There was a relative of Naomi’s husband, a man of great wealth, of the family of Elimelech. His name was Boaz. v1

Remember Naomi is going back to her homeland of Bethlehem to find her Kinsman Redeemer. The man in her family line, that would be able to provide and support her and Ruth. Also remember , Naomis two sons are dead, so Boaz is apparently the next of Kin to her husband Elimelech

While it’s not exactly known the relation, Jewish history suggests Boaz was possibly Elimelech’s nephew, through his brother Salmon. Which you might remember, married the prostitute Rahab from the book of Joshua. So it also gives you a timeline, in the time of Judges, right after the death of Joshua

Remember through this all, Boaz is a shadow of Christ, our Redeemer

Boaz mean “In Him Is Strength”

So Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Please let me go to the field, and glean heads of grain after him in whose sight I may find favor.” And she said to her, “Go, my daughter.” v2

“gleaning “ the field was a practice during this time, based on Mosaic Law. Owners of the field not to reap the edges of the field and allow the poor, widows, and orphans to take crops from the edges of the field. Ruth was willing to do this to provide for her and Naomi

Ruth was also hoping to find favor with the landowner, so they may allow her to glean often. However God is going to use this to lead her to Boaz

When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. / You must not strip your vineyard bare or gather its fallen grapes. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the LORD your God. Leviticus 19:9-10

Then she left, and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers. And she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech. V3

By Gods provision, Ruth ended up gleaning in the field that belonged to Boaz, who is legally the Kinsman Redeemer for Naomi

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

Now behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said to the reapers, “The LORD be with you!” And they answered him, “The LORD bless you!” Then Boaz said to his servant who was in charge of the reapers, “Whose young woman is this?” v4-5

Boaz , The Kinsman Redeemer, came to visit his land, when Ruth caught his eye. He asked “Whose young woman is this”? Boaz was asking for Ruth’s status, was she married? What family line did she belong to? Remember marriages were by arrangement back then.

So the servant who was in charge of the reapers answered and said, “It is the young Moabite woman who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab. v6

The fact his workers pointed out she was a Moabite, seems to me they pointing out she was a Gentile. They perhaps were showing a discriminatory view of Ruth, which wouldn’t be surprised to Moabites were not to be allowed in the assembly according to the Mosaic Law

No Ammonite or Moabite or any of their descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, even to the tenth generation. Deuteronomy 23:3

And she said, ‘Please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves.’ So she came and has continued from morning until now, though she rested a little in the house.” v7

Ruth demonstrated humility and reverence asking for permission in the field. She also showed her determination and work ethic, to provide for her and Naomi.

Ruth demonstrates many of the qualities of the Virtuous Woman of Proverbs 31

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:27

Then Boaz said to Ruth, “You will listen, my daughter, will you not? Do not go to glean in another field, nor go from here, but stay close by my young women. V8

Ruth has found favor in the eyes of Boaz, asking her to only stay in his field. Even though she was a Gentile, even though she was a widow, Boaz sees her through the eyes of mercy and grace

This is a foreshadow of how Christ sees us, as outsiders of the Covenant, Christ has redeemed us to be Children of God

Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, Ephesians 2:19