Naomi and Ruth settled into living in Bethlehem. Naomi’s husband had a wealthy relative named Boaz. Ruth was wanting to help support and bring in food for her and Naomi, her mother-in-law. Ruth asked permission to glean grain during the harvest. Ruth 2:1-2
Ruth did not know anyone’s field, she picked one which seemed good to her. The field she picked belonged to Boaz. Boaz blessed all those who were harvesting in his field and they blessed him. He noticed Ruth and asked who she was and why she came back with Naomi from Moab. Boaz saw Ruth in the house (it may have been lunch time) and said she was welcome to glean in his fields during the harvest. He also told her to stay with his maids in the field. He ordered his men not to touch her. He offered her water to drink, gleaning in the hot sun would make one thirsty. Ruth 2:3-9
Ruth bowed low to Boaz and asked why she found favor with him since she was a foreigner. Boaz knew her history and told her that was why he was protecting her and helping her. Then Boaz said to Ruth: “May the LORD reward your work, and your wages be full from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.” Ruth 2:10-12
Ruth’s humility showed bright and shining when she said, “I have found favor in your sight, my lord, for you have comforted me and indeed have spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not like one of your maidservants.” Ruth 2:13
Ruth and Boaz ate lunch together and then she went back out to the field. Boaz told his servants to let more grain be left behind for her to gather. She worked till evening. She beat out what she had gathered (gleaned). She carried the grain to Naomi and told her what had happened during the day in the field of Boaz. Naomi told Ruth that Boaz was a kinsman of her husband. Naomi recognized the favor of protection which Boaz gave to Ruth. She told Ruth to stay in his fields. Ruth 2:14-23
God’s Word ~ Alive!
Psalm 146:9
“The LORD protects the strangers;
He supports the fatherless and the widow,
But He thwarts the way of the wicked.”
God has a variety of ways to protect you!
God’s protection may come from unexpected sources.