Read: RUTH 1:14-2:10 NLT – And again they wept together, and Orpah – Bible Gateway
“May the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” Ruth 2:12 NLT
Last week, in our story of Ruth we left off with Naomi trying to persuade her two daughters-in-law that it would be better for them if they returned to their homeland and their families. Orpah finally decided to go back, but Ruth held steadfast clinging unto Naomi. Ruth’s mind was made up. She would return with Naomi. That did not deter Naomi from trying to convince Ruth to follow her sister-in-law Orpah. ‘“Look,’ Naomi said to her, ‘your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods. You should do the same.’” (Ruth 1:15 nlt) There was something going on in Ruth’s mind and heart. She not only loved Naomi, but she now has also come to know the true God. Ruth stated Naomi’s people will be her people and Naomi’s God would be her God. Ruth had forsaken the gods of the Moabite people. Naomi realized Ruth was determined and consented. Ruth will accompany Naomi back to Bethlehem.
“So the two of them continued on their journey. When they came to Bethlehem, the entire town was excited by their arrival. ‘Is it really Naomi?’ the women asked.” (Ruth1:19 nlt) Naomi looked as though she had a rough ten years or more. The trip of seventy miles took them 7-10 days, so I’m sure they both looked a little rugged. The women who knew Naomi were excited as everyone else but they noticed something deeper than just her physical appearance. They were actually saying, ‘is this the same person who left the city some years ago.’ What happened?
Naomi aware of their tone in questioning answers them by confirming they are right and here is why. ‘“Don’t call me Naomi,’ she responded. ‘Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me.” (Ruth 1:20 nlt) Mara means bitter. Naomi is bitter of her circumstances. She still recognizes God as the Almighty God, but she is having a tough time dealing with what has taken place in her life. We too at times can feel as Naomi did, bitter of tragedies that come into our lives. It is understandable, but Naomi gives us a notable example to follow in knowing that God is still God and He is the Lord Almighty. I am sure it wasn’t easy for Naomi and it is not easy for us, but the Lord will help us struggle through it. Naomi explains she went away full as the famine was beginning but has now returned empty, no husband, no sons, and no food. She did return with “her daughter-in-law Ruth, the young Moabite woman. They arrived in Bethlehem in late spring, at the beginning of the barley harvest.” (Ruth 1:22 nlt) The famine was over and the Lord is blessing the people in Bethlehem. Naomi and Ruth arrive as the barley is about to be harvested. Barley was the first of the grains to be harvested. In ancient Canaan took place in April and May.
Chapter 2 begins with an introduction of another main character, Boaz. Boaz was a relative of Naomi’s late husband Elimelech. He was a wealthy and influential man, but in those days it also meant Boaz possessed the finest qualities. He was an upright man. After a short while Ruth understands she needs to help support herself and her mother-in-law. Ruth requested that she go into the fields as the barley is being harvested and glean what was left behind. According to Mosaic Law grain was to be left after the first cutting for the poor. A person was permitted to follow along and pick up the fallen stalks.
“So Ruth went out to gather grain behind the harvesters. And as it happened, she found herself working in a field that belonged to Boaz, the relative of her father-in-law, Elimelech.” (Ruth 2:3 nlt) By chance, but not really by chance, Ruth winds up in Boaz’s field. God’s providence is at work here. The Lord leads her to the field of an upright influential godly man who is a relative.
Boaz arrives to check on the workers and the harvesting being done. He notices Ruth right away. Ruth, being from Moab, was not dressed as the other women. He asks the foremen about her and finds out she is the Moabitess who returned with Naomi. The foremen told Boaz that she asked to glean in the field which by right she did not to do because it was left for the poor. We do not know if Ruth was aware of this, but either way she politely asked if she could gather the leftover grain. The foreman then told Boaz what hard worker she was working continually except for a few minutes rest.
“Boaz went over and said to Ruth, ‘Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don’t go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field.’” (Ruth 2:8 nlt) Boaz’s kindness is seen immediately. His sense of protecting Ruth is also noticeable telling her not to go any other fields but to stay in his. He told her to stay behind the women and follow them. The women, or maidens, would bind the stalks that were cut down from the men and get them ready to be brought to the threshing floor. Ruth would follow behind and glean what was left over. Boaz made Ruth feel safe by warning the men not to be rough with her and she was assured of drinking water when she felt the need for it.
Ruth is overwhelmed by Boaz’s kindness. “Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. ‘What have I done to deserve such kindness?’ she asked. ‘I am only a foreigner.’” (Ruth 2:10 nlt) Ruth shows her humility knowing she is Moabite and not an Israelite receiving such kindness. Boaz is well aware of this Moabitess and we will find out what he already knows about her next week in Biblical Insights.
