by John O’Malley
“And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left” (Ruth 2:14).
The name Bethlehem-judah means, “House of bread in the land of praise.” This town, named for its production of bread, carries special significance in Bible history. Two kings would come from Bethlehem-judah, one an earthly king and the other the King of Kings. Rachel, the mother of Israel, would be buried there. Boaz, the benefactor in Ruth’s life, would hail from there and be God’s channel of blessing in Ruth’s life.
It is this Boaz and his offer of bread that holds our focus for this day. Boaz cared for Ruth in every way possible. His words seemingly dissipated the lingering clouds of doubt and despair in Ruth’s horizon. Boaz’s words paint a portrait of his inclusion of Ruth into his favor. Boaz’s words paint a portrait of two hearts brought together by God’s will. Two hearts standing in a field, knowing that each of their tomorrows would never be the same.
These two certainly must have shared an unspoken hope as they examined their hearts in this moment. Ruth stood near Boaz’s side as he presented his invitation to fellowship with him and his instructions for her to follow. She knew this man sought to bless her heart and held no ulterior motives. Boaz was a man she could trust with her heart and her hopes.
Boaz directed her attention to the bread set before his workers. It was bread from Bethlehem. This bread from Bethlehem would represent the call from God that brought Naomi and Ruth from Moab. The bread displayed God’s goodness after a famine in the land.
The bread he offered replenished her energy and rewarded her efforts in the field. The bread from Bethlehem-judah would have provided strength for her continued labors. This bread would also create anticipation for another meal the following day. Boaz encouraged her to eat because he knew he would have fresh bread the next day. Ruth would learn that her labors in the field would require her to use the strength from the bread she had eaten at mealtime with Boaz.
Similarly, our Eternal Boaz offers to us today the same invitation. God offers us, His adopted children, the bread of the Word of God. His Word replenishes the energy we expend laboring for Him in His harvest.The bread of God’s Word rewards us for our efforts on His behalf.
When reading God’s Word, we find that our strength is renewed and we are prepared for our return to our labors for Him. When we eat of His bread, we are left with anticipation of a meal with Him soon. The Word we take in each day at mealtime with our Eternal Boaz will benefit our labors. Once you have tasted His bread, you will want no other.
Buy Reflections from Ruth: The Pain from Leaving (Volume 1)