1.

Read verse 1. What does it say about Boaz?

** 1) He was one of the kinsman redeemers.

2) He was a man of standing.

The above two factors remind us of Jesus, who became flesh like us, and who is at the same time a man of true standing, that is, a man from God. 

2.

Think about the conversation between Ruth and Naomi in verse 2. What does this passage tell us about: 1) Ruth; 2) Naomi; and 3) their relationship? What can we learn from them?

** Ruth is a woman of “selfless love”. In love, she was willing to risk the dangers and hardships that might be involved in working at the bottom of society. The work she volunteered to do was not easy work. She only earned less than minimum wage. It was never considered honorable work, for only the desperate glean. 

She also “volunteered” to work like this. She is active. Love is an action. 

** Naomi was also a good neighbor for her daughter-in-law. She did not push her to do anything. She was considerate. She also loved Ruth like her own daughter. She could have relied on a man like Boaz by calling and asking him to let her borrow money or something. But she stayed away from a rich relative like him. She is a noble woman who trusts in the Lord. 

3.

What does “As it turned out” in verse 3 or “Just then” in verse 4 suggest about the Lord who leads those who put trust in Him?

** There must have been a lot of fields where harvesters were working. And each harvest field might have been owned by different kinds of people. But she ended up at   Boaz’s. 

Boaz also showed up at the harvest field at the right time. That day he could have gone to someplace else on some other business, but he ended up at the field where Ruth was working. 

These two expressions are indicative of the Lord guiding them. 

Notice that the Lord God has tons of different ways in which to provide for his children. One of them is through angels, for example. Hebrews 1:14; 12:22; Psalms 103:20-21;Rev 5:11; 2Kg 6:15-17)

Remember: there is no “accident” or “coincidence” for those who put trust in Him; there is only “provision” based on God’s providence.

4.

Consider the way Boaz and his harvesters greeted each other in verse 4. What does this tell us about Boaz?  

** He deeply loves the Lord who provides. He lived according to God’s blessings, not according to his own wits and wisdom.

5.

Read verses 5-16. What does this tell us about: 1) Ruth; 2) Boaz; and 3) the working environment (9)? What can we learn from Ruth? From Boaz?

** Ruth – 1) her due diligence; she did not goof around; she worked steadily, perhaps dressing modestly, keeping her dignity and purity although she was young.

2) She was humble. She regarded herself as unworthy “servant”. 

3) She is a woman of selfless love. In love, she worked hard for her mother-in-law. 

** Boaz is a man of understanding. He was a man of love and mercy. He was not being flirtatious. All of his acts (esp. the act of showing special favor toward Ruth) were not based on lust or human desire for a young lady like Ruth, but based on his compassion for Ruth and her mother-in-law. He was deeply moved by the noble, sacrificial love for and devotion to her mother in law.

6.

Look at verses 17-18. What can we learn here about: 1) the hands of the Lord who provides for those who love Him and take refuge in Him; 2) the way His provision comes?  

** 1) The Lord richly rewards those who put trust in Him and practices His love, by first making their hearts beautiful, and then making them fully satisfied both spiritually, mentally, and physically. 

2) The Lord’s provision comes “according to” our faith and obedience.  

7.

In verses 19-23, Naomi instructed Ruth to stay close to the servant girls of Boaz. What is a kinsmen redeemer? (Leviticus 25:25-27,48) What does the Bible say about Jesus as the ultimate kinsman redeemer? (Ephesians 1:7; Gal 3:13-14) 

** Kinsman redeemer: kinsman is a blood relative based on Israel’s tribal nature. Redeemer is the one who buys back what has been sold, for a price. 

Naomi and Ruth became so poor that although Elimelech and his two sons lost their everything including their homestead, they were unable to buy the family properties back. But Boaz was willing to buy them back and give them back to the family of Elimelech. The nearest kinsman was willing at first, but upon learning that there is a widow he needs to take over, he backed out. Boaz was however willing to take her over, through marriage with her. 

** Jesus is our true kinsman redeemer in that: 1) he became like us (calling us as one of his brothers); 2) was willing to redeem us; 3) a man without defect; 4) through marriage with us; 5) made complete payment for all we lost, that is, our standing before God. 

The end