was considered a relative of Elimelech, the father of Ruth's first husband. The implication is that Boaz was old enough to be Ruth's father (Rth 3:10). However, age is secondary if one's goal is a God-honoring marriage."

TSK: Rut 2:1

kinsman : Rth 3:2, Rth 3:12

a mighty : Deu 8:17, Deu 8:18; Job 1:3, Job 31:25

Boaz : Boaz, according the Targumist, was the same as Ibzan. Rth 4:21; Jdg 12:8-10; 1Ch 2:10-12; Mat 1:5; Luk 3:32, Booz

TSK: Rut 2:2

glean ears : Lev 19:9, Lev 19:16, Lev 23:22; Deu 24:19-21

TSK: Rut 2:3

gleaned : 1Th 4:11, 1Th 4:12; 2Th 3:12

hap was : Heb. hap happened, 2Ki 8:5; Est 6:1, Est 6:2; Mat 10:29; Luk 10:31

Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: Rut 2:1

A kinsman - More literally "an acquaintance"; here (and in the feminine, Rth 3:2) denoting the person with whom one is intimately acquainted, one’ s near relation. The next kinsman of Rth 2:20, etc. גאל gā'al , is a wholly different word.

Boaz - Commonly taken to mean, "strength is in him"(compare 1Ki 7:21).

Poole: Rut 2:2

Gleaning was permitted to the poor and the stranger, Deu 24:19 , both which she was; nor was she ashamed to confess her poverty, nor would she eat the bread of idleness; whereby she showeth herself to be a prudent, and diligent, and virtuous woman, as she is called, Rth 3:11 .

In whose sight I shall find grace for though it was their duty to permit this, Lev 19:9 23:22 , yet either she was ignorant thereof, or thought that, being a stranger, it might be grudged or denied to her; or, at least, that it became her modestly and humbly to acknowledge their kindness herein.

Poole: Rut 2:3

Her hap was for it was indeed a chance in reference to second causes, but ordered and designed by God’ s providence.

Haydock: Rut 2:1

Booz. The Scripture does not specify how nearly they were related. R. Josue says Elimelech, Salmon, and Tob (chap. iii. 13,) were brothers, and Booz was the son of Salmon, which cannot be refuted, (Serarius, q. 1.; Menochius) though the authority and proofs be very weak. It is not, however, more probable that Booz was the brother of Elimelech. Some think that he was not the immediate son of Salmon, as four persons seem too few to fill up the space of 366 years, from the marriage of Rahab till the birth of David. But this is not impossible. (Calmet) See chap. iv. 20.

Haydock: Rut 2:2

To me. It was the privilege of the poor and of strangers to glean, Deuteronomy xxiv. 19., and Leviticus xix. 9. Yet Ruth asks leave, through civility. (Calmet) ---

This law is no longer in force, but it would be inhuman for the rich to deny this liberty to those who are in distress, and willing rather to work than to beg. (Tirinus)

Gill: Rut 2:1

And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's,.... That was her kinsman by her husband's side, who now lived at Bethlehem; and yet it does not appear that Naomi made any application to him for assistance in her circumstances, though well known to her, as the word used signifies; which might arise from her modesty, and being loath to be troublesome to him, especially as he was a relation, not of her own family, but of her husband's; but, what is more strange, that this kinsman had taken no notice of her, nor sent to her, who yet was a very generous and liberal man, and had knowledge of her coming, for he had heard of the character of Ruth, Rth 2:11 but perhaps he was not acquainted with their indigent circumstances:

a mighty man of wealth; a man of great wealth and riches, and of great power and authority, which riches give and raise a man to, and also of great virtue and honour, all which the word "wealth" signifies; to which may be added the paraphrase the Targumist gives, that he was mighty in the law; in the Scriptures, in the word of God, a truly religious man, which completes his character:

of the family of Elimelech; the husband of Naomi; some say that his father was Elimelech's brother; see Gill on Rth 2:2,

and his name was Boaz; which signifies, "in him is strength", strength of riches, power, virtue, and grace; it is the name of one of the pillars in Solomon's temple, so called from its strength. This man is commonly said by the Jews to be the same with Ibzan, a judge of Israel, Jdg 12:8, he was the grandson of Nahshon, prince of the tribe of Judah, who first offered at the dedication of the altar, Num 7:12, his father's name was Salmon, and his mother was Rahab, the harlot of Jericho, Mat 1:5. A particular account is given of this man, because he, with Ruth, makes the principal part of the following history.

Gill: Rut 2:2

And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi,.... After they had been some little time at Bethlehem, and not long; for they came at the beginning of barley harvest, and as yet it was not over, nor perhaps for some time after this; and knowing and considering the circumstances they were in, and unwilling to live an idle life, and ready to do any thing for the support of her life, and of her ancient mother-in-law; which was very commendable, and showed her to be an industrious virtuous woman: she addressed her, and said:

let me now go to the field; she did not choose to go any where, nor do anything, without her advice and consent; so dutiful and obedient was she to her, and so high an opinion had she of her wisdom and goodness; she desired to go to the field which belonged to Bethlehem, which seems to have been an open field, not enclosed, where each inhabitant had his part, as Boaz, Rth 2:3 though Jarchi interprets it of one of the fields of the men of the city; hither she asked leave to go, not with any ill intent, nor was she in any danger of being exposed, since it being harvest time the field was full of people: her end in going thither is expressed in the next clause:

and glean ears of corn after him, in whose sight I shall find grace; or "in" or "among the ears of corn" ^o; between the ears of corn bound up into sheaves, and there pick up the loose ears that were dropped and left. This she proposed to do with the leave of the owner of the field, or of the reapers, whom she followed; she might be ignorant that it was allowed by the law of God that widows and strangers might glean in the field, Lev 19:9 or if she had been acquainted with it by Naomi, which is not improbable, such was her modesty and humility, that she did not choose to make use of this privilege without leave; lest, as Jarchi says, she should be chided or reproved, and it is certain she did entreat the favour to glean, Rth 2:7.

and she said unto her, go, my daughter; which shows the necessitous circumstances Naomi was in; though perhaps she might give this leave and direction under an impulse of the Spirit of God, in order to bring about an event of the greatest moment and importance, whereby she became the ancestor of our blessed Lord.

Gill: Rut 2:3

And she went, and came,.... That is, she went out of the house where she was, and out of the city, and came into the field; though, according to the Midrash ^p, she marked the ways as she went, before she entered into the field, and then came back to the city to observe the marks and signs she made, that she might not mistake the way, and might know how to come back again:

and gleaned in the field after the reapers; when they had cut down and bound up the corn, what fell and was left she picked up, having first asked leave so to do:

and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech; the providence of God so ordering and directing it; for though it was hap and chance to her, and what some people call good luck, it was according to the purpose, and by the providence and direction of God that she came to the reapers in that part of the field Boaz, a near kinsman of her father-in-law, was owner of, and asked leave of them to glean and follow them.

Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Rut 2:1

¹ tn The disjunctive clause (note the vav [ו] + prepositional phrase structure) provides background information essential to the following narrative.

² tc The marginal reading (Qere) is מוֹדַע (moda’, “relative”), while the consonantal text (Kethib) has מְיֻדָּע (miyudda’, “friend”). The textual variant was probably caused by orthographic confusion between consonantal מְיֻדָּע and מוֹדַע. Virtually all English versions follow the marginal reading (Qere), e.g., KJV, NAB, NASB, NRSV “kinsman”; NIV, NCV, NLT “relative.”

³ tn Heb “and [there was] to Naomi a relative, to her husband, a man mighty in substance, from the clan of Elimelech, and his name [was] Boaz.”

