Refugee Ruth
Bible Passage: Ruth 2
Having arrived back in Bethlehem, the situation is precarious for Naomi and Ruth – but in this chapter, things take a turn for the better as we meet the next character in this story: Boaz.
A Worthy Man: As we are introduced to Boaz we are told that he is a relative of Elimelech (which will become significant in the story) and that he is a landowner who had people working for him. We are given a picture of his character and he is an example of Godly living. He is described in verse 1 as a worthy man, and in verse 3 we see that he is honouring God by keeping the law that allowed those in need to glean from the edges of the field (this was set in the days of the judges – and obedience to the Law was not all that common!) and also by acknowledging God in his conversations with his employees. In addition to honouring God, he honoured people too. His relationship with his workers was good, and when Ruth started gleaning in his field he noticed her, took the time to ask after her and ensured that she was okay and well provided for.
A Worthy Woman: Meeting Boaz was a key moment in the upturn of Ruth’s fortunes, but Ruth was not passively waiting to meet somebody like this. She was industriously setting about doing good for herself and Naomi in the midst of their difficult circumstances. She made use of the means available in the law, she worked hard and she provided for Naomi. Though Ruth and Boaz are from very different backgrounds, they are both models of godliness and generosity in this chapter.
Finding Favour: In coming chapters there will be a romance story to tell, but that isn’t what is happening in chapter 2. This is a good man selflessly helping out somebody who is having a tough time. In verses 12 and 13 we see the idea of finding favour comes to the fore. It is clear from the events that Ruth has found favour with Boaz in the way he has offered a welcome to glean in his field, protection (asking his workers to serve as a bodyguard squad as Ruth gleaned) and provision for her needs and Naomi’s (offering more barley than he was legally required to). In finding favour with Boaz, we see that Ruth has found favour with God and that it is under his wings that she has taken refuge. Boaz was a means of God’s grace in Ruth and Naomi’s lives – and as we come under God’s wings for refuge we too find welcome and favour, provision for our needs, and protection – both in the every day and in our eternal salvation.
We left Naomi at the end of chapter 1 in a bitter place, but now things are different. She has found the grace and favour of God, and that changes everything.
Potential Applications:
- The example of Boaz is a model of compassion for people in need. Ruth is an immigrant, a widow and is poor; and all of these are groups of people the Bible specifically instructs us to care for. This example should challenge the way we view and act towards such people.
- The example of Ruth is also one to emulate, showing proactivity in doing what she can to care for herself and Naomi. This challenges us away from passivity and into doing what we can to make a difference.
- Ultimately, it is in God that our needs are met and we find provision and protection. You could invite people to bring their needs before him in prayer, and perhaps offer a time of prayer response for those with particular practical needs right now.
Read Ruth 2
Boaz is introduced as a “worthy man.” What specific details in the chapter show his godliness in action, and what might a “worthy life” look like in our own context?
Gleaning laws were rarely obeyed in the days of the judges. Why do you think Boaz’s simple obedience is portrayed as so significant?
Ruth is proactive, hard-working, and courageous in stepping into the fields. How does her example challenge assumptions about waiting passively for God’s provision?
Why do you think Boaz notices Ruth when others might have ignored her? What does this tell us about how God sees people whom society often overlooks?
Boaz’s kindness is generous but also costly: socially, financially, and in terms of risk. Where might God be prompting us to show costly compassion to the vulnerable in our own communities?
In verses 12–13, Ruth’s favour with Boaz is interpreted as refuge under the wings of God. How do these scenes shape your understanding of how God provides, protects, and extends grace in ordinary life?
