Ruth 2:6
The foreman answered, "She is the Moabitess who returned with Naomi from the land of Moab.
The foreman answered
In the context of ancient Israel, a foreman was responsible for overseeing the workers during the harvest. This role required leadership and accountability, ensuring that the work was done efficiently and fairly. The foreman's response indicates his awareness of the people working in the field, reflecting the close-knit nature of agrarian communities in biblical times.

She is the Moabitess
The term "Moabitess" identifies Ruth's ethnic background, highlighting her foreign status in Israel. Moab was a neighboring nation often at odds with Israel, and Moabites were generally viewed with suspicion or hostility. This detail underscores the remarkable nature of Ruth's acceptance and integration into the Israelite community, which foreshadows the inclusive nature of God's kingdom.

who returned with Naomi
Naomi's return to Bethlehem with Ruth marks a significant turning point in the narrative. Naomi, having left Bethlehem due to famine, returns after the death of her husband and sons, accompanied by her loyal daughter-in-law. This return signifies a movement from despair to hope, setting the stage for God's providential care and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

from the land of Moab
Moab, located east of the Dead Sea, was known for its rugged terrain and historical enmity with Israel. The mention of Moab emphasizes the cultural and religious barriers Ruth overcame to join Naomi. This journey from Moab to Bethlehem symbolizes a transition from paganism to faith in the God of Israel, prefiguring the inclusion of Gentiles in the New Covenant through Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ruth
A Moabitess, widow, and daughter-in-law of Naomi. She is known for her loyalty and faithfulness, having left her homeland to support Naomi.

2. Naomi
An Israelite woman who returned to Bethlehem from Moab after the death of her husband and sons. She is Ruth's mother-in-law.

3. Foreman
The overseer of Boaz's fields, responsible for managing the harvesters and reporting to Boaz.

4. Boaz
A wealthy landowner in Bethlehem, a relative of Naomi's deceased husband, and a man of noble character.

5. Moab
A region east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. Ruth's origin from Moab highlights her outsider status in Israel.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness and Loyalty
Ruth's identity as a Moabitess who chose to stay with Naomi highlights the importance of loyalty and faithfulness in relationships. Her commitment serves as a model for believers in their relationships with family and community.

God's Sovereignty and Provision
Despite Ruth's status as a foreigner and widow, God orchestrates events to provide for her and Naomi. This teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in difficult circumstances.

Welcoming the Outsider
The inclusion of Ruth, a Moabitess, into the community of Israel challenges believers to welcome and embrace those who are different or marginalized, reflecting God's inclusive love.

Character and Reputation
The foreman's recognition of Ruth as "the Moabitess who returned with Naomi" underscores the importance of character and reputation. Our actions and decisions can speak volumes about our faith and integrity.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Ruth's identity as a Moabitess impact her interactions with the people of Bethlehem, and what can we learn from her experience about overcoming cultural barriers?

2. In what ways does the account of Ruth and Boaz illustrate God's provision and care for those who are faithful? Can you think of other biblical examples where God provided in unexpected ways?

3. How does Ruth's loyalty to Naomi challenge us in our own relationships? Are there areas in our lives where we need to demonstrate greater faithfulness and commitment?

4. What does the inclusion of Ruth, a foreigner, in the lineage of Jesus (as seen in the genealogy in Matthew) teach us about God's plan and purpose for all people?

5. How can we, as a church or community, better welcome and support those who are outsiders or marginalized, following the example set by Boaz and the community in Bethlehem?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ruth's Loyalty
Ruth's decision to stay with Naomi and her subsequent actions are reminiscent of the loyalty and faithfulness seen in other biblical figures, such as Jonathan's loyalty to David.

God's Provision
The account of Ruth and Boaz is a testament to God's provision and care for those who are faithful, similar to how God provided for Elijah through the widow at Zarephath.

Foreigners in Israel
Ruth's acceptance into the Israelite community reflects the broader biblical theme of God's love and inclusion of foreigners, as seen in the laws given in Leviticus and Deuteronomy regarding the treatment of foreigners.
Ruth's Industry Prompted by LoveG. Lawson.Ruth 2:5-7
The Welcome ReceptionS. H. Tyng, D. D.Ruth 2:5-7
Filial, Piety and Fidelity Recognized and RecompensedJ.R. Thomson Ruth 2:5-14
People
Boaz, Elimelech, Ephah, Naomi, Ruth
Places
Bethlehem, Moab
Topics
Answereth, Authority, Charge, Cutters, Damsel, Field, Fields, Girl, Lady, Maiden, Moab, Moabite, Moabitess, Moabitish, Naomi, Na'omi, Reapers, Replied, Returned, Servant
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ruth 2:1-20

     5809   compassion, human

Ruth 2:2-9

     4456   grain

Ruth 2:5-6

     7748   overseers

Ruth 2:5-12

     8436   giving, of possessions

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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