NET Notes: Rut 2:2

¹ tn The cohortative here (“Let me go”) expresses Ruth’s request. Note Naomi’s response, in which she gives Ruth permission to go to the field.

² tn Following the preceding cohortative, the cohortative with vav conjunctive indicates purpose/result.

³ tn Heb “anyone in whose eyes I may find favor” (ASV, NIV similar). The expression אֶמְצָא־חֵן בְּעֵינָיו (’emtsa’-khen bÿ’enayv, “to find favor in the eyes of [someone]”) appears in Ruth 2:2, 10, 13. It is most often used when a subordinate or servant requests permission for something from a superior (BDB 336 s.v. חֵן). Ruth will play the role of the subordinate servant, seeking permission from a landowner, who then could show benevolence by granting her request to glean in his field behind the harvest workers.

⁴ tn Heb “she”; the referent (Naomi) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

NET Notes: Rut 2:3

¹ tn Heb “she”; the referent (Ruth) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

² tn Heb “and she went and entered [a field] and gleaned in the field behind the harvesters.” Cf. KJV, NASB, NRSV “the reapers”; TEV “the workers.”

³ sn The text is written from Ruth’s limited perspective. As far as she was concerned, she randomly picked a spot in the field. But God was providentially at work and led her to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who, as a near relative of Elimelech, was a potential benefactor.

Geneva Bible: Rut 2:1

And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of ^{( a )} wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name [was] Boaz.

^{( a )} Or power, both in virtue, authority and riches.

Geneva Bible: Rut 2:2

And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and ^{( b )} glean ears of corn after [him] in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter.

^{( b )} Her humility declares her great love for her mother in law, for she spared no hardship to get both their livings.

Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: Rut 2:1-23

1 Ruth gleans in the field of Boaz.

4 Boaz takes notice of her,

8 and shews her great favour.

18 That which she got, she carries to Naomi.

MHCC: Rut 2:1-3

Observe Ruth's humility. When Providence had made her poor, she cheerfully stoops to her lot. High spirits will rather starve than stoop; not so Ruth. Nay, it is her own proposal. She speaks humbly in her expectation of leave to glean. We may not demand kindness as a debt, but ask, and take it as a favour, though in a small matter. Ruth also was an example of industry. She loved not to eat the bread of idleness. This is an example to young people. Diligence promises well, both for this world and the other. We must not be shy of any honest employment. No labour is a reproach. Sin is a thing below us, but we must not think any thing else so, to which Providence call us. She was an example of regard to her mother, and of trust in Providence. God wisely orders what seem to us small events; and those that appear altogether uncertain, still are directed to serve his own glory, and the good of his people.

Matthew Henry: Rut 2:1-3

Naomi had now gained a settlement in Bethlehem among her old friends; and here we have an account,

I. Of her rich kinsman, Boaz, a mighty man of wealth, Rth 2:1. The Chaldee reads it, mighty in the law. If he was both, it was a most rare and excellent conjunction, to be mighty in wealth and mighty in the scriptures too; those that are so are mighty indeed. He was grandson of Nahshon, who was prince of the tribe of Judah in the wilderness, and son of Salmon, probably a younger son, by Rahab, the harlot of Jericho. He carries might in his name, Boaz - in him is strength; and he was of the family of Elimelech, that family which was now reduced and brought so low. Observe, 1. Boaz, though a rich and great man, had poor relations. Every branch of the tree is not a top-branch. Let not those that are great in the world be ashamed to own their kindred that are mean and despised, lest they be found therein proud, scornful, and unnatural. 2. Naomi, though a poor contemptible widow, had rich relations, whom yet she boasted not of, nor was burdensome to, nor expected any thing from when she returned to Bethlehem in distress. Those that have rich relations, while they themselves are poor, ought to know that it is the wise providence of God that makes the difference (in which we ought to acquiesce), and that to be proud of our relation to such is a great sin, and to trust to it is great folly.

II. Of her poor daughter-in-law, Ruth. 1. Her condition was very low and poor, which was a great trial to the faith and constancy of a young proselyte. The Bethlehemites would have done well if they had invited Naomi and her daughter-in-law first to one good house and then to another (it would have been a great support to an aged widow and a great encouragement to a new convert); but, instead of tasting the dainties of Canaan, they have no way of getting necessary food but by gleaning corn, and otherwise, for aught that appears, they might have starved. Note, God has chosen the poor of this world; and poor they are likely to be, for, though God has chosen them, commonly men overlook them. 2. Her character, in this condition, was very good (Rth 1:2): She said to Naomi, not, "Let me now go to the land of Moab again, for there is no living here, here there is want, but in my father's house there is bread enough. "No, she is not mindful of the country from which she came out, otherwise she had now a fair occasion to return. The God of Israel shall be her God, and, though he slay her, yet will she trust in him and never forsake him. But her request is, Let me go to the field, and glean ears of corn. Those that are well born, and have been well brought up, know not what straits they may be reduced to, nor what mean employments they may be obliged to get their bread by, Lam 4:5. When the case is thus melancholy, let Ruth be remembered, who is a great example, (1.) Of humility. When Providence had made her poor she did not say, "To glean, which is in effect to beg, I am ashamed,"but cheerfully stoops to the meanness of her circumstances and accommodates herself to her lot. High spirits can more easily starve than stoop; Ruth was none of those. She does not tell her mother she was never brought up to live upon crumbs. Though she was not brought up to it, she is brought down to it, and is not uneasy at it. Nay, it is her own motion, not her mother's injunction. Humility is one of the brightest ornaments of youth, and one of the best omens. Before Ruth's honour was this humility. Observe how humbly she speaks of herself, in her expectation of leave to glean: Let me glean after him in whose sight I shall find grace. She does not say, "I will go and glean, and surely nobody will deny me the liberty,"but, "I will go and glean, in the hope that somebody will allow me the liberty."Note, Poor people must not demand kindness as a debt, but humbly ask it, and take it as a favour, though in ever so small a matter. It becomes the poor to use entreaties. (2.) Of industry. She does not say to her mother-in-law, "Let me now go a visiting to the ladies of the town, or go a walking in the fields to take the air and be merry; I cannot sit all day moping with you."No, it is not sport, but business, that her heart is upon: " Let me go and glean ears of corn, which will turn to some good account."She was one of those virtuous women that love not to eat the bread of idleness, but love to take pains. This is an example to young people. Let them learn betimes to labour, and, what their hand finds to do, do it with their might. A disposition to diligence bodes well both for this world and the other. Love not sleep, love not sport, love not sauntering; but love business. It is also an example to poor people to work for their living, and not beg that which they are able to earn. We must not be shy of any honest employment, though it be mean, ergon ouden oneidos - No labour is a reproach. Sin is a thing below us, but we must not think any thing else so That Providence calls us to. (3.) Of regard to her mother. Though she was but her mother-in-law, and though, being loosed by death from the law of her husband, she might easily suppose herself thereby loosed from the law of her husband's mother, yet she is dutifully observant of her. She will not go out without letting her know and asking her leave. This respect young people ought to show to their parents and governors; it is part of the honour due to them. She did not say, "Mother, if you will go with me, I will go glean:"but, "Do you sit at home and take your ease, and I will go abroad, and take pains." Juniores ad labores - Youth should work. Let young people take advice from the aged, but not put them upon toil. (4.) Of dependence upon Providence, intimated in that, I will glean after him in whose sight I shall find grace. She knows not which way to go, nor whom to enquire for, but will trust Providence to raise her up some friend or other that will be kind to her. Let us always keep us good thoughts of the divine providence, and believe that while we do well it will do well for us. And it did well for Ruth; for when she went out alone, without guide or companion, to glean, her hap was to light on the field of Boaz, Rth 2:3. To her it seemed casual. She knew not whose field it was, nor had she any reason for going to that more than any other, and therefore it is said to be her hap; but Providence directed her steps to this field. Note, God wisely orders small events; and those that seem altogether contingent serve his own glory and the good of his people. Many a great affair is brought about by a little turn, which seemed fortuitous to us, but was directed by Providence with design.

