Ruth 2:22
And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law Ruth, "My daughter, it is good for you to work with his young women, so that nothing will happen to you in another field."
And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law Ruth,
Naomi, a widow who returned to Bethlehem from Moab, speaks to Ruth, her Moabite daughter-in-law. This relationship is significant as it highlights the loyalty and devotion Ruth has for Naomi, choosing to stay with her despite the cultural and ethnic differences. Naomi's guidance reflects her protective and maternal role, emphasizing the familial bond that transcends bloodlines, a theme that resonates throughout the book of Ruth.

“My daughter,
Naomi's use of "my daughter" signifies a deep affection and acceptance of Ruth into her family. This term of endearment underscores the close relationship they share, despite Ruth being a foreigner. It also reflects the biblical theme of adoption and inclusion, which is seen in the New Testament where believers are adopted into the family of God (Ephesians 1:5).

it is good for you to work with his young women,
Naomi advises Ruth to stay with Boaz's young women, indicating the importance of community and protection within the social structure of ancient Israel. Working with Boaz's female servants ensures Ruth's safety and provides her with a sense of belonging. This advice also foreshadows the providential care that God extends to Ruth, as Boaz is a kinsman-redeemer, a concept that prefigures Christ's redemptive work.

so that nothing will happen to you in another field.”
Naomi's concern for Ruth's safety highlights the potential dangers faced by women gleaning alone in the fields during the time of the Judges, a period marked by social instability and moral decline (Judges 21:25). By staying in Boaz's field, Ruth is protected from harm, illustrating God's provision and care. This protection is a type of Christ's safeguarding of His people, ensuring their spiritual and physical well-being.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Naomi
The mother-in-law of Ruth, a widow who returned to Bethlehem from Moab after the death of her husband and sons. She plays a pivotal role in guiding Ruth through her new life in Bethlehem.

2. Ruth
A Moabite widow and Naomi's daughter-in-law, known for her loyalty and faithfulness. She chose to stay with Naomi and adopt her people and God as her own.

3. Boaz's Field
The place where Ruth gleaned during the barley harvest. Boaz, a relative of Naomi's late husband, owned the field and showed kindness to Ruth.

4. Boaz
A wealthy and influential man in Bethlehem, who is a kinsman-redeemer for Naomi's family. He is characterized by his generosity and adherence to God's laws.

5. Bethlehem
The town in Judah where Naomi and Ruth returned. It is significant as the future birthplace of King David and Jesus Christ.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Wise Counsel
Naomi's advice to Ruth reflects the value of seeking and heeding wise counsel from those who are spiritually mature and experienced.

God's Protection and Provision
Ruth's safety in Boaz's field illustrates God's provision and protection for those who trust in Him and follow His ways.

Community and Belonging
Naomi's encouragement for Ruth to stay with Boaz's young women emphasizes the importance of community and belonging, especially for those who are new or vulnerable.

Faithfulness and Loyalty
Ruth's commitment to Naomi and her willingness to work hard in a foreign land demonstrate the virtues of faithfulness and loyalty, which are rewarded by God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Naomi's advice to Ruth reflect the importance of community and accountability in our own lives?

2. In what ways does the law of gleaning in Leviticus 19:9-10 demonstrate God's care for the marginalized, and how can we apply this principle today?

3. How does Ruth's account encourage us to trust in God's provision and protection, even when we are in unfamiliar or challenging situations?

4. What characteristics of Ruth can we strive to emulate in our own lives, and how do they align with the description of a virtuous woman in Proverbs 31?

5. How does Ruth's inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5) illustrate God's redemptive plan for all people, and what does this mean for our understanding of God's grace?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 19:9-10
This passage outlines the law of gleaning, which allowed the poor and foreigners to gather leftover crops. Ruth's gleaning in Boaz's field is a direct application of this law.

Proverbs 31:10-31
The description of a virtuous woman in Proverbs can be seen in Ruth's character, as she is industrious, loyal, and caring.

Matthew 1:5
Ruth is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus, highlighting her importance in the lineage of Christ and God's inclusive plan of salvation.
Gadding to be DiscouragedA. Thomson, D. D.Ruth 2:22
Instruction from EldersG. Lawson.Ruth 2:22
The Acceptance of FavoursG. Lawson.Ruth 2:22
People
Boaz, Elimelech, Ephah, Naomi, Ruth
Places
Bethlehem, Moab
Topics
Better, Danger, Daughter, Daughter-in-law, Else's, Fall, Field, Girls, Goest, Harmed, Law, Lest, Maidens, Maids, Meet, Met, Molested, Naomi, Na'omi, Ruth, Servant-girls, Shouldst, Someone, Women
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ruth 2:14-23

     5117   Ruth

Ruth 2:15-23

     4454   gleaning

Library
A Full Reward.
"It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done ... and how thou hast left they father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore. The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD GOD of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust" (Ruth ii. 11, 12). In this interesting narrative we have another instance of the way in which the HOLY GHOST teaches by typical lives. We have dwelt on some precious lessons
J. Hudson Taylor—A Ribband of Blue

Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested into English Verse
viz., I. The Book of Ruth II. The History of Samson III. Christ's Sermon on the Mount IV. The Prophecy of Jonah V. The Life of Joseph VI. The Epistle of James BY JOHN BUNYAN Licensed According to Order. London: Printed for J. Blare, at the Looking Glass, on London Bridge, 1701. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This very interesting little volume of poems, we believe, has not been reprinted since the year 1701, nor has it ever been inserted in any edition or catalogue of Bunyan's works. This may have
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Exile --Continued.
There are many echoes of this period of Engedi in the Psalms. Perhaps the most distinctly audible of these are to be found in the seventh psalm, which is all but universally recognised as David's, even Ewald concurring in the general consent. It is an irregular ode--for such is the meaning of Shiggaion in the title, and by its broken rhythms and abrupt transitions testifies to the emotion of its author. The occasion of it is said to be "the words of Cush the Benjamite." As this is a peculiar name
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

Appendix viii. Rabbinic Traditions About Elijah, the Forerunner of the Messiah
To complete the evidence, presented in the text, as to the essential difference between the teaching of the ancient Synagogue about the Forerunner of the Messiah' and the history and mission of John the Baptist, as described in the New Testaments, we subjoin a full, though condensed, account of the earlier Rabbinic traditions about Elijah. Opinions differ as to the descent and birthplace of Elijah. According to some, he was from the land of Gilead (Bemid. R. 14), and of the tribe of Gad (Tanch. on
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Pilgrim's Progress
FROM THIS WORLD TO THAT WHICH IS TO COME. THE SECOND PART. DELIVERED UNDER THE SIMILITUDE OF A DREAM. WHEREIN IS SET FORTH THE MANNER OF THE SETTING OUT OF CHRISTIAN'S WIFE AND CHILDREN, THEIR DANGEROUS JOURNEY, AND SAFE ARRIVAL AT THE DESIRED COUNTRY. By JOHN BUNYAN. 'I have used similitudes.'--Hosea 12:10. London: Printed for Nathaniel Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, near the Church, 1684. THE AUTHOR'S WAY OF SENDING FORTH HIS SECOND PART OF THE PILGRIM. Go now, my little book, to every
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Ruth
Goethe has characterized the book of Ruth as the loveliest little idyll that tradition has transmitted to us. Whatever be its didactic purpose--and some would prefer to think that it had little or none-it is, at any rate, a wonderful prose poem, sweet, artless, and persuasive, touched with the quaintness of an older world and fresh with the scent of the harvest fields. The love--stronger than country--of Ruth for Naomi, the gracious figure of Boaz as he moves about the fields with a word of blessing
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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