His Daughter, His Maidens, His Fields

by John O’Malley

“And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field” (Ruth 2:22).

Naomi and Ruth found the priceless contentment that comes from being in God’s will. It was the hand of God that had seen them both through the days of departures and difficulties, diseases and death, discouragement and depletion. Now the hand of God exchanged those for return and rest, recovery and rejuvenation, rejoicing and re-supply. 

Like most women’s hearts, Naomi found great delight in seeing two people find the path that leads to lifelong happiness with each other. Naomi was not the matchmaker for Boaz and Ruth; she was merely an encourager to the participants. The matchmaker for the Messiah’s line was God Himself. He arranged the events that brought the couple’s hearts together. They found each other in the same field of service. No one brings people together like God.

Naomi’s endearment and excitement became a time of education for Ruth. Carefully she sought to instruct Ruth about serving with a kinsman, staying with his workers, and keeping separate from the distractions of other fields. Naomi knew what was going on was far broader and went much deeper than two people whose hearts had been drawn to each other. This was the hand of God working all things together for the good.

Naomi knew Boaz's acceptance of and affection for Ruth merited faithfulness in return. Ruth’s instruction from Naomi is worthy of consideration. “Stick with his maidens and stay in his fields,” paraphrases Naomi’s instruction to Ruth. The implication from her instruction indicates that a level of shame would mar her for seeking satisfaction in any other field with anyone else’s fellowship.

What a simple life lesson for the believer today! Those who are adopted by our Eternal Boaz should follow the same instructions. Stay in the fellowship of those who are His workers and serve only in the fields of the Eternal Boaz. Many “Ruths” today seem to be glad to be in the family, but find it an imposition to be in the fellowship of His workers and serving the field He assigns. 

If you are His child and struggle with faithfulness in your attendance to His house and accepting responsibility for His house, than you must heed Naomi’s instruction to Ruth. “It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field.”

Are you in fellowship with people who are not in association with the Eternal Boaz? Are you in a field of your own making and not His assignment? When you are His child, you should be with His people in His field.

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My Daughter

by John O’Malley

“And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field” (Ruth 2:22). 

The delight that pulsed through Ruth’s being would be hard to measure, as she heard for the third time in one day the phrase “my daughter.” She had heard it twice from Naomi in verse two and in verse twenty-two, and once from Boaz in verse eight.

Ruth’s journey from the land of her birth to the land of her belief is well documented in this book. Her decision to go to Bethlehem-judah meant she arrived beset by social stigmas. She was Moabite in her heritage; this troubled most Israelites. Ruth's arrival as a widow left her without the covering of a man, and susceptible to dangers from many sides. Ruth’s father and mother remained in Moab; she was by herself. 

On the sixty-seven mile journey to Bethlehem-judah, she made her profession of faith and her confession to cling to Naomi for the rest of her days. Yet these decisions were initiated from her toward others. The law would force field owners to let her glean the corners, but none would be forced to take her as a daughter. 

The beginning of Ruth’s day was marked with Naomi’s commission to her, “Go, my daughter.” Ruth set out to follow the Lord’s leading and to honor her commitment to Naomi’s commission. In the midst of her workday, Ruth heard again the phrase “my daughter” from Boaz. This phrase came when Boaz first met her in his fields. He could have said “widow woman” or “Moabite.” However, he chose to reveal his compassion and said to her, “my daughter.”

At the close of the day, Ruth heard Naomi say again, “my daughter.” This time the phrase sent a message of comfort to Ruth. She could be comforted by the fact that nothing had changed since they had been apart from each other for the day. With her labors ended, Ruth heard Naomi confirm, “You are my daughter.”

The sinner that has come to God in faith believing, knows the same adoption and acceptance that Ruth knew. What comfort it is to know in our commission, He calls us His own! In our labors for Him, He calls us His own. Even when the day is done and our labors for Him are over, He calls us His own. Child of God, you are not alone; He loves you and calls you His own.

Let not one of life’s struggles discourage you, disappoint you, or even bring dismay. The Lord of the harvest calls you His own. The Holy Spirit, our Comforter, calls you His own. There is a day coming for all of His laborers where He will call His own to be with Him. Friend, live in this comfort today! 

