THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD ON DISPLAY

Behind the Scenes

Boaz means “in him is strength”.

The Lord had given instruction about Levirate Marriage and the kinsmen-redeemer in the Law. Does the Lord know all things? Did He know when He gave the Law that Naomi and Ruth would be in need of this help?

See Deuteronomy 25:5-10...

See Leviticus 25:23-34...

The Lord had already set up the means by which He was going to provide for Naomi and Ruth. Though Naomi and Ruth didn’t see what God’s plan might be yet, the Lord wants us to see from the very beginning that He was working behind the scenes.

Ephesians 1:11 “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,”

All Things For Good

What are some specific things you see in this chapter that show God was working out all of the details?

Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

The Lord had commanded Israel to leave gleanings when they harvest to provide for the poor of the land.

Leviticus 19:9–10 ““When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God.”

Deuteronomy 24:19 ““When you reap your harvest in your field and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it. It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.”

The text says that Ruth just “happened” to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz. What role do you think the Lord played in her ending up in that part of the field?

Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”

Proverbs 21:1 “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.”

See Isaiah 45:1-13...

The Lord has a special love for widows, sojourners, orphans, and the poor.

Psalm 146:9 “The Lord watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.”

Deuteronomy 10:17–18 “For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe. He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing.”

See Exodus 22:21-24...

God’s Work in Our Hearts

Salvation is a work of the Lord. Part of that work is to give us holy desires and make us more like Christ. When He saves us, He will always bring that salvation to completion.

Ephesians 2:8–10 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

Philippians 2:13 “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”

Philippians 1:6 “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

What are some ways that you see the Lord at work in Boaz’s life?

Psalm 82:3–4 “Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.””

Isaiah 1:17 “learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.”

What are some ways that you see the Lord at work in Ruth’s life?

Leviticus 19:18 “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.”

1 Timothy 5:8 “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

Colossians 3:23–24 “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

And ephah of barley was about 4 gallons. That would be around 40 pounds. She would have been working in the fields from late April to early June.

What are some ways that you see the Lord at work in Naomi’s life?

Psalm 130:7 “O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption.”

Psalm 37:5 “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.”

Psalm 28:7 “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.”

May we always be looking for ways the Lord is working in us. As we are reminded of His goodness, faithfulness, and sovereignty, may we hope and trust in Him more and more!