Keil-Delitzsch: Rut 2:1-7

The account of this occurrence commences with a statementwhich was necessary in order to make it perfectly intelligible, namely thatBoaz, to whose field Ruth went to glean, was a relative of Naomi throughher deceased husband Elimelech. The Kethibh מידע is to be read מידּע ,an acquaintance (cf. Psa 31:12; Psa 55:14). The Keri מודע is theconstruct state of מודע , lit . acquaintanceship, then anacquaintance or friend (Pro 7:4), for which מודעת occursafterwards in Rth 3:2 with the same meaning. That the acquaintance orfriend of Naomi through her husband was also a relation, is evident fromthe fact that he was "of the family of Elimelech. "According to therabbinical tradition, which is not well established however, Boaz was anephew of Elimelech. The ל before אישׁהּ is used instead of thesimple construct state, because the reference is not to the relation, but to a relation of her husband; at the same time, the word מודע hastaken the form of the construct state notwithstanding this ל (compare Ewald , §292 , a ., with § 289, b .). חיל גּבּור generallymeans the brave man of war (Jdg 6:12; Jdg 11:1, etc.); but here it signifies aman of property. The name Boaz is not formed from עז בּו , in whom is strength, but from a root, בּעז , which does not occurin Hebrew, and signifies alacrity .

Rth 2:2-3

Ruth wished to go to the field and glean at (among) the ears, i.e.,whatever ears were left lying upon the harvest field (cf. Rth 2:7), אשׁר אחר , behind him in whose eyes she should find favour. TheMosaic law (Lev 19:9; Lev 23:22, compared with Deu 24:19) did indeedexpressly secure to the poor the right to glean in the harvest fields, andprohibited the owners from gleaning themselves; but hard-hearted farmersand reapers threw obstacles in the way of the poor, and even forbade theirgleaning altogether. Hence Ruth proposed to glean after him who shouldgenerously allow it. She carried out this intention with the consent ofNaomi, and chance led her to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, arelation of Elimelech, without her knowing the owner of the field, or beingat all aware of his connection with Elimelech. מקרה ויּקר , lit., "her chance chanced to hit upon the field."

Rth 2:4-7

When Boaz came from the town to the field, and had greeted hisreapers with the blessing of a genuine Israelites, "Jehovah be with you," and had received from them a corresponding greeting in return, he said tothe overseer of the reapers, " Whose damsel is this? "to which he replied," It is the Moabitish damsel who came back with Naomi from the fields ofMoab, and she has said (asked), Pray, I will glean (i.e., pray allow me toglean) and gather among the sheaves after the reapers, and has come andstays (here) from morning till now; her sitting in the house that is little ." מאז , lit . a conjunction, here used as a preposition, is strongerthan מן , "from then," from the time of the morning onwards (see Ewald , §222, c.). It is evident from this answer of the servant who wasplaced over the reapers, (1) that Boaz did not prohibit any poor personfrom gleaning in his field; (2) that Ruth asked permission of the overseer ofthe reapers, and availed herself of this permission with untiring zeal fromthe first thing in the morning, that she might get the necessary support forher mother-in-law and herself; and (3) that her history was well known tothe overseer, and also to Boaz, although Boaz saw her now for the firsttime.

Constable: Rut 2:1--3:18

II. NAOMI AND RUTH'S PLANS chs. 2--3

Chapter 1 in a sense prepares for chapters 2-4 that constitute the heart of the book. Chapter 1 presents a problem, but chapters 2-4 provide the solution. The key to the solution on the human level was the planning of Naomi and Ruth.

There are really two plans, one to obtain food, the immediate physical need of the two women (ch. 2), and one to obtain a male heir, the long range covenant-related need of the women's extended family (3:1-4:17).

Constable: Rut 2:1-23

A. The plan to obtain food ch. 2

Chapter 2 has its own chiastic structure.⁴¹

A Ruth and Naomi (2:2-3)

B Boaz and the reapers (2:4-7)

C Boaz and Ruth (2:8-15a)

B' Boaz and the reapers (2:15b-16)

A' Naomi and Ruth (2:19-22)

Boaz's conversation with Ruth is the focus of this section.

Constable: Rut 2:1-7

1. God's providential guidance of Ruth 2:1-7

The motif of God's providence, His working out His own plan through the circumstances of life, which runs through the Book of Ruth, is especially strong in this pericope.

The writer introduced Boaz as a kinsman (lit. acquaintance or friend, Heb. myd') of Elimelech. Keil and Delitzsch believed Boaz's name means "alacrity," but J. Vernon McGee wrote that it meant "in whom is strength."⁴² Boaz was by virtue of his family relationship someone who was eligible to perpetuate Elimelech's line, the larger of Naomi and Ruth's needs. He was also wealthy so he could provide food and physical protection for Naomi and Ruth, their immediate need (v. 1). The same Hebrew words (ish gibbor), translated "man of wealth," described Gideon (Judg. 6:12).

Ruth's plan to secure favor (v. 2) was a plan to obtain food. She did not realize how favored she would become. God commanded farmers in Israel not to harvest the corners of their fields so the poor and needy, such as aliens, widows, and orphans, could glean food enough to live (Lev. 19:9-10; 23:22). The reapers were free Israelites who hired themselves out to do this work for a stipulated payment.⁴³ Ruth qualified for gleaning as an alien and as a widow. She submitted her plans for Naomi's approval and received her blessing.

She "happened" to glean in Boaz's field from the human viewpoint (v. 3), but as the story unfolds God's hand of blessing obviously guided Ruth's choice to go to that field (cf. Prov. 3:5-6).

Boaz's love for God and other people, those qualities most important in a human being from God's perspective (Deut. 6:5; Lev. 19:18; cf. Matt. 22:37-39), are obvious in this record of his dealing with his employees (v. 4). There was no labor management tension here since Boaz treated his workers with love.

"Significantly, the two greetings form a chiasm with the name Yahweh at its beginning and end. Hence, the exchange dropped a subtile hint which followed up the luck' of v. 3: in a simple, undramatic way, it affirmed the presence of Yahweh in this scene. . . . Thus, by this simple device the narrator reminded his audience that, though offstage, Yahweh was nevertheless within earshot"⁴⁴

Ruth's character too was of high quality as the reaper foreman reported (v. 7) and as Boaz later testified he had learned earlier (v. 11). We should probably understand the last part of verse 7 to mean that Ruth had rested only a short time.⁴⁵ In other words, Ruth was a hard worker.

Guzik: Rut 2:1-23

Ruth 2 - Ruth's Work as a Gleaner

A. Ruth gleans in Boaz's field.

1. (1) Naomi's kinsman: Boaz.