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Found in Other Fields

by John O’Malley

“And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field” (Ruth 2:22). 

Truer words could not have been spoken in a more timely way than when Naomi told Ruth, “It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field.”Naomi knew personally the shame, the reproach, and the regret that comes to those who leave the place of God’s provision for places of their own provision. 

Images of her own flight to Moab could have splashed on the screen of her mind as she and the love of her life left more than a decade before during a famine. Naomi knew enough from her own experience: never let yourself think that it will be better in any other place than God’s will. The famine that touched Bethlehem-judah spoiled more than the crops that year; it spoiled their confidence in God’s ability to provide. Elimelech led his family to another field for provision, the fields of Moab. 

Naomi knew the reproach she bore because of it. She did not want Ruth to endure the same. Naomi sought to guide Ruth from potential mistakes she could make since coming to the place of God’s blessing. Naomi knew Ruth had found the best of God’s provision. God had provided Ruth a harvest, a home, and a heart to love again. 

Many had passed Elimelech’s fields since his departure to Moab. Any who passed and saw his absence from the field God had given him knew that he could be found in a field in Moab, a field of his own making. His decision to go to a field of his choosing ended up killing him. 

Yes, Naomi knew enough to tell Ruth not to seek her own provision.  If the crops fail, God will not fail! If famines come, so will His faithfulness. If disaster looms across the horizon, so will His daybreak. Just be faithful to His field! Everyone in Bethlehem-judah had a story to tell how God had provided in a famine; everyone except Naomi. She had missed His faithfulness in a famine once, and she did not want Ruth to make the same mistake she had. 

It would be good to apply this lesson to your own heart. Have you noticed how you tend to look around at other fields when your own looks bleak, or when God is blessing someone else more? Take heed, this behavior has led many to the burial grounds of Moab. Let Naomi’s memories of Moab be enough to make you settle it in your heart that it would be a shame to walk out on God in the midst of a famine!

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Affliction or Affection

by John O’Malley

“And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field” (Ruth 2:22). 

Naomi watched and listened in amazement as the provision of Jehovah was displayed through the kindness of Boaz. A little over eight gallons  of barley lay across her table or perhaps on the floor. Her daughter-in-law stood before her, bubbling over with exuberance as she detailed each moment of interaction with Boaz.

Naomi could no longer keep silent. Commentary and counsel needed given, but what would she say? How should she say it? She began, “It is good.”

The words of a few days before must have echoed in her heart: “The Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me” (Ruth 1:20). “I went out blessed, and now I return bankrupt. I went out with good testimony in Bethlehem-judah, and now I return with heaven testifying against me. I left home delighted, and am returning disappointed. Since my arrival in Moab, I have been in His classroom of affliction; but now, upon graduation, I find this was His classroom of affection.”

Dear friend, the goodness of the Lord will always manifest itself. When Naomi arrived home from Moab, she could not see one good thing around her. Her disappointments abounded; her heart was heavy. Little did she know that her return to God’s will led to restoration of the Messianic line. For all those who love God and respond to His call, everything does work together for their good. 

Naomi graduated from the classroom of affliction when she recognized it was really God’s classroom of affection. Are you struggling today with a heavy burden? Remember this: God will always chastise His children, not because He desires to afflict, but because He cares for us. Your affliction is to draw you back to Him; you are not apart from His affection. 

Now I'm standing on the mountain. Looking back, I can see

When I was in that lowest valley, His strong hand was leading me.

Oh, it's good to see the sunshine and to taste sweet victory; 

God has made this trial a blessing. Oh, the grace He gives to me.

-Terry Tidwell

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The End of the Harvest

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). 

As lord of the harvest, Boaz could see the entire harvest. He was there when it was just grain to be scattered. He was there the day the first worker arrived. He would be there to take care of winnowing out the grain at the end. Though he left the harvesting under the care of his servant set over the reapers, he did come to inspect their presence and performance. He visited them to encourage and edify them in their labors for him.

The words Boaz spoke to Ruth reveal his ability to view not only the present condition of the harvest, but also the day when it all would be gathered. Boaz was waiting on his men to end all his harvest. Boaz had more than one field. The laborers could look around and say “we are almost done here,” but then they would recall: Boaz has other laborers in other fields harvesting. The harvest would not end until it had ended in all fields. 

