We’ve come to week five of our study of Ruth. I hope you have been blessed by our study thus far and will continue to grow as we continue our journey with Ruth. Before we start this week’s study, I encourage you to read Ruth chapter 2 in its entirety in one sitting.
We’ve previously covered two major themes throughout the Ruth narrative: hesed and kinsman-redeemer. These two terms might be defined as follows (thanks to the ladies able to meet at the building):
Hesed (Hebrew; usually translated loving kindness) – recognizes and meets recipient’s needs, based on covenant loyalty to God and to each other.
Kinsman-redeemer – the nearest adult male blood-relative who served as an advocate for any vulnerable/impoverished clan member.
Keep these concepts in mind as we continue our study.
ASSIGNMENT:
READ Ruth 2: 5-12
1. :5-6 Boaz’s question in verse 5 indicates he knew the workers in his field & recognized a new face. How does the foreman identify Ruth?
2. :7-9 Note: verse 7 has caused some difficulty in translation. The foreman volunteers information about Ruth’s request (and also her work habits in the NIV). The NASB translates this way: Thus she came and has remained from the morning until now
The last clause of verse 7, which the NIV translates, except for a short rest in the shelter, and the NASB – she has been sitting in the house for a little while, is difficult in any translation. In the original Hebrew, it reads, “this her sitting the house (a) little.” (and, no, this is not a typo)Most commentators have formed their understanding of verse 7 from Boaz’s response to Ruth in verses 8 &9. His 7 statements are as follows:
1. Don’t go and glean in another field
2. And don’t go away from here
3. Stay here with my servant girls
4. Watch the field where the men (and girls) are harvesting
5. And follow along after the girls
6. I have told the men not to touch you
7. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled
From these statements, some say it is possible to conclude:
That Ruth was leaving the field as Boaz arrived (statements 1-3)
That something done to her by the male reapers has made her uncomfortable enough to leave (statements 4-6)
That Ruth’s attempt to get a drink of water had resulted in some sort of harassment by a male reaper (statement 7)
Using this rationale, we conclude that the foreman’s words in the last clause of verse 7 could actually be something like this, “This fellow…ah, she’s just going home for a bit.” The foreman starts his explanation, becomes embarrassed and then just says that Ruth is headed home or perhaps leaving to go to another field.
3. :10-11 Ruth bows down and asks why Boaz has been so kind to her, a foreigner. What reason does Boaz give for his kindness?
4. :11-12 At this point, what does Boaz know that we assume Ruth does not?
5. From what we’ve read (thru Ruth 2:12), is there evidence of anything more than hesed in Boaz’s treatment of Ruth?
