Ruth 2

Recap-Chapter 1: Naomi's husband and sons die, widowing her, Orpah and Ruth. Naomi heads back to Israel, but tries to send Orpah and Ruth back to their fathers. Orpah goes, but Ruth says no, your God is now my God and your people, my people. Naomi (call me Mara) and Ruth arrive in Bethlehem in time for the barley harvest.

Read verse 1: Boaz is a rich relative of Elimelech. More importantly he is referred to as a "worthy man," which stands in stark contrast to all these "worthless fellows" we've read about in Judges.

Read verses 2-3: Ruth gets Naomi's permission, then goes to glean in the fields. This was a provision God had set up for widows and orphans (Deut. 24:19). The field she happens to glean in belongs to Boaz.
As we read through Ruth, we see God's hand working in numerous situations, even if He isn't specifically credited for it, like happened here.

Read verses 4-7: Boaz greets the reapers, then inquires about one girl in particular, who's evidently caught his eye. His servant tells him it's Ruth and briefly describes who she is and that she had asked permission to glean. It was granted and now she's been here all day.

Read verses 8-9: Boaz goes to Ruth and instructs her to continue gleaning just in his field and to drink when she wants it – he'll take care of her.

Read verse 10: Ruth is humbled and questions how someone as lowly as her could find favor.

Read verses 11-12: Boaz says her reputation has proceeded her and gives her a godly blessing.

Read verse 13: Ruth, in essence, says thanks.

Read verses 14-16: Boaz goes above and beyond cultural customs/expectations to care for her. He feeds her (first date?), tells his servants to leave extra grain for her, and tells his servants not to yell at her.

Read verses 17-18: Ruth heads home with some barley after working all day. She gives Naomi some of what she has and they eat it.

Read verses 19-22: Naomi starts to ask Ruth about her today and is pleasantly surprised to hear about Boaz's kindness. Naomi warns Ruth to be careful. Women were easy targets for abuse when gleaning in the fields.

Read verse 23: Ruth gleans near Boaz's servants to be safe and works all through the barley harvest which then ends – the barley harvest generally lasts 4 to 6 weeks.

Application:

·         Know and obey the Word. Ruth knew the laws from Leviticus/Deuteronomy to know she was allowed to go glean. If you don't know what the Bible says, you can't do it.

·         Guys- protect and care for the women in your life!

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In Sunday School, we all took turns teaching the Book of Ruth. I only actually taught chapter 3, but the rest of the chapters are here as well.