College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
Ruth 2 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 2
Ruth gleaning in the field of Boaz. Provision was made in Israel for the poor and widowed to glean the fields for their sustenance. Land owners were instructed not to reap wholly the corners of their fields. They were not to gather the gleaning of the harvest. Fallen fruits of the orchards were to be left as were the grapes in the vineyard. These were for the poor and the sojourner among them (Leviticus 19:9-10). Ruth took her place among these non-advantaged people.
Ruth treated kindly by Boaz. Ruth was invited to eat with the reapers of Boaz. When they went out to the field again, Boaz gave instructions to his men telling them to leave additional grain in the field for Ruth. He was a near kinsman of Naomi's and had heard of Ruth's coming back to Bethlehem with Naomi.
Naomi informed of Ruth's good fortune. The day's work in the fields of Boaz gave enough grain to Ruth to meet the immediate needs of the two women. Naomi thanked God that Ruth received such kind treatment, and she encouraged Ruth to work only in the fields of Boaz. For this reason, Ruth stayed with the workers in the fields of Boaz until the end of the barley harvest.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
Labor and Management are compatible. When Boaz came to meet his workers, he greeted them with a prayer that the Lord would be with them. They replied by praying that God would bless their master. Such a healthy relationship between the owner of land and those who worked for him is a good example to be imitated by all who are in similar situations today.
2.
A good reputation is the best kind of introduction. When Boaz met Ruth, she was humble before him. She was surprised that he paid any attention to her since she was a foreigner. Boaz replied that he had heard already how she had treated her mother-in-law kindly after the death of her husband. He knew how Ruth had left her father and mother and the land of her nativity to come into the land of Judah. All of this spoke highly of Ruth's character.
3.
Generation gaps need not occur. In the twentieth century much has been made of children entering into an era of life known as the teen ages. Young people believe they enter into some kind of magic time of life when they are not quite children and not quite adult. Throughout many of these years they look askance at anyone more than ten years older than they are and quite often refuse to listen to the counsel of wiser and more mature judgment. Ruth did not take this attitude. She looked to Naomi for counsel, and Naomi counseled her wisely as she asked her to stay in the fields of Boaz. Each generation should look for this pleasant association with those younger or older than they.
TEN QUESTIONS ON CHAPTER 2
1.
What was the name of Elimelech's near kinsman?
2.
What service did Ruth ask Naomi to allow her to perform?
3.
In what village did the near-kinsman live?
4.
What was the kinsman's greeting to the men in his field?
5.
What was the reply of the men in the field?
6.
Where did Ruth want to glean?
7.
By what title did Ruth describe herself?
8.
What delicacy was Ruth given to eat?
9.
How much grain did Ruth get from her gleaning?
10.
What kind of grain was it?