by John O’Malley
“And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest” (Ruth 2:21).
The childhood home of her deceased husband Mahlon was the setting in which Ruth told her mother-in-law of her first day with Boaz. What a unique moment for both women! Many moments of celebration and joy had been celebrated within this home. Naomi had experienced many joys in this home. Naomi could look around this very room and see days of little boys toddling around, the room echoing with bursts of laughter.
Now, in this home, her deceased son's wife related the events of the day where she met a near kinsman who opened both his harvest and his heart to this Moabitess. Ruth bubbled over with joy as she related to Naomi of Boaz's goodness, grace, and gifts showered upon her. Naomi knew Boaz had kindled the embers of love within the heart of this young woman.
Ruth's jubilation is detected in this phrase. One can almost hear a daughter sharing with her mother how her heart had not been stirred as it had in that moment. Phrases, sentences, and words could not flow fast enough. Ruth did not want to forget to tell Naomi anything. Ruth's phrase, "he said unto me also" is worthy of spiritual consideration.
As it is recorded in English, Boaz spoke 163 words to Ruth in chapter two. Though we were not there, we can be sure that Ruth told Naomi every one of those words and more. Boaz's words brought comfort, consolation, and celebration from the first as he called Ruth "my daughter." He offered Ruth access, adoption, and acceptance. Boaz counseled Ruth as he spoke of his harvest that she would be secure and supplied with all she would need. He gave Ruth the warmth and welcome she desperately needed when he spoke of her faith in God.
The sinner saved by grace will find similar excitement as they reminisce in the goodness of the Eternal Boaz. The children of the Eternal Boaz are blessed indeed. They rejoice in their adoption, acceptance, and association in Boaz's family. The children of God, like Ruth, have many "He said also(s)" to share. It is more than grace to be in the family, yet each child of God gets all of this and heaven too!
Consider all the "also" things He has said to us in His Word. We receive also forgiveness, fellowship, friendship, and forever. Pause this day to reflect and rejoice in His goodness!