Ruth Meets Boaz

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Chapter 2 tells of the meeting of Boaz, Naomi's kinsman, and the humility of Ruth, her daughter-in-law. They were without food and Ruth asks Naomi for permission to go into the fields to "glean". "Gleaning" was a privilege established by law. The poor were allowed to go into harvest fields and gather grain that had been left behind by the reapers. (Lev. 19:9)

Here we see four beautiful traits about Ruth:

1. Humble. Providence had made her poor but she was not uneasy with it.
2. Industrious. She did not shy from menial tasks.
3. Devoted. She loved her mother-in-law as a mother.
4. Dependent upon God. "I will glean after Him, in whose sight I shall find grace."

Now notice some things about Boaz:

1. He was of the same family as Elimelech, Naomi's husband.
2. He was rich in money and knowledge of the law.
3. He was concerned about his laborers. He checked in on their well being as they worked.
4. He expressed respect for them and they for him.
5. He expressed kindness for the stranger that appeared in his field and left instructions concerning her.
6. He prayed for her.

Now notice some things about Boaz's foreman:

1. He listened to Ruth and related well all that she told him.
2. He relates her family ties through her father-in-law.
3. He tells Boaz of her background, a Moabite and a proselyte.
4. He relates how she would not glean until she had received permission.
5. He tells how industrious and tireless she was in her work.

At the days end, Ruth has impressed the foreman, met Boaz and gleaned 4 pecks of barley. She reports to Naomi who was very pleased. Naomi cautions Ruth not to glean in any other field, as this would be contempt for Boaz's courtesy

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