Table of Contents
- Table of Contents
- Pictures from the story of Ruth
- Scripture References
- Ruth Chapter 1
- Ruth Chapter 2
- Ruth Chapter 2 - Study Guide
Pictures from the story of Ruth
- A picture of God’s plan to provide a monarch
- A picture of a coming Messiah, redeeming sinners both Jew and Gentile from the curse of Law
- Reveals how the Lord will bring our age to an end and fulfill all His promises to Israel and the nations of the earth
Jesus our Kinsman Redeemer
Scripture References
- Ruth
- Deuteronomy 25:5-10
Deuteronomy 25:5 - 10
“When brothers live together, and one of them dies and has no son, the wife of the deceased shall not be married outside the family to a strange man. Her husband’s brother shall have relations with her and take her to himself as his wife, and perform the duty of a husband’s brother to her. It shall then be that the firstborn to whom she gives birth shall assume the name of his father’s deceased brother, so that his name will not be wiped out from Israel. But if the man does not desire to take his brother’s widow, then his brother’s widow shall go up to the gate to the elders, and say, ‘My husband’s brother refuses to establish a name for his brother in Israel; he is not willing to perform the duty of a husband’s brother to me.’ Then the elders of his city shall summon him and speak to him. And if he persists and says, ‘I do not desire to take her,’ then his brother’s widow shall come up to him in the sight of the elders, and pull his sandal off his foot and spit in his face; and she shall declare, ‘This is what is done to the man who does not build up his brother’s house!’ And in Israel his family shall be called by the name, ‘The house of him whose sandal was removed.’
Ruth Chapter 1
In Chapter 1, Naomi journeys from Moab back to Bethlehem after the death of her husband and sons. Ruth, her Moabite daughter-in-law, clings to her and pledges loyalty to Naomi and to Israel’s God (vv. 1–18). Naomi returns bitter and empty, grieving her losses as the barley harvest begins (vv. 19–22).
Christ is presented as the one to whom the faithful cling, forsaking all else to follow the true God (v. 16).
Believers should remain steadfast in loyalty and trust God through seasons of loss and uncertainty (vv. 16–17).
Ruth Chapter 2
In Chapter 2, Ruth gleans in the fields of Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s late husband. Boaz shows kindness and favor to Ruth, providing protection and provision (vv. 1–16). Naomi recognizes Boaz as a close relative and sees God’s hand of kindness in his actions (vv. 17–23).
Christ is presented as the gracious provider who extends favor and refuge to the outsider (v. 12).
Believers should humbly receive God’s provision and recognize His sovereignty in everyday circumstances (vv. 10–12).
Ruth Chapter 2 - Study Guide
Verse 2:1
Ruth 2:1
”Now Naomi had a relative of her husband, a man of great wealth, from the family of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz.”
— Ruth 2:1 NASB2020📝 Textual Notes:
- “a relative” — Hebrew: could also mean “a kinsman” or “an acquaintance”
- “a man of great wealth” — Hebrew: “a mighty man of valor”, sometimes implying strength, influence, or noble character
- “Elimelech” — first introduced in Ruth 1:2* as Naomi’s husband
Verse 2:2
Ruth 2:2
”And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, ‘Please let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain following one in whose eyes I may find favor.’ And she said to her, ‘Go, my daughter.’”
— Ruth 2:2 NASB2020
Cross Reference for verse 2:2
🌾 Leviticus 19:9–10
“Now when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap to the very edges of your field, nor shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest.
Nor shall you glean your vineyard, nor gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the needy and for the stranger. I am the Lord your God.”
➤ God’s law established gleaning rights for the poor and foreigners — exactly what Ruth, as a Moabite, seeks to do.
🌾 Leviticus 23:22
“When you reap the harvest of your land, moreover, you shall not reap to the very edges of your field nor gather the gleaning of your harvest;
you are to leave them for the needy and the stranger. I am the Lord your God.”
➤ The law repeats the obligation during harvest feasts — emphasizing God’s mercy and provision.
📜 Deuteronomy 24:19
“When you reap your harvest in your field and have forgotten a sheaf in the field, you are not to go back to get it;
it shall be left for the stranger, the orphan, and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.”
➤ Gleaning was a God-ordained provision — aligning perfectly with Ruth’s act of humility and faith.
🚜 Ruth 2:7
“And she said, ‘Please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves.’ So she came and has continued from the morning until now; she has been sitting in the house for a little while.”
➤ Highlights Ruth’s diligent and respectful attitude in seeking provision according to the Law.
Verse 2:3
Ruth 2:3
”So she left, and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers; and she happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech.”
— Ruth 2:3 NASB2020📝 Translation Note:
- “She happened to come” — literally in Hebrew: “her chance chanced upon” (miqreh qarah)
➤ A Hebrew idiom implying a “coincidence”, though the reader clearly sees God’s providential hand guiding her steps.
Cross Reference for verse 2:3
🌿 Proverbs 16:9
“The mind of a person plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps.”
➤ Ruth’s “chance” was divinely ordered — not luck, but the providence of God at work.
👑 Matthew 1:5–6
“Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab, Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth, and Obed fathered Jesse.
Jesse fathered David the king.”
➤ Boaz is the son of Rahab — the redeemed Canaanite from Jericho (Joshua 2). Like Ruth, she was a Gentile woman of faith brought into Israel’s redemptive line.
🧬 Ruth 4:21–22
“Now Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed,
and Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered David.”
➤ Connects Ruth’s “random” encounter with Messianic lineage — tying this moment directly to God’s sovereign plan.
Verse 2:4
Ruth 2:4
”Now behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem and said to the reapers, ‘May the Lord be with you.’ And they said to him, ‘May the Lord bless you.’”
