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).
Boaz's message to Ruth had not fallen on deaf ears. It did her heart good to rehearse his message of hope and help to Naomi. All that Boaz had said to her had given her the security she needed and desired. Her confidence in leaving out that morning to find grace in the eyes of a benefactor had been buoyed by Boaz's charity.
Boaz had in his employ young men who were vital to his harvest. These men would gather the crops from the fields for Boaz. Boaz's command to the young men gives indication of the vulnerability of Ruth and the values of their society. The Book of Judges indicates that in their society, every man did that which was right his own eyes. This lawless behavior created a society with no values. Therefore, Boaz had cause to give five clear commands to his employees.
The young men were told not to touch Ruth, but rather to serve Ruth water when she thirsted. Boaz commanded them to let Ruth glean more than just the corners; she was permitted full access in his fields. The young men were cautioned not to reproach her; they were not to charge her with a fault by using severe or harsh language. Boaz's workers were instructed to purposefully drop handfuls and leave them for Ruth to retrieve. Boaz spoke a second time to the young men and told them they were to offer no rebuke to Ruth for her gleaning and gathering beyond the normal boundaries assigned to a woman of her status.
Although their society's values were at their lowest, Ruth's vulnerability was at its highest. Ruth's arrival in Bethlehem-judah as a widow and a stranger and in poverty increased her defenselessness. Under heaven’s rules, women were to be cared for, comforted, and held in honor. Yet under the heathen’s rules, women were scorned, chastised, and held as property. The key to understanding it all is the shielding umbrella God placed in each woman’s life to uphold His rules. Until marriage, a woman was under her father’s provision and protection. After a woman married, she came under her husband’s umbrella of protection and provision.
Clearly, God prepared Boaz to become Ruth’s protector and provider from lawless men with selfish goals. Boaz took his charge seriously. His instructions and preparations made it plain to all around him that he was there for Ruth’s protection and provision.
Similarly, when our Eternal Boaz left to return to heaven, He left His Holy Spirit with us. The Holy Spirit, heaven’s representative in Christ’s absence, provides and protects His children. The lawless deeds and desires of men will not penetrate the Holy Spirit’s umbrella of protection.
When the values of this world seem to threaten and like Ruth, you seem most vulnerable, remember you are not without a Goel. Jesus Christ our provider, helper, healer, and friend is with you this day. The words, deeds, or accusations of lawless men cannot change this special privilege.