Ruth

Lesson 2Ruth Chapter 2

As we have observed from our study of Ruth thus far, God works in ways that we do not always understand, and often through the daily things we do. It was certainly impossible for Naomi to believe that God’s hand was in any of the hardships that she and her family had encountered, yet exactly as God had planned, we will see Boaz go on to marry Ruth, as together they become the great grandparents of King David.

Ruth

I believe we can all sympathize with Naomi as she returns to her village, after leaving years earlier with a husband and sons; only to return now a widow with no possessions, and a daughter who is also without a husband. What will she and Ruth do? How will she care for the two of them? What will folks say?

Read Ruth Chapter 2, then answer the following:

  1. Do you suppose that Boaz was a rich and influential man in the community? And since these events are occurring during the time of the Judges, what kind of character did Boaz display?
  2. Ruth went to glean in the fields, the practice of following after the harvesters and picking up what was left behind. Was she working for Boaz, or was this a charitable gesture on his part?
  3. Read Leviticus 19:10. What lesson is God teaching here?
  4. List the reasons that Boaz is allowing Ruth to glean. (see Ruth 2:11-12)
  5. Who is Boaz giving credit to for Ruth being allowed to glean, and to prosper? Why not himself? After all, he owns the land, the crops, and the hired servants?
  6. Why do you suppose Boaz instructed his servants the way he did in Ruth 2:15-16? Why didn’t Boaz just give her the grain?
  7. Do you suppose that after we have lost everything, we begin to see all that we took for granted and are grateful once again for God’s provisions? Re-read Ruth 2:18-20.
  8. Can we see how thankful Naomi is that Ruth has found favor with their kinsman? Do we sometimes take the Lord for granted? Have you ever been thankful when God provided you an answered prayer following a period when there didn’t seem to be any hope?
  9. Can you extract from this lesson the precepts that God teaches us through the lives of Ruth and Boaz? Precepts about helping our brothers and sisters, about not being greedy, and about the duty of everyone prosperous to help provide for the not-so-fortunate? Boaz and Ruth both also give us excellent examples of living responsible, ethical, and upright lives, even when times are tough. Even though Ruth had no worldly possessions, she was willing to work, did not expect special favors, and respected the man who owned the land, the harvest and the servants. Boaz for his part did not take advantage of Ruth, or use his position and wealth in an untoward manner. He respected her dignity, and treated her with all fairness — something unheard of in those days when women were held in such low regard.

Do you suppose that the villagers were aware of all this? Can you envision that how Boaz conducted his business, treated his servants, and cared for his family were known to the villagers and were a testimony about his relationship to God? Can those around you see these same traits in you?

May God bless you this week as you faithfully study His Word.

In Christ,

Wes

[2019]

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