The Book of Ruth

This series was taught by Dr. James Modlish

 Chapter Two

 

Introduction:

Chapter 2 begins with the formal introduction of Boaz. The first chapter is full of famine and funerals, and no mention is made of Boaz, but things are about to change drastically.

Even as the Christian's life changes after meeting Jesus Christ, Ruth's is on her way to a dramatic overhaul, The focus begins to clear up… Ruth is mentioned 12 times in these four chapters while Boaz is mentioned 22 times in three chapters.
 

I. The Kinsman - (Vs. 1)

The Bible does not tell us how Elimelech and Boaz are related, but a good guess is that they are cousins. The Jews considered relatives who are second cousins to be immediate family.

By looking forward to Boaz's genealogy (4:18-22), we observe the source of his wealth. His father is Salmon, who according to Matt. 1:5, is married to Rahab the former harlot (Joshua 2). His grandfather is Nahshon (Num. 2:3; 7:12; 10: 11 -14).

He is the prince of the tribe of Judah (1 Chron. 2:10). Boaz's great-grand father is Amminadab whose chariots are mentioned in Song of Solomon 6:12 (in the context the connection is with the rapture.)

Three things about Boaz match Jesus Christ:

A. He is a kinsman (1 Tim 3:16).

B. He is a mighty man of wealth (Psa. 50:10).

C. He is from Bethlehem (Matt. 2:1).
 

II. The Gleaner - (Vs. 2-3)

Evidently, Ruth understood that God did have a provision in place (Lev. 19:9), but it depended on her willingness to work (2 Thess. 3:10).

In spite of being a Moabitess, Ruth appears to be the virtuous woman of (Prov. 31).

Consider:

A. Her condition - Ruth left home and family only to face poverty, but she severed all ties to Moab and knit her heart to God and His people. She is a Jew at heart! She is a great example of (Phil 3:13-14). She is living the very difficult truth of (Phil. 4:11).

B. Her character - She made a promise that she would forsake her people and her gods to go with Naomi. Now, even in the face of adversity, she is not going to turn back.

Notice:

A. Her humility - She goes out into the field and labors identifying herself to others as a widow who is poor. Twice the Bible says, "before honour is humility." (Prov. 15:33; 18:12)

B. Her industry - She begins her work day early in the morning (2:7). She seems to be following in the footsteps of another wonderful prototype. See (Gen. 24:16-22).
 

III. The Inquiry - (Vs. 4-7)

Boaz's first words "The Lord be with you" finds its fulfillment in (Matt. 1:28). Boaz, a type of Christ, made sure he reminded his people that a true kinsman-redeemer was on his way!

"What damsel is this?"… The type fits very well in this instance because the Lord loved us before we were born (Rom. 5:8). Ruth has attracted the attention of Boaz (Isa. 49:6) and will soon be grafted into a good tree (Rom. 11:24).
 

IV. The Invitation - (Vs. 8-12)

Boaz calls Ruth "my daughter." As Christians we are the "bride of Christ" (Eph. 5:25-30); we are also the "sons of God" (John 1:12), and finally Jesus Christ is our elder brother (Prov. 18:24). Talk about security of the believer… "a threefold cord is not quickly broken." (Eph. 4:12)

Boaz promises protection and provision. That's what Jesus Christ does for us and that's what any good husband does for his wife. (Eph. 5:25)

Ruth responds to the invitation with an act of worship (vs. 10) and asks the same question all of us should be pondering daily. (Psa. 119:19)

The Lord will give a full reward to those who are faithful to labour for Him (1 Cor. 3:8,14; 1 Tim. 5:18). The only other place where the phrase "full reward" occurs is in (2 John 1:8)… it fits!

The reference "under whose wings thou are come to trust" must be a reference to the wings over the mercy seat (Ex. 25:20). See also (Ps. 17:8; 36:7; 57:1; 67:7; 91:4). It is a wonderful picture of God's protection of us!

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