Now Naomi had a relative of her husband’s, a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. – Ruth 2:1
Now we are introduced to the third main character in the story. The fact that Boaz belonged to Naomi’s family is mentioned twice (2:1, 3). We are being let in on a secret: There is another relative. He is “a worthy man” of good character and great wealth, older than Ruth, but single.
It doesn’t take much imagination to work out where this story is going! After all the sorrow and loss, new horizons of hope are opening for Naomi and Ruth.
These women were in great need. Naomi had land, but it had not been cultivated for ten years. And Naomi arrived at harvest, so it would be a year before she could derive income from her land. The first need was to put bread on the table, and Ruth took the initiative: “Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor” (2:2).
God gave laws to His people that were designed to help the poor. One of these was the provision for “gleaning.” Leviticus 19:9 gives two instructions: (1) When you reap your field, leave a border where those in need can gather the grain; and (2) when grain falls to the ground, leave it for those in need. This is why Ruth wants to glean “after him in whose sight I shall find favor.” She needs to find reapers who will honor this law.
As Ruth heads to the fields, the story unfolds in four scenes: welcome, blessing, meal, and provision. In all of these, Boaz points to what God does for us in Jesus Christ.
Reflect on the character of God, who is concerned about the needs of His people.
