{"id":19830,"date":"2020-02-12T17:01:15","date_gmt":"2020-02-12T23:01:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/?page_id=19830"},"modified":"2021-01-11T10:30:03","modified_gmt":"2021-01-11T16:30:03","slug":"ruth-chapter-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/bible-studies\/ruth\/ruth-chapter-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Ruth: Chapter 2"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t

Ruth: Chapter 2<\/h1>\n
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Boaz Gives Ruth Protection Ruth 2:7-13<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

1. Who was Boaz?<\/h4>\n

Boaz was \u201ca man of great wealth, of the family of Elimelech<\/em>\u201d (Ruth 2:1). Thus, he was suited to do the duty of a kinsman to Ruth, on behalf of her late husband. Boaz was the son of Rahab (Matthew 1:5), presumably the same Rahab who protected the Israelite spies in Jericho and was thus spared destruction (Joshua 2:1-7; 6:17, 23-25). Although Boaz was an older man (Ruth 3:10), this would place the story of Ruth very early in the period of the Judges. As the son of a Canaanite woman, Boaz may have been predisposed to show kindness toward gentiles.<\/p>\n

2. What did Ruth ask to do?<\/h4>\n

\u201cSo Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, \u2018Please let me go to the field, and glean heads of grain after him in whose sight I may find favor\u2019<\/em>\u201d (Ruth 2:2). In the Law of Moses, God made very careful provision for the needy, especially strangers and widows, by prohibiting landowners from reaping the entirety of their crops, so that the needy could have some (Leviticus 19:9-10; 23:22; Deuteronomy 24:19-22). Ruth simply requested Naomi\u2019s permission to do so.<\/p>\n

3. How did Boaz greet the reapers and how did they reply?<\/h4>\n

\u201cNow behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said to the reapers, \u2018The Lord be with you!\u2019 And they answered him, \u2018The Lord bless you!\u2019<\/em>\u201d (Ruth 2:4). This was, apparently, a standard greeting (Psalm 129:5, 8). However, it demonstrates the proper attitude of a master toward his servants (Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 4:1).<\/p>\n

\"\"

Boaz Sees Ruth Ruth 2:5-6<\/p><\/div>\n

4. What did Boaz inquire of the foreman and what answer did he receive?<\/h4>\n

\u201cThen Boaz said to his servant who was in charge of the reapers, \u2018Whose young woman is this?\u2019 So the servant who was in charge of the reapers answered and said, \u2018It is the young Moabite woman who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab. And she said, \u2018Please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves.\u2019 So she came and has continued from morning until now, though she rested a while in the house\u2019<\/em>\u201d (Ruth 2:5-7). Ruth had already earned a good reputation (Proverbs 22:1) for having accompanied Naomi into Judah. Here, she builds on that reputation by politely asking permission to do what the Law of Moses plainly allowed her to do (Leviticus 19:9-10; 23:22; Deuteronomy 24:19-22).<\/p>\n

5. How did Boaz address Ruth and what did he tell her?<\/h4>\n

He addressed her as \u201cmy daughter<\/em>\u201d (Ruth 2:8), thereby indicating a significant age discrepancy between the two, yet simultaneously implying affection that a Gentile was unlikely to receive from Israelites. He instructed her not to glean elsewhere, but to remain with his people on his land (Ruth 2:8), saying that he had already ordered his men to leave her alone (Ruth 2:9). Also, she was to help herself to the water that his servants had drawn (Ruth 2:9). He was taking her under his very thorough protection, yet with respect for her dignity by allowing her to work for herself and her mother-in-law, rather than simply receive alms.<\/p>\n

6. How did Ruth respond?<\/h4>\n

In humble gratitude, she prostrated herself before Boaz, asking him why he favored her, a foreigner (Ruth 2:10). Of course, she was probably unaware of his Gentile heritage (Matthew 1:5; Joshua 2:1-7; 6:17, 23-25).<\/p>\n

7. What was Boaz’s answer and how did he bless her?<\/h4>\n

He confirmed that her reputation preceded her (Ruth 2:11). Indeed, \u201cA good name is to be chosen rather than great riches<\/em>\u201d (Proverbs 22:1). Then, he blessed her for seeking protection from \u201cthe Lord God of Israel<\/em>\u201d (Ruth 2:12). Notice that afterward she no longer identified herself as a \u201cforeigner<\/em>,\u201d but as his \u201cmaidservant<\/em>\u201d (Ruth 2:13). This was a turning point for Ruth.<\/p>\n

8. What transpired at mealtime?<\/h4>\n

Boaz personally invited Ruth to him and his workers for lunch, passing enough food to her so that she was full and had leftovers to spare (Ruth 2:14). Boaz honored Ruth (Luke 14:7-11) and continued to provide for her.<\/p>\n

9. What did Boaz instruct his workers concerning Ruth?<\/h4>\n

He ordered them to allow her to glean \u201ceven among the sheaves<\/em>\u201d and to \u201clet some grain fall purposely for her<\/em>\u201d and not to rebuke her at all (Ruth 2:15-16), all of which would supply her and Naomi with abundance, yet with dignity for having worked. Boaz was mindful of Ruth\u2019s feelings as well as her material requirements. He made this provision for her without her knowing it, just as our God supplies for us beyond our knowledge (Ephesians 3:20-21).<\/p>\n

