The story of Ruth and Boaz, found in Ruth 2:1-23, shows us that sometimes it’s not just about what we do, but what we’re willing to do. Ruth, a woman with few options in her time, demonstrates incredible resourcefulness and determination. She works hard to care for Naomi. And, this action earns the respect of Boaz, a kind and honorable man. In this Bible study, we’ll look at the first part Ruth’s journey. We’ll learn about her strong faith. And finally how God used her willingness to create a story of redemption and provision. Later, the story becomes one of love. Let’s take a peek..
Ruth Gleans the Fields of Boaz
Now Naomi had a relative of her husband, a man of great wealth, of the family of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz.
2 And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Please let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain following one in whose eyes I may find favor.” And she said to her, “Go, my daughter.”
3 So she left and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers; and she happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech.
4 Now behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem and said to the reapers, “May the Lord be with you.” And they said to him, “May the Lord bless you.”
(Boaz Appears)
5 Then Boaz said to his servant who was in charge of the reapers, “Whose young woman is this?”
6 And the servant in charge of the reapers replied, “She is the young Moabite woman who returned with Naomi from the land of Moab.
7 And she said, ‘Please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves.’ So she came and has remained from the morning until now; she has been sitting in the house for a little while.”
8 Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Listen carefully, my daughter. Do not go to glean in another field; furthermore, do not go on from this one, but join my young women here.
9 Keep your eyes on the field which they reap, and go after them. Indeed, I have ordered the servants not to touch you. When you are thirsty, go to the water jars and drink from what the servants draw.”
10 Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your sight that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?”
11 Boaz replied to her, “All that you have done for your mother-in-law after the death of your husband has been fully reported to me, and how you left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and came to a people that you did not previously know.
12 May the Lord reward your work, and may your wages be full from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”
13 Then she said, “I have found favor in your sight, my lord, for you have comforted me and indeed have spoken kindly to your servant, though I am not like one of your female servants.” – Ruth 2:1-13 (NASB)
Ruth Gleans the Fields of Boaz – What is “Gleaning”?
During the time of this story, Jewish law required that farmers leave the edges of the fields unharvested so that the poor could eat. This became their “social security” of sorts.
When the poor came behind the harvesters and picked up the food left behind, this was called gleaning.
Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi had very little provisions. They had no one to take care of them. Gleaning was one of the few choices they had to survive.
Ruth The Foreigner Takes Action
Ruth became an entrepreneur of sorts. She took action instead of waiting for “good luck” to happen. She quickly gleaned the fields so that she and Naomi could have food. Her actions demonstrated resilience and resourcefulness, highlighting her determination to provide for herself and Naomi.
By taking the initiative to glean, Ruth not only ensured their immediate survival but also gained Boaz’s attention, which led to a secure future for both women. Her proactive approach shows an example of how taking decisive action can lead to positive change–if we follow God’s plan.
Ruth Admits to Needing Help – Do We?
With any physical addiction, the first step begins with admitting the problem.
As for Ruth, she freely admitted she had to work hard and rely on farmers for food. Through her admission, Ruth moved forward in her life–a secure life with Boaz.
God Provides – But …
Ruth took the initiative and went to work, and God provided for her and Naomi. Then Boaz made sure Ruth had all she needed. He knew she was willing to work. So, he decided to take care of her.
Ruth made the more difficult choice, which worked out in the long run, rather than waiting for someone to give her a handout. Ultimately, Ruth’s hard work and Boaz’s act of kindness led to a beautiful outcome.
How to Handle Big Problems
If you’ve got situations “too big to handle”, you have two choices;
- You can wait and see if God provides the help you need.
- Or, you can pray and take the first steps of faith.
In order for God to work in your life, you might need to show Him how critical your need is. Rather than just hoping for solutions, let’s take action and move toward a solution. God will see it through if it’s in His plan.
Love in Christ
– Bob
Find how to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment and go to John 3:16 for more information.