— Ruth 2:4 NASB2020📝 Textual Note:
- “May the Lord be with you” is a common covenantal greeting in Israel that carries spiritual weight, especially when spoken by or to one chosen for a divine role.
Cross Reference for verse 2:4
⚔️ Judges 6:12
“And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, ‘The Lord is with you, valiant warrior.’”
➤ Spoken to Gideon, this greeting marks divine calling and empowerment — echoes of what Boaz will represent.
🙌 Psalm 129:8
“Nor do those who pass by say,
‘The blessing of the Lord be upon you;
We bless you in the name of the Lord.’”
➤ Reflects the cultural and spiritual context of such greetings — speaking blessing and covenant favor.
👼 Luke 1:28
“And coming in, he said to her, ‘Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.’”
➤ Spoken to Mary, mother of Jesus — shows the divine significance of this phrase in moments of redemptive history.
✝️ 2 Thessalonians 3:16
“Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance.
The Lord be with you all!”
➤ A New Testament benediction of the same kind — pointing to God’s active presence and peace.
Verse 2:5
Ruth 2:5
”Then Boaz said to his servant who was in charge of the reapers, ‘Whose young woman is this?’”
— Ruth 2:5 NASB2020📝 Note:
Boaz’s question reflects a cultural identification through household or tribal connection. He’s not asking who she is merely out of curiosity but what family or house she belongs to.
Verse 2:6
Ruth 2:6
”And the servant in charge of the reapers replied, ‘She is the young Moabite woman who returned with Naomi from the land of Moab.’”
— Ruth 2:6 NASB2020📝 Note:
Ruth’s Moabite identity is emphasized again, reminding the reader of her outsider status — and the magnitude of Boaz’s kindness in what follows.
Verse 2:7
Ruth 2:7
”And she said, ‘Please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves.’
So she came and has continued from the morning until now; she has been sitting in the house for a little while.”
— Ruth 2:7 NASB2020
Cross Reference for verse 2:7
🛐 Ruth 2:2
“Please let me go to the field and glean…”
➤ Ruth’s request shows her humility and understanding of Israel’s law — she is diligent and respectful even as a foreigner.
Verse 2:8
Ruth 2:8
”Then Boaz said to Ruth, ‘Listen carefully, my daughter: do not go to glean in another field; furthermore, do not go on from this one, but stay here with my female workers.’”
— Ruth 2:8 NASB2020📝 Note:
Boaz refers to Ruth as “my daughter” — a term of respect, protection, and affection, signaling a safe and honorable environment.
Verse 2:9
Ruth 2:9
”Have your eyes on the field which they reap, and go after them. Indeed, I have ordered the servants not to touch you.
When you are thirsty, go to the water jars and drink from what the servants draw.”
— Ruth 2:9 NASB2020
Cross Reference for verse 2:9
🛡️ Isaiah 32:2
“Each will be like a shelter from the wind
And a refuge from the storm…”
➤ Boaz becomes a refuge for Ruth, a prophetic foreshadowing of Christ as Redeemer.
💧 John 4:7–10
“A woman of Samaria came to draw water; Jesus said to her, ‘Give Me a drink.’…
’If you knew the gift of God… He would have given you living water.’”
➤ Boaz offers water from the servants; Christ offers living water to the outsider.
Chapter 2 Verse 10
Ruth 2:10 “Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, ‘Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, though I am a foreigner?’” — Ruth 2:10 NASB2020
Cross References
🌍 Deuteronomy 10:18–19
“He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the stranger by giving him food and clothing. So show your love for the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” ➤ Ruth recognizes she is a foreigner, yet she’s experiencing divine kindness.
💗 Luke 7:6–7
“Lord, do not trouble Yourself further, for I am not worthy for You to enter under my roof… just say the word…” ➤ Like Ruth, the centurion humbly recognizes unworthiness — yet receives grace and favor.
Verse 2:11
Ruth 2:11 “Boaz replied to her, ‘All that you have done for your mother-in-law after the death of your husband has been fully reported to me, and how you left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and came to a people that you did not previously know.’” — Ruth 2:11 NASB2020
Cross Reference for verse 2:11
✨ Genesis 12:1
“Go from your country, and from your relatives, and from your father’s house, to the land which I will show you…” ➤ Ruth, like Abraham, leaves everything — demonstrating faith and obedience.
🤍 Philippians 2:4–7
“Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others… He emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant…” ➤ Ruth reflects selfless humility — a Christlike character.
Verse 2:12
Ruth 2:12 “May the Lord reward your work, and may your wages be full from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” — Ruth 2:12 NASB2020
Cross Reference for verse 2:12
🕊️ Psalm 91:4
“He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may take refuge…” ➤ Boaz uses a tender covenantal image — refuge under God’s wings.
🙌 Matthew 23:37
“How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling.” ➤ Jesus echoes the same redemptive imagery — protection, belonging, and grace.
🎁 Hebrews 11:6
”…He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” ➤ Boaz invokes God as Rewarder — Ruth’s faith and loyalty are not forgotten.
Verse 2:13
Ruth 2:13 “Then she said, ‘I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, for you have comforted me and indeed have spoken kindly to your servant, though I am not like one of your female servants.’” — Ruth 2:13 NASB2020
Cross Reference for verse 2:13
💬 Isaiah 40:1–2
“Comfort, comfort My people,” says your God. Speak kindly to Jerusalem…” ➤ Boaz’s words offer prophetic comfort — just as the Messiah comforts His people.
✝️ Luke 1:28
“Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” ➤ Ruth, like Mary, receives unexpected favor and grace — not based on status, but faith.