10. Until when did she glean? What did she do with what she had gleaned?<\/h4>\n

\u201cShe gleaned in the field until evening<\/em>\u201d (Ruth 2:17), having begun in the morning (Ruth 2:7). She labored all day outdoors. When she was done gleaning, she \u201cbeat out what she had gleaned<\/em>,\u201d so she wasn\u2019t even finished yet.<\/p>\n

11. What did Ruth bring to Naomi?<\/h4>\n

Besides the \u201cephah of barley<\/em>\u201d she had gleaned (Ruth 2:17-18), she also gave her mother-in-law the prepared food she kept back after eating lunch (Ruth 2:14, 18).<\/p>\n

12. What did Naomi want to know and who did she bless?<\/h4>\n

She asked Ruth where she had worked and blessed the one who had taken notice of her (Ruth 2:19). The amount Ruth brought must have been am impressive sum to warrant this type of reaction.<\/p>\n

13. Who did Naomi bless when Ruth answered her and what fact did she inform her daughter-in-law of?<\/h4>\n

In a sense, she blessed both Jehovah and Jehovah\u2019s man Boaz (Ruth 2:20). She told Ruth that Boaz was a relative, which made him a potential redeemer.<\/p>\n

14. What did Naomi think of Boaz’s instructions to Ruth?<\/h4>\n

She regarded it as \u201cgood\u201d that Ruth remain among Boaz\u2019s people, not only because of the prosperity he provided but also because thereby she would avoid encounters elsewhere by those less favorably inclined toward a foreigner among them (Ruth 2:22).<\/p>\n

15. Did Ruth comply?<\/h4>\n

Yes, she did, until both barley and wheat harvests were complete (Ruth 2:23), a period of a couple of months.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPrior Lesson\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRuth\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNext Lesson\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Ruth: Chapter 2   1. Who was Boaz? Boaz was \u201ca man of great wealth, of the family of Elimelech\u201d (Ruth 2:1). Thus, he was suited to do the duty of a kinsman to Ruth, on behalf of her late husband. Boaz was the son of Rahab (Matthew 1:5), presumably the same Rahab who protected…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":19824,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-19830","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":20424,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/bible-studies\/a-study-of-ruth\/joy-returns\/","url_meta":{"origin":19830,"position":0},"title":"Joy Returns","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"February 26, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Joy Returns Text: Ruth 4 Understanding What You Read: Why do you suppose the near relative is not named? Why did the near relative change his mind about redeeming Elimelech\u2019s property? How was the near relative\u2019s refusal to redeem Elimelech\u2019s property confirmed? Why wasn\u2019t Boaz concerned that marrying Ruth would\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":19851,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/bible-studies\/a-study-of-ruth\/background-to-the-book-of-ruth\/","url_meta":{"origin":19830,"position":1},"title":"Background to the Book of Ruth","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"February 12, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Background to the Book of Ruth Assignment: Read the entire Book of Ruth as a story. Understanding What You Read: List out the people mentioned in Ruth and what you know about them. What do you think is the purpose of this book? Why did God see fit to include\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":19837,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/bible-studies\/ruth\/ruth-chapter-4\/","url_meta":{"origin":19830,"position":2},"title":"Ruth: Chapter 4","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"February 12, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Ruth: Chapter 4 1. Where did Boaz go to conduct the transaction? \u201cNow Boaz went up to the gate and sat down there\u201d (Ruth 4:1). City gates were the customary places to do public business in those days, where the elders of the city would hold court (Deuteronomy 21:19). 2.\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":20418,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/bible-studies\/a-study-of-ruth\/an-opportunity-to-repay\/","url_meta":{"origin":19830,"position":3},"title":"An Opportunity to Repay","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"February 26, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"An Opportunity to Repay Text: Ruth 3 Understanding What You Read: What did Naomi wish to obtain for Ruth? How was Ruth to prepare herself? How was she to gain Boaz\u2019s notice? What did Boaz praise Ruth for not doing? Where was it inappropriate for a woman to be? What\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":19817,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/bible-studies\/a-study-of-ruth\/kindness-shown\/","url_meta":{"origin":19830,"position":4},"title":"Kindness Shown","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"February 12, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Kindness Shown Text: Ruth 1:19-2:23 Understanding What You Read: Why did Naomi\u2019s return cause a stir in Bethlehem? What new name did Naomi want to be called? Why? Who did Naomi think caused her problems? Was this a lack of faith on her part? What did Ruth volunteer to do?\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/scan0015-7.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":19834,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/bible-studies\/ruth\/ruth-chapter-3\/","url_meta":{"origin":19830,"position":5},"title":"Ruth: Chapter 3","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"February 12, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Ruth: Chapter 3 1. What would Naomi seek for Ruth? Whereas previously Naomi had desired and prayed that Ruth would find rest with a new husband (Ruth 1:9), presently Naomi would proactively seek out her daughter-in-law\u2019s security with a new husband. \u201cThen Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, \u2018My daughter,\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19830","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19830"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19830\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19824"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19830"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}