Ruth 2
Meaning of Ruth 2
Ruth 2 is a chapter from the Book of Ruth in the Bible.
In this chapter, Ruth, a Moabite widow who had returned to Bethlehem with her Israelite mother-in-law Naomi, goes to the fields to gather leftover grains during the harvest season. This was a provision in the Jewish law for people who were poor and needed food.
The field she happens to work in belongs to Boaz, who is a relative of Naomi’s deceased husband. Boaz comes to the field and notices Ruth. Upon asking about her, he learns about her story and commitment to Naomi.
Impressed by Ruth’s loyalty and dedication to her mother-in-law, Boaz shows kindness to Ruth. He ensures she is treated well and is not harassed. He also provides her with water, offers her a meal, and allows her to gather plenty of grain. Boaz also instructs his servants to intentionally leave extra grain for Ruth to pick up.
Ruth then returns home to Naomi, telling her about Boaz’s kindness. Naomi blesses Boaz for his generosity and reveals to Ruth that he is a potential kinsman-redeemer, this concept involves a close relative taking responsibility to care for a bereaved woman, which could include marrying her to provide for her needs.
This chapter sets the stage for the subsequent events where Boaz becomes Ruth’s redeemer. It shows the virtue of Ruth and Boaz’s generosity, moving the narrative forward towards their eventual union. Ruth 2 highlights themes of kindness, compassion, redemption, and divine providence.
Ruth 2 kjv
“Ruth 2” in the King James Version (KJV) explores the developing relationship between Ruth and Boaz, a wealthy landowner. Here’s a summary:
In the chapter, Ruth, a Moabite woman, sought job to collect leftover grains on the field. This practice was called gleaning. It was traditional in Israel to allow poor people and foreigners to do this. Ruth happened to glean in the fields belonging to Boaz, who is a relative of Naomi’s husband.
Boaz noticed Ruth because of her hard work and loyalty towards Naomi, her mother-in-law. Upon inquiring about her, he discovered that she was the Moabite woman who decided to stay with Naomi after her husband, Naomi’s son, had died. He was touched by Ruth’s dedication and instructed his workers to leave extra handfuls of grain for her to glean.
Ruth returned to Naomi with her grain, and Naomi, surprised and pleased with so much grain, asked where Ruth had been gleaning. Ruth told her about Boaz, and upon hearing, Naomi became excited because Boaz was one of their family redeemers or “kinsman-redeemer” — someone from their family who could marry Ruth, ensuring she and Naomi wouldn’t slip into destitution.
The chapter ends with Ruth continuing to glean in Boaz’s fields until the end of the harvest. This chapter indicates the start of Ruth’s relationship with Boaz and presents Boaz as an honorable character who shows kindness to Ruth, respecting her loyalty and dedication.
However, it’s important to mention that Bible interpretation can be personal and subjective, and different people may extract different morals and understandings from the text.
Ruth 2 nkjv
Ruth 2 is the second chapter of the Book of Ruth in the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible. This chapter entails the narrative of Ruth, a Moabite widow who chooses to stay with Naomi, her Judahite mother-in-law, instead of returning to her homeland.
In Ruth 2, Ruth goes to gather grain in the fields during the barley harvest. She finds herself in the field of Boaz, a wealthy relative of Naomi’s deceased husband. Boaz learns about Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi and shows kindness to her. He instructs his servants not to bother Ruth and even directs them to intentionally drop grain for her to pick up.
When Ruth returns to Naomi with her earnings and tells her about Boaz’s kindness, Naomi reveals that Boaz is a close relative and is one of their redeemers — a person who has the responsibility to help needy relatives. This gives hope to Naomi and Ruth for their future.
Essentially, Ruth 2 shows Ruth’s character of diligence and respectfulness, Boaz’s character of kindness and responsibility, and God’s providence in leading Ruth to the field of a potential redeemer. This chapter is a significant turning point in this biblical narrative, laying the groundwork for the events in the subsequent chapters.
Ruth 2 niv
The Book of Ruth, Chapter 2 in the New International Version (NIV) Bible introduces us to a new character named Boaz. Ruth, who has returned to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law Naomi after their husbands died, chooses to go to a field to pick up leftover grain. As it happens, the field she chooses belongs to Boaz, who is a relative of her late father-in-law.
When Boaz arrives from Bethlehem, he notices Ruth and asks his overseer about her. On learning about her identity and her noble acts towards Naomi, Boaz converses with Ruth and expresses his admiration for her loyalty and perseverance. He instructs his harvesters to allow her to glean in his field and instructs them to keep her safe and intentionally drop extra grain for Ruth to gather.
Ruth, puzzled by the kindness she was shown, asks Boaz why she found favor in his eyes. Boaz tells her that he had heard of how she left her parents and her homeland to live with Naomi’s people – a people that were previously foreign to her.
