Rut 2 | MHM | STEP | Ruth in the Field of Boaz. Now that Naomi was settled in Bethlehem among her old friends, the story continues with two important people: her wealthy relative Boaz, and her daughter-in-law Ruth, who was poor but faithful. This section shows how different their situations were, and how God’s providence worked through both of them in surprising ways. v. 1 : Boaz was a rich and respected man from Naomi’s family, described as a mighty man of wealth . Some translations say he was also mighty in the law , meaning he knew God’s Word well. Boaz was the grandson of Nahshon, a leader of Judah, and the son of Salmon, who probably married Rahab of Jericho. Although Boaz was important, he still had poor relatives like Naomi. This reminds us that even great families have both rich and poor branches. People who are wealthy should not be ashamed of their poor relatives, and those who are poor should not expect special treatment just because of family connections. God, in His wisdom, decides who is rich or poor.

‏ Ruth 2

Ruth in the Field of Boaz.

Now that Naomi was settled in Bethlehem among her old friends, the story continues with two important people: her wealthy relative Boaz, and her daughter-in-law Ruth, who was poor but faithful. This section shows how different their situations were, and how God’s providence worked through both of them in surprising ways.

v. 1: Boaz was a rich and respected man from Naomi’s family, described as a mighty man of wealth . Some translations say he was also mighty in the law, meaning he knew God’s Word well. Boaz was the grandson of Nahshon, a leader of Judah, and the son of Salmon, who probably married Rahab of Jericho. Although Boaz was important, he still had poor relatives like Naomi. This reminds us that even great families have both rich and poor branches. People who are wealthy should not be ashamed of their poor relatives, and those who are poor should not expect special treatment just because of family connections. God, in His wisdom, decides who is rich or poor.

v. 2: Ruth, Naomi’s daughter-in-law, was in a very tough position. She was young, from a foreign country, and very poor. Even though the people of Bethlehem could have helped Naomi and Ruth by inviting them into their homes, this did not happen. Ruth had to work for food by gleaning leftover grain in the fields. This was a hard and humble job, but Ruth did not complain or wish to go back to Moab, where life might have been easier. Instead, she trusted in the God of Israel and was willing to do any honest work. Ruth showed great humility by asking Naomi’s permission to go and glean. She did not expect anyone to help her, but hoped to find favor with someone who would let her gather grain. Poor people should ask for help respectfully, not demand it. Ruth also showed industry—she wanted to work, not waste time or complain. She respected Naomi and did not ask her to come along, but was willing to work for both of them. Young people should learn from Ruth to work hard and honor their parents or those who care for them. Ruth also depended on God’s providence, saying she would glean wherever she found grace. She trusted that God would make a way for her.

v. 3: When Ruth went out to glean, she did not know whose field she would end up in. It seemed like a coincidence, but her hap was to light on the field of Boaz . This shows that what looks like chance to us is really God’s plan. God controls even the smallest details in our lives. Ruth’s meeting with Boaz was not luck, but God guiding her steps for a special purpose. Sometimes, big things happen because of what seems like a small or random decision, but it is really God working for our good.

The Kindness of Boaz to Ruth.

In this section, Boaz appears in person and shows both kindness and respect. He treats his workers well and is generous to Ruth, a foreigner and stranger. The way he acts shows good character and faith in God, setting an example for others both in leadership and in charity.

v. 4: Boaz greeted his reapers by saying, The Lord be with you, and they replied, The Lord bless you . This short exchange shows the respect and goodwill between Boaz and his workers. He did not just give orders, but prayed for their success. They, in turn, respected and prayed for him. This kind of kind and pious greeting was common at harvest time (Psalm 129:7–8 ^a). It also shows that both Boaz and his workers depended on God's blessing for their work.

v. 5–7: Boaz noticed Ruth, a stranger, among the workers and asked his steward about her. The servant gave a good report. He said Ruth was from Moab, came with Naomi, and had politely asked to glean. She had worked hard since morning, resting only for a short time. The law allowed strangers and the poor to glean in the fields (Leviticus 19:9–10 ^b). Ruth showed humility and industry, and the steward’s honest report helped Boaz see her good qualities. It is important for those in charge to speak truthfully and not discourage others from kindness.

