Today’s passage: Ruth 2:1-13
Helpful thoughts:
- There was provision in the Law for the poor, sojourners, orphans and widows to gather up the left-overs from the harvest (Leviticus 19:9-10, Deuteronomy 24:19).
- Israel was not however in the habit of keeping the Law entirely well, hence Ruth’s hope that she would find someone who would show her favor.
- From man’s perspective, Ruth just happened to stumble upon Boaz’s field, but we know better (Proverbs 16:33).
- Boaz immediately begins to protect and elevate Ruth. He tells Ruth to stay in his fields, to stay with his female workers, that she will be safe from any of the men, and that she may drink from their water supply.
- Ruth is amazed that Boaz is treating her with such respect, especially being a woman from Moab. But, Boaz has rightly understood her rightful place among the people, having taken refuge in the LORD!
Questions to consider:
- How did Ruth show her character in being willing to work in the fields? She and Naomi were in a difficult place, how did she respond?
- In what ways is Boaz already starting to look like a picture of our gracious Lord?
- How does “Coming under the wings” of the Lord and working in the fields go together? In what way was Ruth’s allegiance to the LORD followed by her actions?