Ruth is grateful and acknowledges that she is a stranger, and Boaz’s kindness was a form of comfort and reassurance for her. Boaz further shows kindness by inviting her to join in meal times with his workers.
Ruth then continued to gather grain in his field until evening. When she threshed the barley she had collected, it amounted to about an ephah.
When she returned home and showed Naomi the quantity of grain she had gleaned, Naomi asked her where she had worked. On learning that it was Boaz’s field, a close relative of theirs, Naomi declared him as one of their family redeemers and prayed for Boaz to be blessed by God for his kindness.
Ruth continued this routine until the end of the harvesting season, living with Naomi, while gleaning in the fields of Boaz. Overall, Ruth 2 in the NIV version is about Boaz and Ruth’s first meeting and Boaz’s generous treatment of Ruth.
What is Ruth 2 all about?
Ruth 2 is the second chapter of the Book of Ruth in the Bible. It follows the story of Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi.
In this chapter, Ruth, a Moabite woman, asks Naomi for her permission to go to the fields and pick up leftover grains. In those days, it was the custom in Israel that reapers dropped some grains on purpose, so the poor would pick them up. This is a practice called gleaning.
Ruth ends up gleaning in the field belonging to Boaz, who is a relative of Naomi’s late husband. When Boaz arrives from Bethlehem, he asks his overseer about Ruth. The overseer tells Boaz about Ruth’s kindness and dedication towards her mother-in-law, Naomi.
Having heard about Ruth’s story, Boaz offers his protection to Ruth and instructs his servants not to touch her. He also allows Ruth to drink the water that his servants have drawn. Impressed by her devotion to Naomi, Boaz ensures that Ruth is not mistreated and has enough to glean.
Ruth bows down to the ground and asks Boaz why she has found such favor in his eyes. Boaz replies that he’s been told all about what she has done for her mother-in-law since the death of her husband and how she left her own parents and land to live with the Israelites.
When Ruth returns to Naomi with her gleanings and tells her about Boaz’s kindness, Naomi blesses Boaz and reveals to Ruth that he is one of their close relatives, and could be their kinsman redeemer. Ruth continues to glean in Boaz’s fields until the end of the barley and wheat harvest.
The chapter illustrates Boaz’s kindness and Ruth’s dedication. It also sets up the role of Boaz as a potential redeemer for the family of Naomi, setting the stage for the events in the next chapters.
What does Ruth 2 teaches?
Ruth 2, a chapter in the Bible from the Book of Ruth, teaches several valuable lessons. Here are a few key points to note:
1. Kindness and Respect to Strangers: Ruth, a Moabite widow, left her home to accompany her widowed mother-in-law Naomi to Bethlehem. She went to a field to glean leftover grains so that they could feed themselves. The field she decided upon belonged to Boaz, a relative of Naomi. Boaz did not turn Ruth away, but instead showed kindness towards her, recognizing her loyalty and devotedness to Naomi.
2. God’s Providence: The chapter also illustrates how God provides for his loyal followers. Ruth “happens” to glean in the fields of a man who turns out to be a relative who can redeem (or secure) her and Naomi’s future. This speaks of God’s provision, orchestrating events to provide for Ruth and Naomi.
3. Reward for Faithfulness and Integrity: Boaz acknowledged Ruth’s kindness to Naomi and her diligence in providing for her. In return, Boaz instructed his workers to leave extra grain for her to gather. This shows the Bible’s principles of kindness and hard work being rewarded.
4. The Model of Redeemer: Boaz serves as a model for a close relative (kinsman-redeemer) who is willing to protect and help family members in need. This sets up the concept of Christ as our “kinsman-redeemer” who rescues us from a hopeless situation, foreshadowing the teachings of the New Testament.
5. The Importance of a Good Reputation: Boaz heard about Ruth’s kindness and loyalty toward Naomi, even before he met her. Her good deeds spoke for itself, signifying the importance of maintaining a good reputation.
In summary, Ruth 2 teaches the importance of kindness, hard work, integrity, faithfulness, and that God provides for his followers. The chapter introduces Boaz as a redeemer, foreshadowing the ultimate redemption that is to come through Jesus Christ.
A Sermon on Ruth 2
Ruth 2 is the second chapter of the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament of the Bible. This is where the story starts to show Ruth’s loyalty and faithfulness paying off in different ways.
The chapter starts with the introduction of a new character, Boaz, who is a relative of Elimelech, Naomi’s deceased husband. Boaz is portrayed as a prosperous and devout man who respects the laws of God.
Ruth, a Moabite widow who has chosen to stay with Naomi, her Israelite mother-in-law after her husband’s death, looks for a job to support them. She gets permission from Naomi to glean from the fields during the barley harvest.
