Bible Study Notes - Ruth 2:5-12 and 3:9-11

Bible Study Notes

Acceptance in Community 

Ruth 2:5-12 & 3:9-11Part II

Ruth 2:5-12

Amazingly, Ruth fulfills her vow of commitment to Naomi in this strange land.  In today’s passage, we find Ruth faithfully caring for the needs of her mother-in-law.  Ruth sets out, with Naomi’s permission, to glean the leftover grain in the fields.  You recall the Law instructs harvesters to leave some grain and produce for the poor who would be hungry and in need.  They were not to gather every single bit.  Israel was told to remember the days when they wandered hungry, thirsty and in need in the wilderness.  God gave some of the people whom they encountered a favorable heart toward Israel.  Accordingly, they demonstrate their gratitude by helping other hungry and thirsty strangers by leaving grain, produce and water in the wells.  Nevertheless, Ruth sets out to find food and water for Naomi and herself.

Subjecting herself to potential danger, she goes to the field where the men are working.  Providentially, she finds a field owned by Boaz, a man of standing in the community.  Upon his return from Bethlehem and arrival at the field, he notices Ruth and asks about her identity.  His foreman shares the story of Ruth’s pleadings to gather grain and her hard work.  Boaz then removes Ruth from the possible danger of her commendable efforts.  He tells her to say with his servant girls and follow along with them after the harvesters.  Moreover, he instructs the men to stay away from her.  Interestingly, this simple conversation symbolizes the ways in which our loving Heavenly Father removes the deadly sin that threatens us when we encounter Him.

Boaz’s generosity, in offering water from the jars that the male workers have filled, represents living water of the Word of God.  New believers who hunger and thirst for righteousness have the privilege of consulting the Bible at any time.  It is the textbook of life.  It contains the most enduring and successful answers to life’s most pressing questions.  In it, parched soul finds living water to persevere.  Boaz’s willingness and graciousness in meeting Ruth’s physical needs in the midst of a longstanding famine resembles God’s limitless love and unmerited favor.  He meets their spiritual, emotional and psychological needs in the famine of human existence.

Ruth inquires about any motives belying Boaz’s kindnesses.  By bowing down to the ground, Ruth demonstrates her depth of gratitude and reverence.  She marvels at his sincere acceptance of a stranger.  Understandably, she wants to know whether any strings are attached to Boaz’s superlative generosity.  Her question provides Boaz with an opportunity to share God’s unconditional love.  He recalls he heard about Ruth’s incredible love and kindnesses to Naomi, a relative of Boaz’s through marriage.  Boaz learns Ruth’s love and dedication toward Naomi as Ruth leaves her parents, family and native land to travel with her mother-in-law as a widow to a strange land.  He greatly blesses her with this prayer.  “May the Lord repay you for what you have done.  May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose  wings you have come to take refuge.”  Boaz’s prayer and words reveal Ruth, a Moabite woman who now dwells in Israel, has actually found favor in the eyes of the Lord.  Faithful to the covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12, God blesses Ruth because she is a blessing to God’s people.

Most probably unaware of the Abrahamic covenant, Ruth acts kindly toward Naomi out of Ruth’s inner beliefs, culture and character.  Yet, her generosity is consistent with the covenant.  As a consequence, God mercifully moves the heart of Boaz to be kind to Ruth.  This gracious repayment is just recompense for a nice, giving and kind person.

Ruth 3:1-9

The third chapter of this short yet significant book demonstrates divine rewards for faithfulness.  The late Larry Burkett, Co-founder of Christian Financial Concepts which became Crown Financial Ministries, often said on his call-in radio program, “God is looking for talent.  There are so few people both within and outside of the Church who are willing to do things God’s way that He will use any humble, committed and faithful person.”  Though she is not an Israelite, Ruth becomes God’s servant in His eternal plan of salvation because of her loyal and faithful character.  She embodies the essence of hesed, the Hebrew word for God’s unfailing love for Israel.  Parenthetically, David appeals to the reliability of God’s hesed in Psalm 51 after his adultery with Bathsheba and subsequent murder of Uriah.  David pleads for God’s forgiveness and mercy on the basis of His unfailing love toward His covenant people.  Nevertheless, Ruth behaves as a covenant person, although she lacks Israelite lineage and legacy.  God rewards Ruth’s adherence to her pledge to assist Naomi.  You will recall the covenant of Genesis 12 in which God promises to bless anyone and any nation that blesses Israel. Ruth’s faithfulness yields the favor of Almighty God in response to His promises to Abraham. 

Majestically, God uses Naomi to bless Ruth.  The older woman asks of the younger, “My daughter, should I not try to find a home for you, where you will be well provided for?”  Interestingly, the very person whom Ruth pledges to love and support becomes the conduit through whom Ruth receives an eternal blessing!  Yes, Ruth marries Boaz and benefits materially and financially from his wealth.  More significantly, God majestically engrafts Ruth into the genealogy of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Ruth receives a place of distinction for eternity.  Her reward for her faithfulness greatly exceeds any earthly monetary value.  Countless generations of disciples have and shall celebrate her immeasurable act of love. 

Note the very practical advice and wise counsel that Naomi gives to Ruth (3:3-6).  This exchange reminds us of the necessity of developing mentor relationships with the Church.  Younger disciples should choose, older believers as role models to emulate carefully and patiently under the direction of the Holy Spirit.  Moreover, their experience, strength and hope equip them to educate and empower younger believers with godly wisdom.  Naomi does not over spiritualize her recommendations to Ruth; pragmatically and practically Naomi instructs Ruth about means and methods of attaining divine blessing.

Further consider the moral and righteous dimensions of Naomi’s suggestions and Ruth’s actions.  Sexual seduction of an older man who is lonely and high in spirits does not occur.  Instead, Ruth extends a genuine overture of consideration and affection.  Startled in the midst of deep slumber leavened with wine, Boaz awakes to find Ruth at his feet.  Finding Ruth at his feet, Boaz immediately recognizes her intentions, respect and loving consideration.  It warms his heart.  He applauds her choice of him over the younger men of whom there were probably many.  Her affection in turn yields a pledge of fidelity to do whatever she asks.  He reaffirms Ruth as a “woman of noble character.”  Her adherence to Naomi’s godly counsel honors the holy character of God.