Ruth 2

In chapter one, we see Ruth and Naomi leaving Moab after the death of their husbands. Orpah has returned to her family. Naomi and Ruth are back in Naomi’s hometown of Bethlehem.

Ruth was a Moabite (a Gentile) and Moab and Israel often fought against each other. Mahlon and Chilion marrying Moabite women wouldn’t have been widely accepted. Often when a foreigner married a Jew, they influenced them to worship the false gods. Ruth did the opposite and adopted the faith and beliefs of her husband and his family.

The death of all the men left Naomi in a precarious position. Custom would have a widow without children marrying the brother of her spouse or his closest male relative for land inheritances to remain in the family. Since Elimelech, Chilion, and Mahlon had all passed, Naomi was in the precarious position of losing the family land as we all as needing basic essentials such as food.

• Living in Judea
  • The situation (Ruth 2:2)
    • These two women faced with the need to survive
      • The provision of God’s directive
        • Their first need was for food
        • God knew the needs of Naomi and Ruth along with other widows
        • God’s provision was established
          • When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. ²⁰ When you beat the olives from your trees, do not go over the branches a second time. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. ²¹ When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. ²² Remember that you were slaves in Egypt. That is why I command you to do this. Deuteronomy 24:1-22
          • “‘When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and for the foreigner residing among you. I am the Lord your God.’” Leviticus 23:22
        • Ruth becomes the provider (Ruth 2:2)
  • God’s guidance (Ruth 2:3-10)
    • God’s coincidences (Ruth 2:3)
    • A benevolent relative (Ruth 2:3b)
      • He was not under obligation as a son or daughter would be
      • His concern (Ruth 2:8-9)
      • Ruth’s question (Ruth 2:10)
        • At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?”
  • Kindness repaid (Ruth 2:11-18)
    • Ruth’s needs were met as she gleaned
      • Food
      • Water
      • Protection
      • She also found acceptance which was a greater need
  • Kindness changes a bitter heart (Ruth 2:18-23)
    • Naomi sees God’s provision carried out by Boaz