Ruth 2:1 – 4
2 Now Naomi had a relative of her husband’s, a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. 2 And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor.” And she said to her, “Go, my daughter.” 3 So she set out 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 clan of Elimelech. 4 And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem. And he said to the reapers, “The Lord be with you!” And they answered, “The Lord bless you.”
Just when the reader thinks that there is no hope for Ruth and Naomi, the author hints that there may be a ray of hope. In the last lesson, in the last verse of chapter 1, Ruth and Naomi arrived just as the barley harvest was beginning. There was food at last in the “house of bread” as God was blessing and providing for His people. In chapter 2, verse 1, the author is hinting that now there may be a person, a relative on Naomi’s husband’s side, who may play a part in her ordeal. He is mentioned at the beginning of chapter two as the author sets us up for what is coming. So now there is not only food and provision back at home, but there is also someone who may be able to help the family in their depravity.
Boaz is described as a worthy man. This word has a lot of meaning, such as mighty man of valor or wealth. Boaz could have been a war hero, something like a knight. Honorable. Noble. Full of integrity. He was also wealthy, as we will see later on in the story. He was a man of influence and social standing in the community. Note in verse 4, how he greets his workers and how they respond to him. He is obviously respected by his laborers, and he obviously cares for them and is gracious to them. Boaz is a real leader, a man of integrity, who stands out in this time of the judges when much evil and sin abounded. He greeted his workers with a blessing from God, which seems to indicate that his spiritual life permeated his entire life, including his business life. Boaz is an example of a true man of integrity that thrives under the gracious leadership and fellowship of the Lord. His attitude towards others, towards his laborers and workers, and his care for Naomi and Ruth demonstrate his loving, gracious, yet strong and noble character. Read the rest of this entry »