There was a relative of Naomi's husband, a man of great wealth, of the family of Elimelech. His name was Boaz.

a. Naomi had a kinsman: Naomi was related to this man Boaz through her deceased husband, Elimelech. We don't know exactly how he was related, but he was.

b. A man of great wealth: During the time of famine, when Elimelech, Naomi, and their whole family had left the Promised Land and went to Moab, Boaz had stayed behind - and God provided for him. In fact, God made Boaz a man of great wealth.

i. Naomi and her family made a choice ten years before and it was a choice made in a hard time - a time of famine. But they didn't have to make the wrong choice they did. The people of Bethlehem had not perished from hunger. They were still there. And they were blessed more than Naomi's family.

ii. Sometimes we justify wrong choices because of difficult circumstances. But God will strengthen us, and bless us, to make the right choice, even in difficult circumstances.

iii. "The exact expression rendered a mighty man of wealth is elsewhere translated 'a mighty man of valour' (e.g., Jdg. 11:1). We perhaps get the force of it by thinking of our word 'knight.' " (Morris)

c. A kinsman: This introduces an important word in the book of Ruth - the ancient Hebrew word goel. To say that Boaz was a goel (a kinsman) was more than saying he was a relative; it was saying that he was a special family representative. He was a chieftain in the family.

2. (2-3) Ruth happens upon Boaz's field.

So Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, "Please let me go to the field, and glean heads of grain after him in whose sight I may find favor." And she said to her, "Go, my daughter." Then she left, and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers. And she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech.

a. Please, let me go to the field, and glean heads of grain: Leviticus 19:9-10 commanded farmers in Israel that they should not completely harvest their fields. They were commanded to "cut corners" in harvesting, and always leave some behind. Also, if they happened to drop a bundle of grain, they were commanded to leave it on the ground and to not pick it up.

i. This was one of the social assistance programs in Israel. Farmers were not to completely harvest their fields, so the poor and needy could come and glean the remains for themselves.

ii. This is a wonderful way of helping the poor. It commanded the farmers to have a generous heart, and it commanded the poor to be active and work for their food - and a way for them to provide for their own needs with dignity.

b. Then she left: So Ruth, on her own initiative, set out to glean in the fields to support her and her mother-in-law Naomi. This showed a wonderfully hard-working spirit in Ruth, and it was spiritual also - she would not have been more spiritual to sit back at home and pray for food.

c. She happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz: It says that Ruth happened to come to that place and certainly, that is how it seemed to her. But it was not how it actually came to pass. Ruth came to that field because God was guiding her.

i. This shows us some of the wonderful way that the invisible hand of God works. If Ruth would have stayed home and waited for a "spiritual" feeling, she probably might have waited a long time - and still probably would have gone to the wrong field. Instead, Ruth experienced the very natural moving of the supernatural hand of God.

ii. Many times when we are really walking in the Spirit, we can only see the invisible hand of God by looking back. If we spend too much time trying to look for His hand ahead of us, we can make problems for our self.

3. (4-7) Boaz learns of Ruth.

Now behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said to the reapers, "The LORD be with you!" And they answered him, "The LORD bless you!" Then Boaz said to his servant who was in charge of the reapers, "Whose young woman is this?" So the servant who was in charge of the reapers answered and said, "It is the young Moabite woman who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab. And she said, 'Please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves.' So she came and has continued from morning until now, though she rested a little in the house."

a. The LORD be with you! This shows us something of the heart and character of Boaz. Apparently, his workers loved him and had a good relationship with him. You can often tell the real character of a man in authority by seeing how he relates to his staff and by how they think of him.

b. And she said, "Please let me glean and gather": As the supervisor reported to Boaz, he told of Ruth's submissive attitude. There is a sense in which the gleaning was hers by right - after all, she could have quoted Leviticus 19:9-10 back at him. But she kindly and properly asked for the right to gather in his field.

c. So she came and has continued from morning until now: Ruth may not have known it, but she was under inspection. The supervisor was looking at what kind of job she did and he was impressed that she did a good job. And the fact that she did a good job was important, because it made a good impression on Boaz.

i. We are under inspection also. At times when we don't know it, we are being watched by others to see how we will walk with God. And what they see will make a difference.

4. (8-9) Boaz speaks kindly to Ruth.

Then Boaz said to Ruth, "You will listen, my daughter, will you not? Do not go to glean in another field, nor go from here, but stay close by my young women. Let your eyes be on the field which they reap, and go after them. Have I not commanded the young men not to touch you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink from what the young men have drawn."

a. Stay close by my young women: These were Boaz's female field workers, who tied together the cut stalks of grain. Boaz told Ruth to stay close to them, so she would be well taken care of.

b. Do not go to glean in another field: God was blessing Ruth already and all because He guided her to Boaz's field. Boaz knew that if Ruth stayed in his fields, she would be blessed and find:

· In Boaz's field, Ruth would find companionship (among the young women).

· In Boaz's field, Ruth would find protection (Have I not commanded the young men not to touch you?).

· In Boaz's field, Ruth would find refreshment (when you are thirsty).

i. The kindness of Boaz was wonderful. At this time, we have no indication of a romantic attraction between Boaz and Ruth and we have no idea how Ruth looked (even if she was pretty, she was probably pretty ragged from a whole day of hard work). Yet Boaz extended this kindness to her.

ii. We find it pretty easy to be kind to others when we can see a potential pay-off from the investment of our kindness. Yet true kindness is shown when we extend ourselves to others who, as far as we can see, have nothing to give us.

5. (10-13) Ruth thanks Boaz for his kindness.

So she fell on her face, bowed down to the ground, and said to him, "Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?" And Boaz answered and said to her, "It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and have come to a people whom you did not know before. 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." Then she said, "Let me find favor in your sight, my lord; for you have comforted me, and have spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not like one of your maidservants."

a. Why have I found favor in your eyes: Ruth's attitude was wonderful. Some of us would have said, "Well it's about time someone noticed! I've been working hard all day. Now God will give me the blessings that I deserve.

i. We never see Ruth asking why all the hard things have come upon her in life. Instead, she asks why this good thing has come. This is a significant difference in attitude.

b. Since I am a foreigner: This was constantly on Ruth's mind. She was a Moabitess, and not an Israelite. She knew that on the basis of national background, she didn't belong. This made Boaz's kindness to her all the more precious.

i. The Bible says that we should be kind to the strangers among us, but this also applies on another level. Since our society is no longer structured around the family, for many people, their most important circle of association is their friends. Sociologists call this "tribalization" - we become part of a little "tribe," a little circle of friends. The command to love the stranger means that we should not only associate with those of our own tribe, and that we should always welcome those outside of our tribe.

c. It has been reported to me: This is a dynamic of small-town life; everybody knows everybody else's business. Yet it also shows that Ruth's devotion to Naomi mattered - it was noticed.

d. The Lord repay your work and a full reward be given you by the LORD God of Israel: Fittingly, Boaz encouraged Ruth as if she were a new convert to the God of Israel. In many ways, Ruth stands as an example of a new convert.

· She put her trust in the God of Israel

· She has left her former associates

· She had come in among strangers

· She was very low in her own eyes

· She found protection under the wings of God

i. In the same way, older Christians should be like Boaz unto younger Christians who are like Ruth. "Observe that he saluted her with words of tender encouragement; for this is precisely what I want all the elder Christians among you to do to those who are the counterparts of Ruth. . . . I want you to make a point of looking out the young converts, and speaking to them goodly words, and comfortable words, whereby they may be cheered and strengthened." (Spurgeon)

ii. Significantly, though these words were said to Ruth, they were also a prayer unto God for Ruth. Christians should pray for one another, especially older Christians should pray for new converts.

e. The LORD God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge: Boaz especially knew of Ruth's commitment to the God of Israel. This was his way of showing kindness and encouragement to a young believer in the LORD.

i. Under whose wings: This is a beautiful picture. "The imagery is probably that of a tiny bird snuggling under the wings of a foster-mother. It gives a picture of trust and security (cf. Ps. 17:8; 36:7; 63:7)." (Morris)

f. Let me find favor in your sight: This was a very polite way of saying "thank you" to Boaz. Ruth was almost overwhelmed by his kindness, and was polite enough to say "Thank you."

