“And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The Lord be with you. And they answered him, The Lord bless thee.”
Context:The book of Ruth is a beautiful narrative found in the Old Testament. It tells the story of Ruth, a Moabite woman, who demonstrates great faithfulness and loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, after their husbands die. Ruth accompanies Naomi back to Bethlehem, where they hope to find provision and support.
Verse Analysis:“And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem”: Boaz, a prominent figure in the story, enters the scene. He is a relative of Naomi’s deceased husband, Elimelech, and plays a significant role in the lives of Ruth and Naomi.
“And said unto the reapers, The Lord be with you”: Boaz greets the reapers who are working in his fields. This demonstrates his concern for the well-being of those who work for him. It also shows his acknowledgment of God’s presence and blessing in their lives. By saying, “The Lord be with you,” Boaz acknowledges that their work is not merely for personal gain but is a part of God’s greater plan.
“And they answered him, The Lord bless thee”: The reapers respond to Boaz’s greeting with a blessing, expressing their desire for God’s favour and blessings upon him. This response reflects their recognition of Boaz’s kindness and generosity towards them. It also highlights the mutual respect and appreciation between Boaz and his workers.
Themes and Lessons:
- Faithfulness and Blessings:The book of Ruth is filled with examples of faithfulness and loyalty. Boaz’s greeting to his reapers and their response emphasize the importance of acknowledging God’s presence and seeking His blessings. This exchange demonstrates that blessings come not only through personal effort but also from recognizing God’s hand at work and seeking His favour.
- Kindness and Generosity:Boaz’s greeting to the reapers reveals his character as a generous and caring individual. It serves as an example of how we should treat those who work under our care or authority. Boaz’s kindness is later extended to Ruth when he provides her with protection and provisions, displaying God’s love through his actions.
- God’s Providence:Throughout the book of Ruth, we witness God’s providence at work. From Ruth’s decision to remain faithful to Naomi to Boaz’s involvement in their lives, it becomes evident that God orchestrates events to accomplish His purposes. This verse reminds us that God’s presence and blessings are not limited to specific individuals but are available to all who acknowledge Him.
Application:
- Acknowledge God’s Presence:Like Boaz, we should acknowledge God’s presence in our daily lives. Recognising that our work and blessings come from Him fosters an attitude of gratitude and humility.
- Show Kindness and Generosity:We can learn from Boaz’s example of kindness and generosity. By treating others with respect and compassion, we reflect God’s character and can be a source of blessing to those around us.
- Trust in God’s Providence:The story of Ruth teaches us to trust in God’s providence even during challenging times. Just as Ruth and Naomi experienced unexpected blessings, we can have faith that God is working behind the scenes for our good, even when circumstances seem difficult.
By studying Ruth 2:4, we gain insight into the characters and themes of the book of Ruth. It encourages us to live faithfully, demonstrate kindness, and trust in God’s providential care.
