Read verse 1. Like an great literary work, the Bible includes foreshadowing. This is clearly demonstrated with our introduction to Boaz. (Also fun to note, Boaz is called worthy here. Years ago in Sunday School we studied the book of Judges and it often referred to a person as worthless or worthy which let you know you were about to read a story demonstrating that quality. You can find some of those worthless/worthy references here.)
Read verse 2: Foreigners, orphans and widows were in a tough spot in ancient times. Throughout the Bible we see commands to help them. In Deuteronomy 24:19, the people are told that when they are harvesting they are to leave some grain for them to pick up. This is why Ruth heads out to the field.
Read verse 3: It is definitely not a coincidence that she ends up in Boaz's field. We know God is in control of any seeming coincidence.
Read verses 4-7: Boaz pays attention to his workers and treats them well. He asks about Ruth who he notices is new in his field. The fact that he knows and cares about his workers is proof that Boaz is a "worthy man."
Read verses 8-12: Boaz goes about and beyond what the Law necessitated he do. No explanation is given about why he did so either. Ruth is surprised and asks why. Boaz responds that he has heard of her reputation and is blessing her and praying for her.
Read verse 13: We see Ruth's humility in her reply. If someone had just spoken so well of us, I doubt we would respond with that same humility.
Read verses 14-16: Boaz provides for her... immediately with lunch ... and in the future by telling his workers to intentionally leave barley for her.
Read verse 17: Ruth finishes the day with a generous portion that would have lasted for a few days.
Read verse 18: Naomi eats and is satisfied (physically) even though she was previously 'empty' (1:21).
Read verses 19-20: Naomi gives a double blessing to Boaz for all he has done and then informs Ruth that he is a kinsman redeemer. (Now the teens had no idea what this meant. Here's how I explained things: Aaron marries Kirsten and before they have children, he dies. His younger brother, Isaac, then steps in and marries Kirsten. The first son they have would be Aaron Jr. and get the inheritance that Aaron would have received. Their second son would be Isaac Jr. and any other children they have would be additional Isaac Jrs. Now if Isaac were to die before they have children, then that responsibility would fall to Weiss Boy #3 who would marry Kirsten and their first son would be Aaron Jr. then Isaac Jr. and then Weiss Boy #3 Jr.)
Read verses 21-22: Ruth tells Naomi the rest of what had happened that day.
Read verse 23: The chapter ends with us learning that over the next few weeks/months of the barely and then wheat harvests, Ruth continues to go to Boaz's field.
Application:
Ephesians 5:15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise. Ruth's reputation preceded her... Boaz blessed her because of how she lived. And Boaz is described as being worthy. Both are rare in the time of the Judges. We aren't in the time of the Judges but we are living in a time where we need to be careful how we walk. There are many ways we can show ourselves to be unwise. Pray that God would give you wisdom and help you to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." Colossians 1:10
Feel free to comment or email me your thoughts!
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In Sunday School, we are going through the book of Ruth. We read the chapter and discuss as we go along. I always make the teens share how they think we can apply it before I share what I think.
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