6. (14-16) Boaz continues to show great favor to Ruth.

Now Boaz said to her at mealtime, "Come here, and eat of the bread, and dip your piece of bread in the vinegar." So she sat beside the reapers, and he passed parched grain to her; and she ate and was satisfied, and kept some back. And when she rose up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, "Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. Also let grain from the bundles fall purposely for her; leave it that she may glean, and do not rebuke her."

a. Dip your bread in the vinegar: Perhaps now, we see the first hint of a romance. Boaz showed great kindness and favor to Ruth at mealtime. It would be enough to have just invited her, but he also invited her to share fully in the meal, even the privileged dipping.

b. She ate and was satisfied, and kept some back: Ruth also may be awakening to some romance towards Boaz; she kept some back. She did not eat all that was offered to her, meaning that she didn't want to seem like a greedy eater in front of Boaz, and that she was sensible enough to take some home to Naomi.

i. Ruth was satisfied, because she answered the generous invitation of Boaz. She was not one of the reapers, but she sat beside the reapers and ate as if she was one of them and she ate and was satisfied. In the same way, those outside the Kingdom of God and its promises can sit among the reapers, at the invitation of Jesus, and by faith they can eat and be satisfied.

ii. " 'She did eat, and was satisfied.' Your head shall be satisfied with the precious truth which Christ reveals; your heart shall be content with Jesus, as the altogether lovely object of affection; your hope shall be satisfied, for whom have you in heaven but Christ? Your desire shall be satiated, for what can even the hunger of your desire wish for more than 'to know Christ, and to be found in him.' You shall find Jesus fill your conscience, till it is at perfect peace; he shall fill your judgment, till you know the certainty of his teachings; he shall fill your memory with recollections of what he did, and fill your imagination with the prospects of what he is yet to do. You shall be 'satisfied.' " (Spurgeon)

c. Let her glean even among the sheaves: This was more generous than the command in Leviticus 19:9-10. Boaz would allow Ruth to take some from among the already gathered sheaves of grain.

d. Let some grain from the bundles fall purposefully for her: This was also beautiful. Boaz wanted to bless Ruth, but he didn't want to dishonor her dignity by making her a charity case. So he allowed some grain to fall, supposedly on accident, so that she could pick it up.

B. Ruth reports the day's events to Naomi.

1. (17-18) She brings home the day's fruits to Naomi.

So she gleaned in the field until evening, and beat out what she had gleaned, and it was about an ephah of barley. Then she took it up and went into the city, and her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned. So she brought out and gave to her what she had kept back after she had been satisfied.

a. She gleaned in the field until evening, and beat out what she had gleaned: Yes, God blessed Ruth. Yes, people were generous to her. At the same time, she did work hard. This was a sun-up to sun-down day, and Ruth worked hard all day long.

i. We should use Ruth's example to glean everything we can from the Word of God:

· Ruth worked hard.

· Ruth had to stoop to gather every grain.

· Ruth could only pick up one grain at a time.

· Ruth had to hold on to each grain, and not immediately drop it.

· Ruth took the grain home and threshed it.

· Ruth took the threshed grain and winnowed it.

· Ruth was nourished by the grain.

b. It was about an ephah of barley: This was about a five-and-one-half gallon tub (22 liters) of barley - a wonderful day's work to people who had nothing.

c. Gave to her what she had kept back: Besides all the barley grain, Ruth brought Naomi the food left over from the meal with Boaz. This was obviously a blessing for Naomi.

2. (19-23) Naomi praises God for His goodness to her and Ruth.

And her mother-in-law said to her, "Where have you gleaned today? And where did you work? Blessed be the one who took notice of you." So she told her mother-in-law with whom she had worked, and said, "The man's name with whom I worked today is Boaz." Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, "Blessed be he of the LORD, who has not forsaken His kindness to the living and the dead!" And Naomi said to her, "This man is a relation of ours, one of our close relatives." Ruth the Moabitess said, "He also said to me, 'You shall stay close by my young men until they have finished all my harvest.' " And Naomi said to Ruth her daughter-in-law, "It is good, my daughter, that you go out with his young women, and that people do not meet you in any other field." So she stayed close by the young women of Boaz, to glean until the end of barley harvest and wheat harvest; and she dwelt with her mother-in-law.

a. Blessed be the name of the LORD, who has not forsaken His kindness to the living and the dead! Is this the same women who came into town saying, call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me (Ruth 1:20)? Is this the same woman who said, the Almighty has afflicted me (Ruth 1:21)? Of course it is! Now she sees more of God's plan unfolding, so she can see better how all things are working together for good for those who love God.

b. It is good, my daughter: Of course, Naomi told Ruth, "Stay with this man Boaz!" Not only was he generous, he was one of our near kinsmen - the importance of which will be unfolded in the coming chapters.

© 2006 David Guzik - No distribution beyond personal use without permission

Introduction / Outline

JFB: Ruth (Book Introduction)

RUTH is properly a supplement to the preceding book, to which, in fact, it was appended in the ancient Jewish canon. Although it relates an episode belonging to the time of the Judges, its precise date is unknown. It appears certain, however, that it could not have been written prior to the time of Samuel (see Rth 4:17-22), who is generally supposed to have been its author; and this opinion, in addition to other reasons on which it rests, is confirmed by Rth 4:7, where it is evident that the history was not compiled till long after the transactions recorded. The inspiration and canonical authority of the book is attested by the fact of Ruth's name being inserted by Matthew in the Saviour's genealogy [Mat 1:5].

JFB: Ruth (Outline)

• ELIMELECH, DRIVEN BY FAMINE INTO MOAB, DIES THERE. (Rth 1:1-5)
• NAOMI RETURNING HOME, RUTH ACCOMPANIES HER. (Rth 1:6-18)
• THEY COME TO BETH-LEHEM. (Rth 1:19-22)
• RUTH GLEANS IN THE FIELD OF BOAZ. (Rth 2:1-3)
• HE TAKES KNOWLEDGE OF HER, AND SHOWS HER FAVOR. (Rth. 2:4-23)
• BY NAOMI'S INSTRUCTIONS, RUTH LIES AT BOAZ'S FEET, WHO ACKNOWLEDGES THE DUTY OF A KINSMAN. (Rth 3:1-13)
• BOAZ CALLS INTO JUDGMENT THE NEXT KINSMAN. (Rth 4:1-5)
• HE REFUSES THE REDEMPTION. (Rth 4:6-8)
• HE MARRIES RUTH. (Rth 4:9-12)
• SHE BEARS OBED. (Rth 4:13-18)

TSK: Ruth (Book Introduction)