Boaz could easily have ended the harvest at any time, but ending the harvest early would have abandoned crops that could have been harvested. Boaz's heart was on the harvest and his eyes were on the day when it would be completed. He told Ruth she could stay until it was finished. 

Our Eternal Boaz also sees the end of the harvest. He was here before there was even a field. He knows every laborer by name. He has placed each one in the field and cares for them. When the harvest ends, He will be there to winnow out the grains from the chaff. He will know what is truly barley and what is not. 

The Eternal Boaz has left His Holy Spirit here as the servant set over the reapers. Yet, He is not without making His presence known in the harvest field. Many times the workers of the Eternal Boaz could testify how He has made His presence known in their area of the field. He cares about our outcome and all opportunities in the harvest. 

There is coming a day when all harvesting will be ended. Those in every part of His harvest field will end His harvest. The day for gathering will come. When all the harvest is gathered, there can be no more gathering. Let us then gather while we can. Our Eternal Boaz can see the end of the harvest; keep your eyes on Him, and keep harvesting.

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A Kinsman Inspires

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!

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Keep Fast

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). 

Ruth sought to convey to her mother-in-law every event of that day. So much had happened to her heart since she met Boaz. The emptiness she had felt since the death of Mahlon had left an ache that could not be assuaged, but she was sure the bloom of love had begun to open again. Its familiar fragrance permeated the recesses of her mind and heart and she began to beam. The words flowed with devoted pride as she delivered Boaz’s message to Naomi: “Thou shalt keep fast by my young men.”

Boaz’s words revealed his affection for Ruth. This precious gem, soon to be inlaid in the Messiah’s crown, had been treated with dignity and honor by the region’s most honorable citizen. His words were simple: she was not to leave the side of the young men whom he had disarmed from any vile intention. Ruth could stand in any field belonging to Boaz and not fear rebuke or reproach from anyone.

The workers in the field knew full well that Ruth had taken residence in the heart of Boaz. They could not explain it, they just knew it. The workers in the field had a direct charge from Boaz: “Work and finish my harvest.” 

Ruth’s charge to keep fast was not solely for her benefit. Consider the benefit it was for the workers. Boaz’s workers needed Ruth’s presence; it served as encouragement to them. The Lord of the harvest did not leave them alone in the field. He remembered them and sent them a token of His affection. Ruth’s presence among the workers provided edification for them. The workers of Boaz would enjoy hearing how Boaz was caring for Ruth. They could share with her his goodness to them. Her presence met their need, built them up, and kept them going. 

Boaz’s words, “keep fast by the workers,” still deliver a clear message to God’s children today. Consider your church home as a type of Ruth for just a moment. Your church has been given a command to keep fast by His workers, the missionaries serving on the mission field. Ruth was to keep fast by them. She needed them, and they needed her. She was not to be distracted by other offers. Other things could not delay her. She was to keep fast, to stick close to his people for her benefit, for their benefit, and for his benefit.

Keep fast by His workers, dear Ruth. It is there that you will find friendship, fellowship, and fulfillment. Keep fast by His workers, dear Ruth. All that you need is in His fields, with His workers caring for His business.

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Ruth the Moabitess

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). 

“Ruth the Moabitess.” It has been nineteen verses since we last read that phrase. It certainly should not be ignored; its placement in sacred Scripture is important. In the midst of Naomi’s and Ruth’s worship and wondering, the Holy Spirit made sure we would remember it was the grace of Boaz that brought her to this place, and it would be His grace that would bring her from Moab to motherhood.

Ruth never assumed nor declared her own worthiness of Boaz’s kindness. Ruth knew she was unworthy of Boaz’s goodness and grace; yet she never became presumptuous or proud. When she first arrived at Boaz’s fields, she began with a prayerful request for permission to glean to the servant set over the reapers. When Boaz spoke to her, she fell on the ground and spoke to him from a heart of submission. When she returned to the fields to serve in her newfound relationship, dedication and devotion marked her movements. Ruth's decision to stay and separate the grain from the stalks indicated her faithful stewardship for Boaz. 