The field Ruth chooses to glean ended up belonging to Boaz. Upon noticing Ruth, Boaz inquires about her and learns of the loyalty she has shown towards Naomi. Amazed by her story, he blesses her and orders his workers to leave extra sheaves for her to gather, providing her more than what a normal “gleaner” would receive.
When Ruth returns home, Naomi is stunned by the amount she has gleaned and asks Ruth in whose field she worked. On hearing it was Boaz’s field, Naomi is overjoyed because he is their kinsman-redeemer- a close relative who according to Jewish law has the privilege or responsibility to take over certain roles when a relative has died.
The sermon on Ruth 2 often emphasizes several key themes- God’s providence, kindness, the value of hard work, loyalty, and faith in God’s blessings. Ruth’s story is a significant testament of faith, loyalty and kindness even during times of hardship. Ruth’s willingness to work hard to provide for Naomi and Boaz’s kindness towards the foreigner Ruth demonstrate God’s provision and care in action. In Ruth’s loyalty and Boaz’s kindness, we see the beauty of God’s grace and his loving care for His people.
Key people in Ruth 2
Ruth 2 from the Bible majorly features three key people:
1. Ruth: She is the female protagonist from the Book of Ruth. In Chapter 2, after migrating to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law Naomi, Ruth shows her dedication towards supporting the both of them by deciding to glean in the fields during the harvest. This act displays not only her humility and determination but also the qualities of loyalty and hard work.
2. Boaz: He is a relative of Naomi’s deceased husband and the owner of the fields where Ruth decides to glean. When he learns of Ruth’s story and her kindness towards Naomi, he shows kindness as well in return. He allows her to glean on his fields undisturbed, provides her with food, and instructs his servants to leave extra grain for her. Boaz’s actions are pivotal because they set him up as a potential provider and protector for Ruth and Naomi, while foreshadowing his future role as the kinsman redeemer.
3. Naomi: Naomi is Ruth’s mother-in-law who has returned to Bethlehem from Moab after losing her husband and sons. She is significant because she directs Ruth to glean in the fields where God providently leads her to the field owned by Boaz. Naomi also interprets for Ruth the kindness that Boaz shows as a providential sign of God’s favor and protection. Naomi’s wisdom and recognition about Boaz’s actions and intentions are key in unfolding the events.
Real world examples on Ruth 2
Ruth 2 is a chapter in the Bible where Ruth, a Moabite woman who had become a widow, decides to go with her mother-in-law Naomi, who is also a widow, back to Naomi’s homeland of Bethlehem. It’s a story of loyalty, kindness, and moral integrity. Here are some real-life examples based on the chapter:
1. Gleaning in the Fields: Just like Ruth gathered leftover grains from the field of Boaz, a practice known as gleaning, there are many countries around the world where similar practices occur for the sake of the poor. Many companies and farms have programs where they donate excess or unsaleable produce to food banks, which then distribute it to those in need.
2. Protection of Women: In some workplaces, measures are put in place to protect the safety and interests of women, just like Boaz did for Ruth. Boaz gave instructions to his men to not touch Ruth and to purposely drop some of their harvest so that Ruth might gather and have enough to eat. These reminders echo today’s laws and policies against sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace.
3. Welcoming Foreigners: When Ruth, a stranger in a foreign land, was treated with kindness by Boaz despite her foreign status. This can be paralleled with the asylum and refugee programs in different countries today where foreigners are welcomed, given help and allowed to work and live.
4. Kindness and Generosity: Just as Boaz showed kindness by not only allowing Ruth to glean in his fields but also by providing her with food and protection, we often see acts of kindness in our communities. This can include things like donating to charities, volunteering, and helping neighbors in need.
5. Loyalty: Ruth’s unwavering loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi is a trait we often see in strong familial ties or friendships. Despite Ruth’s status as a widow and a foreigner, she chose to stay with Naomi, to go where she goes, and her people be her people. It’s these acts of loyalty and love we find in everyday relationships, whether it’s between friends, family, or spouses.
Brief Explanation of Ruth 2
Ruth 2 is a chapter in the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament of the Bible. It introduces Boaz, a rich and respected landowner who is also a relative of Ruth’s deceased husband. Ruth, who is a Moabite woman and has chosen to remain with her mother-in-law Naomi in Bethlehem, despite their poverty, goes into the fields to glean grain left by the harvesters. She happens to end up in the field owned by Boaz.
Boaz notices Ruth and inquires about her. On learning about her loyalty and kindness towards Naomi, he treats her with great kindness and respect, even inviting her to eat with him and his workers. He instructs his workers to leave some extra grain for her to glean to provide for herself and Naomi.