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v. 8–9: Boaz spoke kindly to Ruth. He told her to stay in his fields and follow his female workers. He made sure no one would bother or insult her. Boaz also invited Ruth to drink water that his servants had drawn when she was thirsty (Ruth 2:8–9; 2 Samuel 23:15 ^c). He wanted her to feel safe and welcome, even though she was a foreigner. Boaz’s actions teach us to be generous and protective of those who are vulnerable.

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v. 10–13: Ruth was very thankful for Boaz’s kindness. She bowed down in respect and asked, Why have I found grace in your eyes, since I am a stranger? (Ruth 2:10 ^d). Boaz replied that he had heard of all she had done for Naomi and how she had left her own country to follow the God of Israel. He prayed, The Lord recompense your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, under whose wings you have come to trust (Ruth 2:12 ^e). Ruth humbly thanked him and asked for his continued favor, saying that his words had comforted her. This shows how much good can be done by a kind word or friendly encouragement.

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v. 14–15: At mealtime, Boaz invited Ruth to eat with his workers. He even gave her food himself, showing humility and kindness (Proverbs 31:20 ^f). Ruth ate only what she needed and saved the rest. After eating, she went back to work. Boaz also instructed his servants to let Ruth glean among the sheaves and even to leave extra grain for her on purpose (Ruth 2:15 ^g). He made sure that no one would insult or accuse her of stealing. Boaz’s generosity and protection fulfilled what God’s law commanded and set an example of mercy and fairness.

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Ruth's Report to Naomi.

This section describes how Ruth finished her day of gleaning in the fields and how she reported everything to Naomi. It shows Ruth’s hard work, carefulness, and respect for her mother-in-law. It also shows how God’s kindness was working through everyday events to provide for them both.

v. 17: Ruth worked steadily and did not waste any time. She gleaned in the field until evening. Even though Boaz had told his servants to leave extra grain for her, Ruth still gathered the scattered ears by herself. After gathering, she threshed the barley to prepare it for use and make it easier to carry home. In total, she collected about an ephah of barley, which is a large amount for one day. This teaches us that regular, small efforts can add up to something great. Ruth was careful not to lose what she had gained and carried it home herself (Proverbs 12:27 ^h; 2 John 8).

v. 18: When Ruth got home, she went straight to Naomi and showed her all the barley she had gathered. She also shared the leftover food from the meal Boaz had given her (Ruth 2:18; Ruth 2:14 ⁱ). Ruth honored Naomi by giving her the best of what she had. Helping and caring for parents is a way of showing respect and following God’s commandment (1 Timothy 5:4; Matthew 15:6 ^j).

v. 19–20: Naomi asked Ruth where she had gleaned, showing she cared about Ruth’s activities and safety. Ruth explained everything and told her how kind Boaz had been. Naomi was thankful and prayed for Boaz, saying, Blessed be he of the Lord (Ruth 2:19–20 ^k). Naomi remembered that Boaz had been kind to both the living and the dead—her family in the past and now to Ruth. She also told Ruth that Boaz was a close relative, a “kinsman-redeemer,” who could help their family in a special way (Job 29:13; Exodus 22:27 ^l).

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v. 21–22: Ruth told Naomi that Boaz had invited her to stay with his workers through the whole harvest. Naomi encouraged Ruth to keep working in Boaz’s fields and to stay close to his maidens, not to go to other fields. Naomi knew it was safer and wiser to stay where she had found favor. She wanted Ruth to keep receiving Boaz’s kindness and protection. It also showed respect for Boaz’s generosity and avoided any misunderstanding (Proverbs 6:6–8 ^m).

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v. 23: Ruth obeyed Naomi’s advice and continued gleaning in Boaz’s fields through both the barley and wheat harvests. She stayed close to Boaz’s maidens, worked hard each day, and always returned home to Naomi in the evening. Ruth did not waste time or seek other company, but focused on her responsibilities. In the end, her humility and diligence led to greater blessings and honor (Proverbs 22:29 ⁿ).