Although her name "Ruth the Moabitess" would always linger, her newfound position in the faith of the Eternal Boaz and the fields of the earthly Boaz would shine brighter. Ruth was one who once belonged to a country afar off, yet she had been brought near. The lifestyle, language, and loves of Moab had all been buried in the past. Yes, the Moabitess moniker would remain because of birth; but her faith in the one true God of Israel would make her Ruth, the homemaker in the line of Christ.

Ruth's story is the story of every sinner who comes in repentance and faith to Christ. The titles of "Ruth the Moabitess" and "sinner saved by grace" are synonymous. It was leaving Moab and cleaving to the one true God that transformed her life and took her from being a foreigner to being family.  

What has happened in your life? Can you point to a moment in time where you came to Him as a sinner and He saved you by His grace? Sin has abandoned, orphaned, widowed, and bankrupted many a person. However, any who have ever come to Him in faith have never been refused nor rejected. Redeemed, forgiven, and saved are wonderful descriptive titles that belong to every sinner saved by grace.

Does the title “sinner saved by grace” belong to you? If it does not, turn to Him in faith today and accept Him as your Redeemer. If the aforementioned title does belong to you, when did you last worshipfully praise Him for the transformation He brought to your life? 

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My Men, My Harvest

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).  

Ruth continued to relate to Naomi the message of Boaz. Calm authority characterized his words. Ruth came to his field. She needed safety, security, and supply. Boaz made it clear that Ruth would have all she would need. 

Ruth certainly found comfort in Boaz’s use of the word “my.” Four times in this chapter he used the word “my.” Boaz’s first words to Ruth were “my daughter.” Then he said to Ruth follow “my maidens.”

He used the word “my” twice. First he said to Ruth, “Stay fast by my young men.” Boaz saw the workers in the field not just as hirelings; they were his. The men in the fields were not free agents that would come and go; they were his. The men in the field were identified as young, and they were not scorned because of their age or achievements; they were his.  

Boaz was not ashamed to be identified as the lord of their harvest. He was not embarrassed to include them as those who would be close to his heart. His investment in the harvest did not distance him from the workers, but rather drew them to him. His communication to Ruth made it clear: “the young men belong to me.” 

The second use of the word, “my” in this verse is connected to his harvest. He told Ruth, “keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest.” Boaz had a vested interest in the harvest. In was not just another harvest field; it was his harvest field. Boaz did not ignore the harvest field as just another one in his possession, but he took ownership of harvest. Boaz’s investment in the harvest led to his interest in the harvest and his affection for the harvesters.

Children of the Eternal Boaz would do well to heed this simple thought: you are part of His harvest. You are His laborer, His Harvester. He has an interest in both your person and your productivity. He invested much in His harvest and in you. He spoke to His disciples and mentioned to them this same thought in Matthew nine. He referred to His laborers and His harvest. Our Eternal Boaz loves us dearly and longs for us to complete His harvest.

Boaz had invested much in his maidens, his harvest, and his men; with all of the investment, he had much interest. Jesus said it this way: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21). His treasure is in His children and in those who could be His children. Take comfort this day in the truth that, “My beloved is mine, and I am his” (Song of Solomon 2:16).

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A Protector and Provider

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.

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His Mercy Endureth Forever

by John O’Malley

“And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the Lord, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen” (Ruth 2:20). 

 “Blessed be he of the Lord, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead.” Naomi’s words in this sentence indicate the liberation of her spirit and a certainty of hope for the future. For the second time in as many verses, she recognizes that God’s goodness has returned to her life and she offers praise to God for not leaving off His kindness. 

 She remarked that God’s kindness had been extended to both the living and the dead. God’s love, when it takes action, is seen in His deeds of kindness. If love had feet and hands, they would be named kindness. God’s kindness changed Naomi’s perception. 

 Naomi learned that:

1. His kindness turns bitterness into blessing. 

2. His kindness exchanges barrenness for bounty. 

3. His kindness replaces affliction with affection. 

4.  His kindness drains hopelessness from the heart and refills it with hope.

 Naomi’s worship in this moment of blessing teaches us that God’s kindness is not limited solely to those who walk this sod. His kindness can be extended to those who have passed from the earthly life also! “His mercy endureth for ever” (Psalm 136). 

