“And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest”
Context:The book of Ruth is a beautiful story of loyalty, faithfulness, and redemption. It takes place during the time of the judges when there was a famine in the land of Israel. Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, left Bethlehem and went to live in the country of Moab. While they were in Moab, Elimelech died, and his sons married Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah. After about ten years, both Mahlon and Chilion also died, leaving Naomi a widow with her two daughters-in-law.
Ruth, however, decided to accompany her mother-in-law back to Bethlehem. They arrived at the beginning of the barley harvest, and Ruth went to glean in the fields to provide for their sustenance. She happened to find herself in the field of Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s late husband.
The Background of Ruth:Ruth was a Moabite woman who married into an Israelite family. Despite being a foreigner, she chose to stay loyal to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and follow her back to Bethlehem. This decision demonstrates Ruth’s faithfulness and devotion.
God’s Provision:In Ruth 2:21, Ruth shares with Naomi what Boaz had told her. Boaz instructed Ruth to stay close to his young men, allowing her to glean from their fields until the end of the harvest season. This provision was significant because it provided Ruth and Naomi with sustenance and protection during a time of need.
Boaz’s Kindness:Boaz’s actions toward Ruth reveal his character. He showed kindness and generosity to Ruth, a widow and a foreigner. By allowing her to glean in his fields, he displayed compassion and provided for her needs. Boaz’s kindness serves as a foreshadowing of his later role as a redeemer.
The Principle of Gleaning:Gleaning was a practice established in the Mosaic Law, which allowed the poor and foreigners to gather leftover grain from the fields after the harvest. This practice demonstrated God’s concern for the vulnerable members of society and encouraged charity and generosity among the Israelites.
Themes of Redemption:The story of Ruth is filled with themes of redemption. Ruth’s faithfulness to Naomi and her commitment to follow God’s law eventually lead her to Boaz, who becomes her kinsman-redeemer. Boaz’s role as a redeemer foreshadows the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ, who redeems and restores all who put their faith in Him.
Application:
- Faithfulness and Loyalty:Ruth’s faithfulness to her mother-in-law is an example of loyalty and devotion. We can learn from her commitment to honor and care for family, even in difficult circumstances.
- Trust in God’s Provision:Ruth trusted that God would provide for her and Naomi’s needs. This trust led her to the field of Boaz, where God orchestrated their meeting. We should also trust in God’s provision and have faith that He will take care of us, even in challenging times.
- Compassion and Generosity:Boaz’s kindness toward Ruth challenges us to show compassion and generosity to those in need. We should be willing to extend a helping hand to the marginalized and vulnerable, reflecting God’s love and care for all people.
- The Ultimate Redeemer:The story of Ruth points to Jesus Christ, our ultimate redeemer. Just as Boaz redeemed Ruth and Naomi, Jesus redeems us from sin and offers us eternal salvation. We can find hope in the truth that God’s redemptive plan extends to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Remember, this Bible study provides an overview of the key points and themes found in Ruth 2:21. Further study and exploration of the entire book of Ruth will yield even more insights and spiritual lessons.
