Ruth 2: Home group study notes

Home group study notes for Ruth, Chapter 2

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Background:

Background:

Previously in chapter 1 we have read about the difficult times that Naomi’s family has had and how Ruth had committed to stick by her. Their situation does not look good and to all appearances their future looks pretty bleak. But as we read through chapter 2 we see a new situation start to unfold and we see the grace of God at work in their lives even when all seems lost. We see how the Lord guides them every step of the way and the Lord ordains that Ruth should meet a godly man named Boaz who will ultimately become their lifeline and the tool that God will use to lift them out of hopelessness.

Chapter one as we are about to see very much sets the stage for the desperate situation that one family find themselves in but even in desperate circumstances in the midst of a backslidden generation we see the mercy and love of God.

Question 1:

In verse 3 we read how Ruth wandered into Boaz’s field to glean grain, at the time it seemed to her like coincidence but in reality it was the Lord guiding her and bringing provision to Naomi and herself. How do you look at the circumstances of your own life and has there ever been occasions that seemed coincidental or insignificant but turned out to be the Lord guiding you?

Answer:

Coincidence is a coin of phrase that people have come up with to explain the occurrence of unexpected things. However to God there is nothing that catches Him unaware. We sometimes use this expression also to explain away seemingly small and insignificant details in our lives but as we can see in this passage in Ruth that it is in these seemingly insignificant events or decisions that the Lord influences and brings major change. Consider : and which explain to us how the Lord is fully aware of even the smallest of details. Also consider as God states unequivocally that He is in charge of everything.

Question 2:

Looking through this chapter, what are some of the things that we learn about Boaz and what kind of a man he was?

Answer:

A man of great wealth (verse 1); while many translations write this as a man of great wealth the Hebrew text actually translates as ‘a man of great valour’.

A humble man; though he is clearly a man of great wealth and influence he appears to speak with his servants more as an equal than a superior and certainly their reaction to him is one of friendly respect (see verse 4)

A godly man; we can see in verse 4 how his communication is God centered, blessing his staff with the greeting ‘The Lord bless you’ and his actions testify that he is a man driven by good and upright qualities.

A kind and compassionate man; When he sees Ruth, a stranger in the land he goes out of his way ensure that she is not taken advantage of, he ensures her protection and even instructs his servants to deliberately leave large amounts of grain for her to collect.

A man not given to partiality; In verse 10 Ruth is astonished that she would receive kindness from him since she is a foreigner. This gives us an indication of the kind of reception she was accustomed to getting elsewhere. But Boaz was not a man that judged a person according to their race or social status.

Question 3:

In verse 12 Boaz says to Ruth “The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!”.

Who does Boaz say is responsible for the blessings that Ruth is receiving and how is Boaz teaching us about humility?

Answer:

Boaz has been showing great kindness to Ruth and has been helping her even at his own expense. Yet, Boaz does not view himself as Ruth’s refuge but rather that he is merely the instrument of God’s goodness since he says “…the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge”. Ultimately he is giving glory to God for the blessings that Ruth is receiving at his hand.

This is a good lesson for all of us that we should not become proud or puffed-up when we have opportunities to help other people. We are not the refuge and salvation of other people but we can be an instrument by which God can shelter them and minster his love to.

Question 4:

What does this chapter teach us about the character of God and His attitude towards those in our society that are outcasts, impoverished and vulnerable? Looking at how Boaz treated Ruth, discuss how we could mimic that behavior towards others, are there vulnerable people in our community that need the help of a Boaz?

Who does Boaz say is responsible for the blessings that Ruth is receiving and how is Boaz teaching us about humility?

Answer:

The bible is using Boaz as the hero of the book of Ruth to show us about God’s heart. Just as Boaz was impartial, so is God. God is concerned for the poor and destitute just like how Boaz was towards Ruth. Just as Boaz did not just do the smallest amount that he could get away with so also God is very generous to all of us. God wants us to go the extra mile and show hospitality towards others and to show kindness far beyond what is normal or expected.