Studies in the Book of Ruth #5 (2:2-10)
In Ruth 2:2-8, Boaz and Ruth meet for the first time. Keeping in line with the spiritual pictures, what a day it will be when we meet Jesus Christ face to face for the first time!
Since Ruth is a picture of the church and Boaz is a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ, here we get a glimpse of the type of woman Ruth truly was. It should be every Christian’s desire to be an individual of high character in the sight of the Lord, just as Ruth was an individual of high character in the sight of Boaz.
I. RUTH AMONG THE REAPERS (v. 2-5)
It was Ruth’s desire to WORK (v. 2). Her work ethic reveals her character in addition to her desire to care for her mother-in-law Naomi. The Bible has much to say about work ethic, see Psalm 128:1-2, Proverbs 12:11, Proverbs 14:23, 1 Thessalonians 4:11, and 2 Thessalonians 3:10.
While Ruth was working in the field, Boaz showed up (v. 3)! It should be the desire of every Christian to be BUSY in the field, sowing the seed of the word of God (see Matthew 13:24-38) when the Lord shows up to take His bride away at the rapture! Notice that “Boaz came from Bethlehem” (v. 4) indicating even more so that he is a type of the Lord Jesus Christ. Remember where the Lord Jesus Christ was born (Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:1)?
While Ruth was working in the field, Boaz takes notice (v. 5). This provides us with a great question to ask ourselves: Does the Lord take notice of MY work on His behalf? Am I TRULY working as hard as I can for the Lord Jesus Christ?
II. RUTH’S REPUTATION (v. 6-9)
Boaz discovered that Ruth was a Moabite. Remember the origin of the Moabites? See Genesis 19:30-37 for a refresher. It should strike us as quite interesting that this JEWISH man (Boaz) has taken notice of Ruth, a GENTILE woman!
In verse 7, Boaz is told about Ruth’s WORK ETHIC. It is “the servant that was set over the reapers” that gives this account to Boaz (possibly a type of the Holy Spirit?). Notice that the servant told Boaz, “she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now” (v. 7). The wording here is extraordinary! Many come to the Lord (Matthew 11:28-30) but not all CONTINUE following him (John 8:31, 15:9).
IN verses 8-9, Boaz gives specific instructions to Ruth to glean only in his field so that she can be safely looked after. What a picture of the great CARE that the Lord takes for His own!
III. RUTH’S RESPONSE (v. 10)
Ruth responds in the same way that anyone who is saved SHOULD respond to the Lord and His care over them:
“Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground” – the position of HUMILITY before the Lord (Philippians 2:10).
Ruth asked, “Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?” – notice that Ruth realizes her position before Boaz and wonders at the GRACE extended to her by him.
Have you considered the GRACE given to you on behalf of the Lord Jesus Christ? What a matter to consider! See Romans 5:20, 1 Corinthians 1:4, 2 Corinthians 8:9, Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians 2:8-9, 2 Timothy 2:1, Titus 3:7
