Ruth 2b Commentary
Both Boaz and Naomi address Ruth as “my daughter”. It shows acceptance and affection. A daughter you have by choice is one who has earned it!
Now we can meet Boaz. He is described as a man of standing in the community. He is also a good man, but importantly, a godly man.
He greets his workers in the name of the LORD and has sufficiently backed up this lip service with his godly character, which we clearly see. The workers have manners that come from their boss. They allow Ruth to work freely.
What the brethren say about you is important. The testimony that you carry defines what you get. Without being paid or bribed, the workers put in a good word for Ruth: “She came into the field and has remained here from morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter.”
See how God shapes events: “As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelek”. Boaz spoke kindly to her.
There are several key points for the young woman in search of a man.
What has the potential man heard about your character? Boaz has heard about Ruth’s kindness and good heart. Now, he has also learned from his workers that Ruth is hardworking. A Christian woman’s Resume is written in her daily life.
Is there a mother in your life to tell you to; “go with the women who work for him, because in someone else’s field you might be harmed”.
Jesus Christ is a pearl of great value. Have you clung to it the way Ruth clung to the God that she found in Naomi?
Can your church members say the good things that the workers said about Ruth? Can the community around you report on your kindness?
By the end of this chapter, every man is in love with Ruth. This is exactly Peter’s view. What matters is not your outer appearance—the styling of your hair, the jewelry you wear, the cut of your clothes—but your inner disposition. Cultivate inner beauty, the gentle, gracious kind that God delights in. 1 Peter 3 verses 4 to 6. The Message Bible.
Indeed, which man wouldn’t want Ruth for a wife? But see how the scripture skips physical beauty to let her inner self shine even brighter! And most men have even forgotten she is a widow!
It’s simple: Kindness, loyalty, moral uprightness, and diligence …, what a combination! That’s Ruth. We shall read about Boaz’s moral integrity. We have already seen kindness.
The “days when the Judges ruled” were morally rough times. But our hearts were warmed by Manoah and his wife’s devotion and dedication – Samson’s parents. Now we have Boaz and Ruth. The LORD God is never without His remnant!
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