We finally made it to the second chapter of Ruth. If you haven’t read any other posts in this series you can find them here.
Have you ever experienced an overwhelming kindness from someone that could have taken you to your knees? This is what we find in the second chapter of Ruth.
Our chapter introduces us to our last main character, Boaz. Within the first verse we learn much about him. We learn he is a relative of Elimilech and is considered a “worthy man”. When I did a little digging, I learned there is much to this term, “worthy man”. The King James Version uses the words, “mighty man of wealth”. The Hebrew word is “goel” and means chieftain. But wait…there’s more!
The commentator Matthew Henry had this to say about Boaz.
The Chaldee reads it, mighty in the law. If he was both, it was a most rare and excellent conjunction, to be mighty in wealth and mighty in the scriptures too; those that are so are mighty indeed. He was grandson of Nahshon, who was prince of the tribe of Judah in the wilderness, and son of Salmon, probably a younger son, by Rahab, the harlot of Jericho. He carries might in his name, Boaz-in him is strength; and he was of the family of Elimelech, that family which was now reduced and brought so low.
This puts “worthy man” in a better context. Boaz was the man in charge. He was a mighty man in physical stature and in scriptural knowledge, he also held great influence among his people. He wasn’t just another man in town. He was well known, greatly respected, and held great influence. He almost sounds too good to be true! A fairy tale prince charming!
Knowing this about him, the rest of the chapter nicely falls into place in supporting this description of him.
Proverbs 22:1 tells us, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches and favor is better than silver and gold.”
In Boaz situation, he had both…a good name and great riches.
We find Ruth and Naomi finding their way and learning how to manage without husbands. Ruth takes responsibility for Naomi’s welfare and asks to glean the fields to provide food for them. Ruth “just happens” to end up in Boaz field and he just happens to show up that day. Of course, we know this is the providence of God, leading Ruth to her redeemer Boaz.
God wisely orders small events; and those that seem altogether contingent serve his own glory and the good of his people. Many a great affair is brought about by a little turn, which seemed fortuitous to us, but was directed by Providence with design. (Matthew Henry)
She quickly catches the eye of Boaz and he inquires about her and learns she is a woman of character. She is willing to work, provide for her mother in law and live among strangers to do it.
Kindness Trickles Down
The author of Ruth continues to remind us that Ruth is a Moab. She finds the field to glean and asks permission. I love that she is given permission by the man in charge of the workers. I love it because it reveals the kind of impact and influence Boaz has on his employees. They allowed the foreign woman to glean because they know their boss would allow her to as well. Kindness trickles down.
The next several verses are a beautiful conversation that holds so much parallel meaning to our own salvation. Boaz and Ruth have their first conversation and it reveals the character of them both very clearly.
Boaz makes available to Ruth several very important opportunities.
- He provides her with the opportunity of companionship when he tells her to stay with the other women.
- He provides her with the opportunity of protection when he advises that she remain only in his fields. He gave specific instructions to his workers to not touch her.
- Lastly, he provides her with the opportunity of refreshment and provision when he instructs her to freely drink from the vessels his men have already filled from the well. This is also significant because typically in those days men did not draw water for women, but here we see her being told to drink from vessels the men have drawn from the well.
What a beautiful picture these verses paint of our relationship with Jesus! He gives us companionship through himself and through other believers, he protects us and refreshes us.
Ruths reaction to what Boaz has just said is worth noting. We see her humility. She is stunned at all that Boaz is affording her as a foreign woman among God’s chosen people.
The first words from her mouth are “Why have I found favor in your eyes?”. She could have recounted all of her troubles and trials to him. She could have said, “Finally someone see’s all of my hard work!” But she simply bows to the ground and is grateful for his help.
Her reaction reminds me of a new Christian. She is trusting in the One True God to provide and guide her. She has left her old ways behind and she is living among strangers, finding refuge. A new Christian can feel that way. Everything is new and different yet so comforting and satisfying as they learn and grow in their faith.
Boaz reminds me of an older, more seasoned Christian. He is patient, kind and encouraging to Ruth, knowing she isn’t familiar with their ways yet. This is how we should be with new Christians.
Spurgeon said,
Observe that he saluted her with words of tender encouragement; for this is precisely what I want all the elder Christians among you to do to those who are the counterparts of Ruth…. I want you to make a point of looking out the young converts, and speaking to them goodly words, and comfortable words, whereby they may be cheered and strengthened.
The kindness of God just oozes from this passage of scripture. Do you see it?
Here are some specifics I saw.
- Ruth looks for ways to support and provide for Naomi even though that is not her responsibility. The Lord has given Ruth a special love for her mother in law.
- Ruth is welcomed to glean in the fields. The Lord has given the workers an attitude of acceptance for Ruth.
- Boaz is kind to his employees. The Lord has made Boaz a respectable man who respects and cares for his people.
- Boaz is exceptionally kind to Ruth. The Lord has given Boaz a compassion for Ruth that literally brings her to her knees in humility and gratefulness.
- Ruth is a gleaner who is placed beside the reapers. The Lord has given Ruth a position she didn’t earn nor seek. God has adopted us as his own children though we did not seek it or earn it. That’s the glorious gospel!
May I never get over the fact that God saved a wretched sinner like me. (Voddie Bacham)
Dana Bailey 