Seeing Christ In Ruth: A 5-Day DevotionalExemplo

2:1 By introducing Boaz here, the author prepares us for what is coming so that as the story unfolds, we will recognize the overruling hand of God administering His gracious plan. 

2:2–13 Biblical law provides grace for those who struggle by instructing reapers to leave a portion of the field unharvested. The purpose of this was to allow the poor, widows, and sojourners to provide for themselves by gleaning (Lev. 19:9–10; 23:22; Deut. 24:19–22). Ruth does not presume this will apply to her, but in hopes of finding “favor” (Ruth 2:2, 10, 13, often translated “grace”), she asks permission from the young man in charge of Boaz’s reapers to glean in his field (v. 7; cf. v. 2). She finds favor not only with him but also with Boaz, who has heard of her faith in the Lord and her faithfulness to her mother-in-law. Boaz gives instruction for her protection and provision, then prays the Lord’s rewards on her as one who has found refuge under his wings (cf. Deut. 32:11ff.; Ps. 17:8; 36:7ff.; 57:1; 63:7; 91:1–4). Ruth is overwhelmed by such grace given to “a foreigner” (v. 10). As a Moabite, she would have been considered an enemy of God’s people and forbidden to enter the assembly of the Lord (Deut. 23:3). But as one who put her faith in the Lord and His covenant promises—ultimately fulfilled in the Lord Jesus Christ—she is a child of Abraham by faith (Rom. 4:13–16; Gal. 3:7–9).

2:14–23 Boaz continues to shower his favor on Ruth by having her sit with his reapers at mealtime and by serving her more than she can consume. He instructs his young men to let her glean among the sheaves—not just at the edge of the field—and to leave extra grain for her to gather. When Naomi sees the large amount of barley and the leftover food that Ruth brings home and learns that Boaz is the generous landowner who has taken notice of Ruth in this way, her bitterness and despair dissipate. She prays blessing on Boaz and praises the Lord for His covenant kindness (hesed, v. 20) that never forsakes His own. Naomi reveals to Ruth that Boaz is a close relative, one of their redeemers (goel). For them such a goel holds the promise of help, protection, security, and redemption—a future and a hope (Jer. 29:11). 

The same is true of us when we hear for the first time that there exists a Redeemer who may save us from our spiritual poverty and hopelessness, who can take away our guilt of sin and its wages of death and give us right standing before God, bringing us into His very family (Rom. 6:23; 8:16).