This book is evidently a supplement to the book of Judges, and an introduction to that of Samuel, between which it is placed with great propriety. In the ancient Jewish canon, it formed a part of the book of Judges; but the modern Jews make it one of the five Megilloth, which they place towards the end of the Old Testament. This book has been attributed to various authors; but the best founded and generally received opinion, and in which the Jews coincide, is that which ascribes it to the prophet Samuel; before whose time it could not have been written, as is evident from the genealogy recorded in Jdg 4:17-22. The time in which the events detailed in this book happened is involved in much obscurity and uncertainty. Augustine refers it to the time of the regal government of the Hebrews; Josephus to the administration of Eli; Moldenhawer, after some Jewish writers, to the time of Ehud; Rabbi Kimichi, and other Jewish authors, to the time of Ibzan; Bps. Patrick and Horne to the judicature of Gideon; Lightfoot to the period between Ehud and Deborah; and Usher, who is followed by most chronologers, to the time of Shamgar. The authenticity and canonical authority of this sacred book cannot be questioned; and the Evangelists, in describing our Saviour’s descent, have followed its genealogical accounts. To delineate part of this genealogy appears to be the principal design of the book; it had been foretold that the Messiah should be of the tribe of Judah, and it was afterwards revealed that he should be of the family of David; and therefore it was necessary, to prevent the least suspicion of fraud or design, that the history of that family should be written before these prophecies were revealed. And thus this book, these prophecies, and their accomplishment, serve mutually to illustrate each other. The whole narrative is extremely interesting and instructive, and is written with the most beautiful simplicity. The distress of Naomi; her affectionate concern for her daughter-in-law; the reluctant departure of Orpah; the dutiful attachment of Ruth; and the sorrowful return to Bethlehem, are very beautifully told. The simplicity of manners, likewise, which is shown in the account of Ruth’s industry and attention to Naomi; of the elegant charity of Boaz; and of his acknowledgment of his kindred with Ruth, afford a very pleasing contrast to the turbulent scenes described in the preceding book. And while it exhibits, in a striking and affecting manner, the care of Divine Providence over those who sincerely fear God, and honestly aim at fulfilling his will, the circumstance of a Moabitess becoming an ancestor of the Messiah seems to have been a pre-intimation of the admission of the Gentiles into his church It must be remarked, that in the estimation of the Jews, it was disgraceful to David to have derived his birth from a Moabitess; and Shimei, in his revilings against him, is supposed by them to have tauntingly reflected on his descent from Ruth. This book, therefore, contains an intrinsic proof of its own verity, as it reveals a circumstance so little flattering to the sovereign of Israel; and it is scarcely necessary to appeal to its admission into the canon of Scripture, for a testimony of its authentic character. Add to which, that the native, the amiable simplicity in which the story is told, is sufficient proof of its genuineness. There are several sympathetic circumstances recorded which no forger could have invented. there is too much of nature to admit anything of art.

TSK: Ruth 2 (Chapter Introduction)

Overview

Rth 2:1, Ruth gleans in the field of Boaz; Rth 2:4, Boaz takes notice of her, Rth 2:8, and shews her great favour; Rth 2:18, That which she got, she carries to Naomi.

Poole: Ruth 2 (Chapter Introduction)

CHAPTER 2

Ruth gleaning in the fields of Boaz, her deceased husband’ s near kinsman, h taketh knowledge of her, Rth 2:1-7 . He showeth her great kindness, and blesseth her, Rth 2:8-16 . That which she got she brings to Naomi; and telleth her what had befallen her. She giveth God thanks, and exhorteth Ruth to continue in the field, Rth 2:17-23 .

MHCC: Ruth (Book Introduction)

We find in this book excellent examples of faith, piety, patience, humility, industry, and loving-kindness, in the common events of life. Also we see the special care which God's providence take of our smallest concerns, encouraging us to full trust therein. We may view this book as a beautiful, because natural representation of human life; as a curious detail of important facts; and as a part of the plan of redemption.

MHCC: Ruth 2 (Chapter Introduction)

(Rth 2:1-3) Ruth gleans in the field of Boaz.

(Rth 2:4-16) The kindness of Boaz to Ruth.

(Rth 2:17-23) Ruth returns to her mother-in-law.

Matthew Henry: Ruth (Book Introduction)

An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Book of Ruth

This short history of the domestic affairs of one particular family fitly follows the book of Judges (the events related here happening in the days of the judges), and fitly goes before the books of Samuel, because in the close it introduces David; yet the Jews, in their Bibles, separate it from both, and make it one of the five Megilloth , or Volumes, which they put together towards the latter end, in this order: Solomon's Song, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther. It is probable that Samuel was the penman of it. It relates not miracles nor laws, wars nor victories, nor the revolutions of states, but the affliction first and afterwards the comfort of Naomi, the conversion first and afterwards the preferment of Ruth. Many such events have happened, which perhaps we may think as well worthy to be recorded; but these God saw fit to transmit the knowledge of to us; and even common historians think they have liberty to choose their subject. The design of this book is, I. To lead to providence, to show us how conversant it is about our private concerns, and to teach us in them all to have an eye to it, acknowledging God in all our ways and in all events that concern us. See 1Sa 2:7, 1Sa 2:8; Psa 113:7-9. II. To lead to Christ, who descended from Ruth, and part of whose genealogy concludes the book, whence it is fetched into Mt. 1. In the conversion of Ruth the Moabitess, and the bringing of her into the pedigree of the Messiah, we have a type of the calling of the Gentiles in due time into the fellowship of Christ Jesus our Lord. The afflictions of Naomi and Ruth we have an account of, ch. 1. Instances of their industry and humility, ch. 2. The bringing of them into an alliance with Boaz, ch. 3. And their happy settlement thereby, ch. 4. And let us remember the scene is laid in Bethlehem, the city where our Redeemer was born.

Matthew Henry: Ruth 2 (Chapter Introduction)

There is scarcely any chapter in all the sacred history that stoops so low as this to take cognizance of so mean a person as Ruth, a poor Moabitish widow, so mean an action as her gleaning corn in a neighbour's field, and the minute circumstances thereof. But all this was in order to her being grafted into the line of Christ and taken in among his ancestors, that she might be a figure of the espousals of the Gentile church to Christ, Isa 54:1. This makes the story remarkable; and many of the passages of it are instructive and very improvable. Here we have, I. Ruth's humility and industry in gleaming corn, Providence directing her to Boaz's field (Rth 2:1-3). II. The great favour which Boaz showed to her in many instances (Rth 2:4-16). III. The return of Ruth to her mother-in-law (Rth 2:18-23).

Constable: Ruth (Book Introduction)

Introduction

Title

This book received its title in honor of the heroine of the story. The name, Ruth, appears to have been Moabite and not Hebrew originally, though its etymological derivation is uncertain.¹ After Ruth entered Israel, and especially after the Book of Ruth circulated, the name became popular among the Jews and, later, Christians.

The same title appears over the book in its Hebrew (Masoretic), Greek (Septuagint), Latin (Vulgate), and modern language versions.

Date and Writer

It is safe to assume that the Book of Ruth was put in its final form after David became king in Hebron in 1011 B.C. since he is recognized as a very important figure in the genealogy (4:17, 22). How much later is hard to determine. The Babylonian Talmud attributed authorship of the book to Samuel.² This statement reflects ancient Jewish tradition. Modern critical scholars tend to prefer a much later date on the basis of their theories concerning the date of the writing of Deuteronomy, which many of them say was written during the Babylonian exile, and Joshua through 2 Kings, which they believe could not have been written before Deuteronomy. Most conservatives reject these theories as having no solid basis in the text or in history.

The writer is unknown to us, but he may have been Samuel or one of Samuel's contemporaries. Minor additions and changes may have taken place under the superintending ministry of the Holy Spirit after its original composition. However the structure and unity of the book argue for its being the product of one writer rather than a composite put together by many hands over a long time. A few writers have suggested that the writer was a woman since the story concerns two rather assertive women.³ However this suggestion is only speculation since there is no solid data to support it.

