The Book of Ruth Study Guide

There was a relative of Naomi’s husband, a man of great wealth, of the family of Elimelech. His
name was Boaz. So Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Please let me go to the field, and glean
heads of grain after him in whose sight I may find favor.”
And she said to her, “Go, my daughter.”
Then she left, 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 family of Elimelech. Now behold, Boaz came from
Bethlehem, and said to the reapers, “The LORD be with you!” And they answered him, “The LORD
bless you!”
Then Boaz said to his servant who was in charge of the reapers, “Whose young woman is this?”
~Ruth 2:1-5

Ahh Boaz. Here is a man of importance. We learn in verse 1 that he is a relative of

Elimelech. This is important later when he takes on the role of kinsmen redeemer. One of
the responsibilities of a kinsman is to marry a female relative if her husband dies and there
are no children so that the lineage can continue and so the property stays within the family.
(Deut. 25:5-6) For Boaz to fulfill this role he had to be related to Elimelech and his sons,
not to Naomi as lineage was through the male line.

I also want to focus your attention on the description of Boaz. First, his name means “in
strength”. Second he is described as a man of great (or mighty) wealth. The Hebrew word
for mighty is commonly used to refer to a soldier or hero (Gesenius’s lexicon) indicating that
perhaps Boaz was a soldier. Wealth in Hebrew refers to more than just financial wealth.
The Hebrew word, chayil, means strength, ability, efficiency, wealth and army. It is
translated as “man of valour” 37 times in the Bible. Perhaps Boaz’s wealth was more than
just riches. Perhaps his wealth was also that of character and influence due to his strength
and ability. Boaz was a man of importance in Bethlehem.

We also need to understand agricultural practices of the Isrealites. Take a moment and
read Leviticus 19:9-10, Leviticus 23:22 and Deuteronomy 24:19-22. God made provisions
for the poor and for the foreigners of the land, but He did so in such a way that they couldn’t
be sluggards. Instead they had to work for what they got.

Now, Ruth volunteers to go in search of food/provisions for her and Naomi. To me this
demonstrates her servants heart. She hoped someone would allow her to do so, that they
would show her favor. This can be read one of two ways. Either Ruth was unfamiliar with
the law of her new home, or not everyone was following the law of her new home. Either
way, Ruth didn’t expect for this to be an easy task and yet she was determined to care for
Naomi.

And where does Ruth end up? Where else but in the fields of Boaz. When Boaz arrives at
his fields and greets his workers he notices Ruth. Did he notice her due to her appearance
or simply that she was a new face in the crowd? We may never know. Whatever it was
that sparked his interest, Boaz was interested enough to inquire after her.

Q 1) How does the Lord provide for those less fortunate according to Leviticus 19:9-10,
23:22 and Dueteronomy 24:19-22? Notice that although He provides, it isn’t a handout.
Why do you think that is?
Q 2) Ruth “happens to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz”. Do you believe this
is coincidence? Why or why not?

Personal reflection:
Often times God provides for us and yet it requires action on our parts. Read 1 Corinthians
10:13. God will not allow us to be in a situation we can not bear (a temptation) without
providing a way out. It doesn’t say He will get us out of it, only that He will provide, just as
He provided food for those willing to gather it. Have there been times in your life that you
expected God to handle a situation and yet you did not act? How do you feel about them
now in light of what you have read?