There is so much in the little book that it overwhelms my thinking more than the book of Judges. I fear not doing a satisfactory job and thus belittling the book. To that end, I will finish the book today and pick up the material at a later date yet to be determined.
Ruth shows her work ethic and, after being noticed by Boaz for her determination (and/or beauty), is recognized for her diligence. He then blesses her with privilege in the field giving her permission to go beyond the laws of gleaning, which state the owner of a field is not to pick up pieces that have fallen nor to reap all the field but to leave them for the poor to gather and care for their families. Why don’t we have this law today? I do realize that it would be difficult in this age of technology to have someone pick up our leftover ideas, but it still is worth thinking through. We have the BofA ploy of taking the change and placing it in our savings, why not have those who desire to, whom own businesses, do the same for the poor.
Back to Ruth. Naomi recognizes that Boaz, the man who recognized Ruth’s work ethic, is attracted to Ruth and is a candidate to marry Ruth as a kinsman-redeemer. This is so rich a topic, Jesus is this for us, that I will have to pick up this thought later. Naomi tells Ruth what Boaz already said to her: Stay in his field! She does and God works through her obedience.
Chapter three is fascinating. The cultural aspects of courting are interesting. Basically, Boaz and Ruth plan to marry in this chapter.
Chapter four presents the legal ritual to allow Boaz to marry Ruth. The throwing in of the sandal is a signal of giving up one’s rights to a matter.
Because of God’s work in Ruth, Boaz, and Naomi, the lineage of David is presented. When time allows, I will do justice to this book.