Scope

The writer said that the era in which the events recorded took place was during the period when the judges governed Israel (1:1). Many students of the book have concluded that the genealogy in 4:18-22 helps to identify when during this period Ruth lived. If the genealogy is complete, Boaz lived during the seventh generation after Perez, the son of Judah, and Boaz was King David's great-grandfather. Life spans during the patriarchal period were sometimes very long, so it may be safer to calculate back from David. Conservative dates for David's lifetime are about 1041-971 B.C.⁴ David was the seventh son born to his father (1 Chron. 2:15) who may have been born 35 years or more earlier. Boaz might have been born about 1150 B.C. and his son, Obed, by Ruth about 1100 B.C. Since most of the events recorded in Ruth took place shortly before Obed's birth we might conclude that these events happened around 1100 B.C. This would place Ruth in Israel during the judgeship of Samson (c. 1105-1085 B.C.) and the ministry of Samuel (c. 1115-1021 B.C.).⁵

The problem with these calculations is that four biblical genealogies also list Boaz as the son of Salmon, the husband of Rahab the harlot (Ruth 4:21; 1 Chron. 2:11; Matt. 1:5; Luke 3:32). Rahab was an adult when the conquest of the Promised Land began (c. 1406 B.C.). Boaz then may have been born shortly after that.⁶ This would mean that the three generations of Boaz, his son Obed, and his grandson Jesse covered about 360 years (c. 1400-1040 B.C.). This seems quite impossible.

Probably these genealogies are incomplete and record only the names of outstanding individuals in David's family tree.⁷ Consequently exactly when within the period of the judges the events of Ruth occurred remains a mystery.

"The Book of Ruth is a pearl in the swine pen of the judges."⁸

Message⁹

The Book of Ruth is one of the most fascinating and important short stories that anyone has ever written. As a piece of literature it is almost perfect. The German poet Goethe called it "the loveliest complete work on a small scale" ever written.¹⁰ Alexander Schroder, a literary critic, wrote, "No poet in the world has written a more beautiful short story."¹¹ Yet as a revelation from God it is equally impressive. I would like to point out some of the major revelations, some of the major values, and some of the major lessons of this book to introduce our study of it.

I believe that among many things the Book of Ruth reveals three that are of major significance.

First, Ruth reveals God's providence in providing a ruler for His people.

God had purposed to provide a ruler over His people. The first indication of this in Scripture is what God said to Abraham about His plans for his descendents. God's plan was to use Abraham's descendents to bring blessing to all humankind (Gen. 12:1-3). In the process Abraham's descendents would enjoy God's blessing themselves.

Later God told Abraham that kings would come from him (Gen. 17:6). Of course, many kings came from the lines of Ishmael and Esau. However other kings would come through the line of Abraham's descendents that God chose to use especially, namely Jacob's posterity.

When Jacob uttered his inspired blessing on each of his descendents who would become the heads of Israel's twelve tribes, he promised something special for Judah. A great king would come from Judah's branch of the family (Gen. 49:10). Judah would have the leadership among the tribes, and a king who would rule not only Israel but the world would come from him.

As history unfolded David proved to be the king God raised up from the tribe of Judah to lead His people and the nations round about Israel. Saul was not God's choice since he was from the tribe of Benjamin, though God allowed the people to place Saul on the throne. David was His chosen servant and son. David recognized this as is clear in 2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17, and Psalm 89.

Nevertheless David did not carry out the will of God completely. He was not entirely faithful to God. So later in history God raised up one of David's descendents. Matthew wrote his Gospel to show that Jesus Christ was the completely obedient Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Messiah. He was the ultimate Son of God sent to rule Israel and to reign over all people.

The Book of Ruth reveals God's providence in providing David. Providence refers to God directing the circumstances of life so that His will is accomplished.

One of the major revelations of Ruth is the crucial characteristic in particular individuals that God uses to bring His will to pass. It is not their natural condition but their faith in Him. Even though Ruth was a Moabitess, a childless widow, and poor, God used her to accomplish His purpose. His purpose was to provide a ruler over His people. He used her because she trusted in and committed herself to Yahweh (1:16-17). Her faith, in spite of her natural condition, made her usable by God.

A second major revelation in the Book of Ruth is God's faithfulness in providing rest for His people.

God had purposed to provide rest for His people. At Mt. Sinai, God promised to lead His people out of the wilderness and into rest (Exod. 33:14).

Moses reminded the generation of Israelites who crossed the Jordan River and entered the Promised Land that when they had defeated the Canaanites God would give them rest (Deut. 3:19-20; 12:8-11; 25:19).

Joshua also reminded that generation that God had promised to give them rest (Josh. 1:13-15).

At the end of the conquest the Israelites were finally able to enjoy some rest (Josh. 21:44; 22:4; 23:1).

Unfortunately in the period of the judges, because of the Israelites' departure from God, they were not always at rest. Only when God raised up a judge and delivered their enemies into their hands did the Israelites enjoy rest. Often they lacked food, they were in danger, and their family lives underwent disruption.

That is the situation we discover in the Book of Ruth. Naomi and Ruth lacked food, they were vulnerable and in danger, and their families had broken up. It should be no surprise then when we read that Naomi desired rest for her daughters-in-law (1:9). She and Ruth devised a plan to obtain food and safety and so secure a degree of rest (2:2). Later having gained food and safety through Boaz's generosity they set about to secure full rest through the rebuilding of their family (3:1). Finally Ruth married Boaz and bore a son who would perpetuate the family of Judah as well as that of Boaz, Ruth, and Naomi.

Boaz was the source of rest for Ruth. As Ruth trusted in and committed herself to Yahweh, God provided rest for her through Boaz.

Ruth was the source of rest for Naomi and for all Israel ultimately. She became God's instrument of blessing for her mother-in-law by providing food, security, and descendents. Moreover she became God's instrument of blessing for all Israel and even the world by providing Obed from whom came David. Ruth became a model of what God intended Israel to be in the world: a blessing to others and blessed herself. God was faithful to bring this to pass because Ruth exercised faith in Him. Rest is God's reward for those who follow Him faithfully as Hebrews 3 and 4 make clear.

A third major revelation in Ruth is God's grace in providing a redeemer for His people.

God had also purposed to provide redemption for His people. He affected this for the nation of Israel as a whole in the Exodus from Egypt. There God purchased the nation for Himself.

God also made provision through the Mosaic Law whereby individual Israelites could experience redemption, that is, enjoy freedom from various conditions that enslaved them. One of these provisions was the kinsman redeemer law that allowed a close relative to pay a price to free his fellow Israelite from some enslaving condition. Another was the levirate marriage provision that enabled a widow to escape from her condition by remarrying her single brother-in-law. This man would then, under normal circumstances, raise up seed who would perpetuate the name and line of his deceased brother. Another provision was the redemption (buying back) of property that had passed out of the control of a family. In Ruth's case all of these provisions for redemption combined to set her free.

As history progressed, God's plan for the personal redemption of His own led to Jesus Christ, the ultimate redeemer, paying the ultimate price. He did this so we might be free from the ultimate slavery, our slavery to sin.

The Book of Ruth reveals God's grace in providing a redeemer. He provided Boaz to redeem Ruth and Naomi. Through Ruth He provided David to set Israel free. Through David He provided Jesus Christ to set the world free.

God did not have to provide redemption. He did it out of the love of His own heart. That is grace. Furthermore God did it all. There is nothing that the redeemed person could do to obtain his redemption but trust the person of his redeemer. That too is grace.

Putting all of these major revelations together I would summarize the message of the book as follows. God supernaturally works out His own purposes through human instruments. His purposes include a ruler, rest, and a redeemer. He brings these to reality supernaturally, sovereignly and providentially. He uses people to do so, people who trust in Him and commit themselves to Him.

Let me also point out three values of the Book of Ruth.

