Words from Ruth
The book of Ruth feels different and particularly hopeful, considering how the previous book of Judges was mixed with people’s failure and success, almost repeating one after another, and with continuous bloodshed. Upon reaching the book of Ruth, it was as though seeing an oasis after a long walk in the wilderness.
The key figures in the book are Ruth and Naomi. In a situation of dismay as they were leaving Moab, their words exchanged may symbolize the warmth of compassion with commitment and consistency.
Ruth 1:16-17 KJV
[16] And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
[17] Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.
These verses, filled with Ruth’s sincerity and passion, are among the beautiful conversations in the book. Even after having lost her husband, Ruth was still determined to go with her mother-in-law Naomi.
We do not need to assume that Ruth and Naomi were necessarily perfect and peaceful with each other. As human beings, there could have been conflicts or quarrels. But the true strength was their faith in God, which prevailed over the circumstantial dismay, leading to her pure determination: “thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.“
Words from Boaz
After reading the book several times, I came to see Boaz as also highly commendable in his words.
Ruth 2:4 KJV
And, behold, Boaz came from Beth–lehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee.
This verse may be passed over without much attention as just a normal greeting. However, Boaz, who is apparently in a high position, owning land and servants, already reveals his character by greeting the reapers and wishing them God’s blessing. If people can wish goodness for each other regardless of power or financial status, peace can come in and remain strong.
Following verses are particularly notable.
Ruth 2:10-12 KJV
[10] Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?
[11] And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore.
[12] 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 was at first puzzled, not knowing the reason for his kindness, seeing she was just a stranger. From Boaz’ response, she realized that her commitment was somehow seen and recognized, even though she had not spoken of it herself.
I imagine what Ruth felt in her heart. Maybe she had tears in her eyes. Financial shortages, social isolation as a stranger from Moab, might have made her see herself as lowly. But that was what greatly moved Boaz to compassion.
This may be a bit too large a scale to project ourselves into. But people can feel comforted just by realizing that their hard work or difficulties were seen or recognized. Even saying thank you can be a huge encouragement. Seeing someone’s work and appreciating it may seem like a basic thing, and yet it gives substantial power and joy to the person.
The famous painting by Jean-François Millet “The Gleaners” has drawn negative responses. Some upper-class groups criticized it, arguing that it overly emphasized poverty, which made them feel uneasy. Some criticized it for more complex political views.
We do not know whether the painting was intended to depict the book of Ruth. But the compassion Boaz showed thousands of years ago does conform to the will of God:
Leviticus 19:9-10 KJV
[9] And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest.
[10] And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the LORD your God.
In the context similar to Ruth, God’s will was compassion particularly for the poor and strangers. Boaz did not just follow it as a ritual, but did it from the heart, offering extra care and support as revealed by his sincere words to Ruth.
Words from Paul
The New Testament has several verses we can reflect on.
Ephesians 6:6-8 KJV
[6] Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
[7] With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
[8] Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
The will of God, as seen in Leviticus 19:9-10, was to have compassion on those going through hard times, regardless of a person’s wealth or position. It may be quite appropriate to say Boaz was a good doer of God’s will.
Words from Women
Finally, it is worth paying attention to the women whose names are not even mentioned at the end of Ruth.
Ruth 4:13-16 KJV
[13] So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son.
[14] And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.
[15] And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him.
[16] And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it.
These women have seen the blessing that finally came to Naomi. Instead of being jealous, they were happy for her as revealed by their message to her. This signifies their bonding of care.
I wonder what Naomi felt upon hearing them. When she returned from Moab, she was hopeless and bitter, even saying that “I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty.” But it became evident: Ruth was with her, and above all, God was still with her.
When she took the child and laid him in her bosom, I believe that she surely saw that God loved her.
We may see that the blessing was already set in motion by Ruth’s firm decision to go with Naomi, not even knowing what would happen. Then, Boaz’ gentle heart of compassion was used by God in order to carry out His plan to bring the peace. All these blessings are indeed from God.
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