Introduction

Ruth 2 unfolds as a story of provision and unexpected kindness. After returning to Bethlehem, Ruth takes the initiative to glean in the fields to provide for Naomi and herself. She happens upon the field of Boaz, a man of upright character, who goes above and beyond to ensure Ruth’s safety and provision. Boaz’s actions hint at a deeper role he may play in their lives.

Key Points

• Synopsis: Ruth’s initiative and Boaz’s generosity demonstrate God’s providence and kindness through human agents, paving the way for redemption.
• Themes: God’s providence through human kindness reflecting divine character and the dignity of labor and generosity.

Ruth 2:1; 3

Now Naomi had a relative of her husband’s, a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz…So she set out and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers, and she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan of Elimelech.

In Israelite law, if a family member fell into poverty, a close relative (a “kinsman-redeemer”) had the duty to buy back their land and free them from debt (Lev 25:25–28). Boaz, a wealthy and honorable relative of Naomi’s late husband, is a potential redeemer. After famine, loss, and a sorrowful return to Bethlehem, hope cautiously reappears. Ruth sets out to glean for food, unknowingly entering the field of Boaz—her late father-in-law’s relative. The audience is invited to wonder: Is this coincidence or providence?

Ruth 1:22b; 2:2

And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest…And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor.” And she said to her, “Go, my daughter.”

Israelite society was patriarchal, meaning men typically provided for the family (Gen 3:16; Deut 22:13). Yet, under Mosaic law, poor Israelites and foreigners could glean leftover crops to survive (Lev 19:9–10). Rather than wait for provision, Ruth boldly takes the initiative to work—defying social norms and showing extraordinary devotion to Naomi. Her humility and selflessness foreshadow the kind of faith that God rewards.

Ruth 2:4

And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem. And he said to the reapers, “The LORD be with you!” And they answered, “The LORD bless you.”

Boaz was not only a landowner but also a man of upright character. In contrast to the rampant sinfulness of Israel during the time of the judges (Judges 19–21), he treated his workers with respect and led with godliness. Not only does Ruth “happen” upon Boaz’s field, but Boaz himself arrives, reflecting his integrity and faithfulness to the LORD—qualities later echoed in King David (2 Sam 6:21).

Ruth 2:5–7

Then Boaz said to his young man who was in charge of the reapers, “Whose young woman is this?” And the servant who was in charge of the reapers answered, “She is the young Moabite woman, who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab. She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves after the reapers.’ So she came, and she has continued from early morning until now, except for a short rest.”

Under Israelite law, landowners were commanded not to harvest completely but to leave some for the poor and the foreigner (Lev 19:9–10). Before Boaz even interacts with Ruth, his farm workers already follow the law faithfully—a reflection of Boaz’s godly leadership. Ruth’s work ethic stands out—she has gleaned tirelessly since morning, seeking not charity but honest labor.

Ruth 2:8–9b

Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Now, listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women. Let your eyes be on the field that they are reaping, and go after them. Have I not charged the young men not to touch you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink what the young men have drawn.”

The time of the judges was a violent and dangerous era—women were especially vulnerable to harassment, abuse, and exploitation (Judges 19:22–26). Unlike the lawless culture around him, Boaz goes beyond basic kindness—he ensures Ruth’s safety, offers her water, and invites her to glean freely and abundantly. His character is a defiant stand against a corrupt world.

Ruth 2:10; 13

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, since I am a foreigner?”…Then she said, “I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, though I am not one of your servants.”

The Hebrew word for “favor” suggests an undeserved gift of delight. To “take notice” means to see someone with deep concern. Ruth is overwhelmed—she expected to be tolerated, not welcomed. Boaz’s kindness shatters cultural barriers, showing how God’s love transcends human divisions. Like Ruth, we don’t deserve God’s kindness, yet Jesus invites us into His family, shaping our gratitude toward Him.

Ruth 2:11–12

But Boaz answered her, “All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told to me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before. The LORD repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!”

By leaving Moab, Ruth abandoned everything—her homeland, family, and identity—to fully embrace the LORD(1:16–17). Boaz acknowledges Ruth’s faith and sacrifice, blessing her in God’s name. Though she sought survival, she is now being richly rewarded—just as God promises to all who seek refuge in Him.

Ruth 2:14

And at mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come here and eat some bread and dip your morsel in the wine.” So she sat beside the reapers, and he passed to her roasted grain. And she ate until she was satisfied, and she had some left over.

Sharing a meal symbolizes hospitality and fellowship (Gen 18:1–8; Ps 23:5). Boaz doesn’t just tolerate Ruth—he invites her to his table. His generosity mirrors Jesus’ invitation to the outcasts (Luke 14:15–24).

Ruth 2:15–16

When she rose to glean, Boaz instructed his young men, saying, “Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. And also pull out some from the bundles for her and leave it for her to glean, and do not rebuke her.”

The law required farmers to leave excess for the poor (Lev 19:9–10), but Boaz goes beyond the law—he deliberately pulls out grain for Ruth. Boaz’s generosity surpasses what is required. He reflects God’s character—abundant in grace (Eph 3:20).

Ruth 2:17–18

So she gleaned in the field until evening. Then she beat out what she had gleaned, and it was about an ephah of barley. And she took it up and went into the city. Her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned. She also brought out and gave her what food she had left over after being satisfied.

An ephah of barley (~13 kg) was enough to provide a week’s worth of food, far exceeding daily gleaning expectations. Ruth’s return shocks Naomi—this is more than ordinary kindness; this is divine provision.

Ruth 2:19–20

And her mother-in-law said to her, “Where did you glean today? And where have you worked? Blessed be the man who took notice of you.” So she told her mother-in-law with whom she had worked and said, “The man’s name with whom I worked today is Boaz.” And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by the LORD, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!” Naomi also said to her, “The man is a close relative of ours, one of our redeemers.”

For the first time, Naomi’s grief turns to hope. She realizes Boaz isn’t just kind—he’s a redeemer, able to restore their future.

Ruth 2:21–23

And Ruth the Moabite said, “Besides, he said to me, ‘You shall keep close by my young men until they have finished all my harvest.’” And Naomi said to Ruth, her daughter-in-law, “It is good, my daughter, that you go out with his young women, lest in another field you be assaulted.” So she kept close to the young women of Boaz, gleaning until the end of the barley and wheat harvests. And she lived with her mother-in-law.

The barley harvest lasts for about 7 weeks, and subsequently, the wheat harvest lasts for about 7 weeks too. In total, both harvests lasted for about 3 months. To ensure Ruth’s safety, Naomi insists that she stay close with the young women, rather than with the young men, as Ruth tirelessly gleans barley and wheat week after week for 14 weeks to provide more than enough for her and Naomi (in total their food supplies could last for at least 70 weeks).

Conclusion

Ruth 2 demonstrates God’s providence through human kindness and integrity. Ruth’s determination and hard work meet Boaz’s generosity and uprightness, providing for Naomi and Ruth beyond their immediate needs. This chapter sets the stage for a redemptive relationship between Boaz and Ruth, hinting at God’s greater plan for restoration.

Summary

1. Ruth begins gleaning in the fields to provide for Naomi and herself (2:1–3).
2. She happens upon the field of Boaz, a man of integrity and kindness (2:4–7).
3. Boaz ensures Ruth’s safety and provision, reflecting God’s care (2:8–16).
4. Ruth gathers an abundance of barley, providing for herself and Naomi (2:17–18).
5. Naomi recognizes Boaz as a redeemer, sparking hope for the future (2:19–20).
6. Ruth continues to glean safely in Boaz’s field through the harvest season (2:21–23).