Historically the book ties the patriarchal period to the monarchical period of Israel's history. It does not just go back to the period of the judges or to the Mosaic era but all the way back to Perez the patriarch (4:18-22). This shows that the Davidic dynasty was a fulfillment of the promises of the Abrahamic Covenant. It did not rest on the conditional Mosaic Covenant. Because of this, David could function as a priest even though he was not a Levite. His authority superseded the Mosaic Law.

Morally the book demonstrates that faith and purity are possible even in a terrible moral environment. Ruth and Boaz's faith in God resulted in their excellent moral characters (2:1; 3:11). The power of their faith overcame their backgrounds and environments.

Doctrinally the book illustrates redemption. It also illuminates the character of God, particularly His providential working, His loyal love, and His boundless grace, as we have already pointed out.

Finally what are the major lessons we should learn from the Book of Ruth? Let me suggest three.

First, God uses people who trust Him and commit themselves to Him to be a blessing to others. Boaz and Ruth probably did not live to see David's greatness, much less Jesus Christ's. However, God found in them people whom He could use to produce a David. We are very results conscious in our society. We demand instant success and we grow impatient when we do not see God using us to bless others. We need to remember that we will not see all the fruit of our faith this side of heaven. G. Campbell Morgan wrote, "You may be God's foothold for things of which you cannot dream."¹²

Second, God blesses people who trust Him and commit themselves to Him. Ruth and Boaz were not only a blessing to others, but God personally blessed them. They received rest from God. God's blessing of Ruth came in the form of food, security, and a family. A loving and loyal wife of sterling character and a son to carry on the name of his family blessed Boaz's life. (I don't know whether he considered Naomi a blessing or not, though I believe she was.) He also obtained an added portion of the Promised Land. While God has not promised Christians the same kinds of blessings He promised the Israelites, He has promised to bless us. Our blessings are presently mainly spiritual (forgiveness, peace, joy, etc.), but we will receive both spiritual and physical blessings at the judgment seat of Christ. God will reward your faith as He rewarded the faith of Boaz and Ruth.

Third, circumstances do not make or break a believer. Faith does. Boaz was a wealthy man living in a spiritually apostate, morally corrupt environment. Nevertheless he overcame his temptations by faith in God. Ruth was a poor Moabite woman and extremely vulnerable. Yet she overcame her temptations by faith, too. From this we learn that circumstances are not determinative. They do not determine our spirituality. Our attitude and relationship to God do. No matter what circumstances you are up against you can be an overcomer like Boaz and Ruth by trusting in and committing yourself to God.

Constable: Ruth (Outline)

Outline

I. Naomi's predicament ch. 1

A. The deaths of Naomi's husband and sons 1:1-5

B. Naomi's inability to provide husbands for Ruth and Orpah 1:6-14

C. Ruth's profession of faith in Yahweh 1:15-18

D. Naomi's weak faith 1:19-21

E. Hope for the future 1:22

II. Naomi and Ruth's plans chs. 2-3

A. The plan to obtain food ch. 2

1. God's providential guidance of Ruth 2:1-7

2. The maidservant of Boaz 2:8-13

3. Ruth's privileges and responsibility 2:14-16

4. Ruth's blessing of Naomi physically 2:17-23

B. The plan to obtain rest ch. 3

1. Naomi's plan to secure rest for Ruth 3:1-5

2. Ruth's encouragement and Boaz's response 3:6-13

3. Ruth's return to Naomi 3:14-18

III. God's provision ch. 4

A. The nearer kinsman's decision 4:1-6

B. Boaz's securing of the right to marry Ruth 4:7-12

C. God's provision of a son 4:13-17

D. The genealogical appendix 4:18-22

Constable: Ruth

Ruth

Bibliography

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Copyright 2003 by Thomas L. Constable

Haydock: Ruth (Book Introduction)

INTRODUCTION.

This Book is called Ruth , from the name of the person whose history is here recorded; who, being a Gentile, became a convert to the true faith, and marrying Booz, the great-grandfather of David, was one of those from whom Christ sprang according to the flesh, and an illustrious figure of the Gentile church. It is thought this book was written by the prophet Samuel. (Challoner) --- The Holy Ghost chose that the genealogy of David, and of the Messias, should be thus more clearly ascertained. (Theodoret) --- Christ proceeded from the Gentiles, as well as from the Jews, and his grace is given to both. (Worthington) --- Send forth, 0 Lord, the lamb, the ruler of the earth, from Petra, Isaias xvi. This was the capital city of Arabia Petrea, where Ruth is supposed to have lived, (Tostat) being, according to the Chaldean, &c., the daughter of Eglon, king of Moab. The Jews also pretend that Booz was the same person as Abesan, the judge. But it is by no means certain to what period this history belongs. Usher places it under Samgar, about 120 years after Josue. (Calmet) --- Salien believes that the famine, which obliged Elimelech to leave Bethlehem, happened under Abimelech, and that Noemi returned in the 7th year of Thola, A.C. 1243.[1243 B.C.] This event certainly took place under some of the judges; so that we may consider this book as an appendix to the preceding, like the last chapters, (Judges xvii.; &c.; Haydock) and a preface to the history of the kings. (Calmet)

Gill: Ruth (Book Introduction)

INTRODUCTION TO RUTH

This book is called Ruth, not because she was the author of it, but because she is the principal subject of it. In the Syriac and Arabic versions, it is called the Book of Ruth the Moabitess, which describes her by the country of which she was. Her name, according to Hillerus ^l, signifies beautiful, of a good aspect, the same with Calliope in Greek. As to the author of this book, some attribute it to Eli the priest, who seems to have been too soon to give an account of the birth of David; others to Gad or Nathan; some to Hezekiah, and others to Ezra; but what the Talmudists assert, which is most generally received, and most probable, is, that it was written by Samuel; so they say Samuel ^m wrote his own book, Judges, and Ruth; and it is commonly said that this book is an appendix to that of the Judges, and the introduction to Samuel, and is fitly placed between them both. According to Eusebius ⁿ, with the Hebrews, Judges and Ruth make one book they call Shophetim, or Judges; the principal design of it is to give the genealogy of David, whom Samuel had anointed to be king of Israel, and from whom the Messiah was to come, and who therefore may be said to be the aim and scope of it, as he is of all Scripture; and whereby it appears that he sprung both from Jews and Gentiles, and is the Saviour of both, and there is a good foundation for both to hope in him; and the call and conversion of Ruth the Moabitess may be considered as a shadow, emblem, and pledge of the conversion of the Gentiles. Manythings besides may be learnt from this little book, as the different circumstances of good people in this life, and the particular providence of God respecting them. It furnishes out examples of bearing afflictions patiently, of industry, courteousness, kindness to strangers, and young converts; and none can doubt of the divine authority of this book, that considers the use made of it in the genealogies of Christ by the Evangelists Matthew and Luke.

Gill: Ruth 2 (Chapter Introduction)

INTRODUCTION TO RUTH 2

In this chapter we have an account of Ruth's gleaning corn in the fields of Boaz, a relation of Naomi, Rth 2:1, and of Boaz coming to his reapers, whom he saluted in a very kind manner; and observing a woman gleaning after them, inquired of them who she was, and they informed him, Rth 2:4, upon which he addressed himself to her, and gave her leave to glean in his field, and desired her to go nowhere else, and bid her eat and drink with his servants, Rth 2:8 and gave directions to his servants to let her glean, and to let fall some of the handfuls on purpose, that she might gather them up, Rth 2:15 and then an account is given of her returning to her mother-in-law with her gleanings, to whom she related where she had gleaned, who was owner of the field, and what he had said to her, upon which Naomi gave her advice, Rth 2:18.