The chapter ends with Ruth returning to Naomi, who is surprised and pleased at the amount of grain Ruth has collected. When Ruth tells Naomi about Boaz’s kindness, Naomi reveals that Boaz is a close relative and speaks of him as “one of our guardian-redeemers”, suggesting his potential role in their future.
Ruth 2 primarily discusses themes of providence, kindness, and God’s care for the needy. It sets the groundwork for the unfolding love story between Ruth and Boaz. The chapter also presents the concept of the redeeming kinsman, which becomes more crucial in the following chapters.
Frequently asked questions for Ruth 2
1. Who are the main characters in Ruth Chapter 2?
The main characters in Ruth Chapter 2 are Ruth, Naomi and Boaz.
2. What does Ruth volunteer to do?
Ruth volunteers to go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone who would let her do it, this practice was allowed during that time as part of God’s provision for the poor and the foreigners.
3. Where does Ruth end up gleaning and why is this significant?
Ruth ends up gleaning in the field owned by Boaz, who is related to Naomi’s husband, Elimelech. This is significant because it sets up the provision, protection, and eventually the place in the lineage of Jesus Christ for Ruth.
4. Who is Boaz?
Boaz is a wealthy landowner who is related to Naomi’s husband, Elimelech. He is known to be a kind and godly man who respects the laws of God and takes care of the less fortunate.
5. What does Boaz do for Ruth?
Boaz shows kindness to Ruth, tells his workers to let her glean even among the sheaves, and instructs them not to harm her. He also provides meals for her and allows her to drink the water his workers have drawn, showing her extreme kindness and protection.
6. Why does Boaz show kindness to Ruth?
Boaz shows kindness to Ruth because he had heard of Ruth’s dedication and loyalty to Naomi. This was unusual for a woman of Moab to show such kindness to an Israelite. He praises her for seeking refuge in the God of Israel.
7. What does Ruth do with the barley she gleaned?
Ruth threshes the barley she has gleaned and takes it back to Naomi. She also saves some of the meal that she was given at the field and gives it to Naomi.
8. How does Ruth’s gleaning reveal God’s provision?
Ruth gleaning in the fields and meeting Boaz is not accidental but a divine appointment. It reveals God’s provision in the form of food, protection and future redemption for both Ruth and Naomi.
9. How does the chapter end?
The chapter ends with Ruth continuing to live with her mother-in-law Naomi and working in the fields of Boaz throughout the barley and wheat harvests.
Possible References for Ruth 2
Ruth 2 is a chapter of the Book of Ruth, one of the books of the Old Testament in the Christian Bible or the Tanakh for Jews. Here’s a brief look at this Ruth 2:
1. Boaz: He’s a relative of Naomi’s late husband, Elimelech. Boaz is a very important person in Bethlehem. He’s typically interpreted as a figure of nobility, kindness, and generosity.
2. Ruth’s Humility and Work Ethic: Ruth, a Moabite widow who came back to Bethlehem with Naomi, her mother-in-law, goes to glean in the field to provide for both of them. Gleaning was a practice in Israel where farmers left the edges of their fields unharvested for the poor to collect. Her humility and hard work stand out and are noticed by Boaz.
3. Ruth and Boaz’s interaction: Boaz speaks kindly to Ruth and even instructs his workers to leave extra grain for her to pick. He respects Ruth’s dedication for Naomi and true faith in the Lord. Ruth, on the other hand, shows gratitude and acknowledges Boaz’s kindness.
4. Ruth’s Report to Naomi: At the end of the day, Ruth brings the grain she collected back home and shares with Naomi about her day, who points out that Boaz is a close relative. This sets the stage for Ruth’s later redemption by Boaz.
The common themes of Ruth 2 include kindness, generosity, loyalty, integrity, humility, and God’s provision. The events in this chapter foreshadow the central role Boaz will play in the lives of Ruth and Naomi later in the book. It serves as an example of Boaz’s righteousness, Ruth’s virtuousness, and God’s providence.
Conclusion on Ruth 2
Ruth 2 concludes with Ruth gathering grain all day in the field of Boaz, her kinsman-redeemer. She works diligently, not only for herself but for her mother-in-law Naomi too. Boaz takes notice of Ruth’s dedication and hard work, demonstrating kindness, loyalty and respect to her. By the evening, she manages to gather an ephah of barley (a significant amount) to take back to Naomi.
Naomi is both surprised and delighted by Ruth’s success, and inquires about the man who had shown such kindness to Ruth. Upon learning that the man was their relative Boaz, Naomi blesses him and expresses her relief that a family member has shown kindness to them.
At this point in the narrative, we see the beginnings of a potential redemption not only for the two widowed women, but also for the family line of Naomi’s dead husband, Elimelek. The concluding part of Ruth 2 sets the stage for further developments in this redemption story and also showcases that God, at all times, was working behind the scenes to provide for Ruth and Naomi.