Ruth 2

12/11/2025

Chapter 2: Apparently, Naomi had done well at teaching the law and God's ways to Ruth prior to their arrival back in Bethlehem. This is probably one reason why Ruth wanted to stay with Naomi, because she had learned to trust and follow the Lord from Naomi. Chapter 2 starts with Ruth requesting from Naomi permission to go to the fields and glean heads of grain for their provision. I also feel like she hoping to find the favor of someone who would take to her. As she gleaned the fields, she found her way into the field owned by Boaz and caught his eye.

He asked his head servant who she was. Apparently, her reputation preceded her, because he had heard of her and how she was taking care of Naomi. I think he was impressed. Boaz went to her and told her not to glean in anyone else's field, but stay close to the women working here. He told his men to not bother her, and to leave a little extra for her to collect. When it was time to eat, he had her come and eat with him. She had plenty for herself, and stashed some extra it take home to Naomi.

When Ruth went home that day, Naomi asked about her day and Ruth told her all about Boaz. Naomi recognized this was God's hand at work because Boaz was a close relative to the family. So she told Ruth that this was all a good thing, and be sure to stay in that filed and not to go to any others.

We see at the end of chapter 1 that Naomi was a bit bitter at her lot in life and how God had treated her and her family. There were no heirs to continue the family name, and that was very important to them back them. I think Naomi is now starting to see how God is at work making things good for them and her attitude is starting to change for the better.

At end of the chapter we learn that Ruth stayed there in the field of Boaz and gleaned until the end of the barley harvest and the wheat harvest. According to John MacArthur, this would have been well into May and possibly June.