 Naomi recognized that God’s kindness had remembered her husband who had erred in leaving Bethlehem-judah. She appreciated how God’s kindness remembered Mahlon who had made a mistake by staying in Moab. She discovered God’s kindness had touched Ruth in redeeming a Moabite to carry on the family name of Elimelech. She finally recognized that God’s kindness touched her life both in Moab and in Bethlehem-judah.

 This lesson would be enough to help a believer to recognize the merciful kindness of God if considered on its own merit. Yet, when you consider Naomi’s worship, it touched more than those who were in the room and those who read its account. Ruth’s great-grandson David spent many days recognizing the mercies and kindnesses of God throughout the Book of Psalms. Always remember that just as Naomi set a pattern for David, your worship is setting the pattern for those who follow in days to come.

 Take a moment today in your personal worship to our God to identify his kindness to you. Look in your heart, and then check your home for portraits of His kindness. God’s kindness must be reviewed often. Otherwise, we will become accustomed to it and undervalue its worth. When you have taken inventory of His kindness, show the list to those who make up your family and establish a pattern of worship for them.

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Call Me Mara

by John O’Malley

“And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the Lord, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen” (Ruth 2:20). 

Could this be the same woman who concluded the last chapter with the words, “Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full and the Lord hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the Lord hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?” 

Had Ruth’s demonstration reversed Naomi’s desire to change her name? Did Ruth’s declaration prompt Naomi to check the gauge of blessings in her life to see that she had gone from empty to full? When Ruth testified of Boaz, was it enough to make Naomi change her heart about the Almighty testifying against her? Was Ruth’s hope enough to make Naomi see that the afflictions of this life are to make us better, not bitter?

Naomi had genuine concerns for her family’s name. Elimelech’s children had died. There was none to carry on her husband’s name (Deuteronomy 25:5-9). Naomi had thoughts of her daughter-in-law finding happiness again in marriage (Ruth 1:11).

Naomi had seen other women in the community who celebrated life with their grandchildren. She would not be able to do this. Daily she was condemned in the courtroom of her own conscience for stepping out of God’s will. With the entrance of Ruth carrying into her house reminders of God’s kindness, she found forgiveness and freedom from the Almighty. Naomi’s outlook was transformed; her dismay (Mara) became delight (Naomi). 

Are you a Naomi that lives in chapter one? You live in the shadows of bitterness, barrenness, and brokenness. God’s kindness, extended to His obedient children, changes dispositions and determinations. Naomi, why not move to chapter two and let Him convey His kindness to you?

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A Kinsman Introduced

by John O’Malley

“And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the Lord, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen” (Ruth 2:20). 

 Naomi’s worshipful recognition of the kindness of God led to her recollection of the kinship of Boaz. Her worshipful inspiration led to wonderful instruction for her disciple in the faith. Naomi had to step into her role as instructor of this Moabite. She showed her God's provision for the widowed and orphaned in this world. Let us listen as she could have taught her spiritual charge:

 “Mother, what exactly do you mean when you say Boaz is a kinsman (goel)?”

 “You see dear, God gave us His laws to govern us in times of peace and persecution. God wanted us to know what we should do at all times. His law is perfect. 

 In His law, He has established a principle that protects people in our situation. God instituted the rule of a kinsmen-redeemer to assist those who have been in dire straits. A goel, a kinsman, is the nearest living blood relative. It is the goel’s responsibility to restore the rights of another and to avenge any wrongdoing. God designed his law for a goel to assist his next of kin when they encounter difficulties in matters of finance, murder, and slavery. 

 As God’s people, if we cannot redeem our own inheritance, it becomes the duty of the goel to redeem it for us. If we sell ourselves into slavery, a goel can redeem us from slavery. If an Israelite is murdered, a goel will avenge his death.”

 “Mother! Jehovah is so good! I left the house today looking for the wings of Him whom I had come to trust. Of all fields for Him to direct me to, He took me to the field of Boaz, our near kinsman. Oh, I wish I could say the words that could properly express my joy.”

 “Truly, dear, God is good to His people.”

 Because of the laws of the kinsman-redeemer, Elimelech’s name and lands would not be left in desolation. The women in his family would not be left without claim to the lands that they had left more than a decade ago. God had visited His people in Bethlehem-judah in giving them both bread and a redeemer. 

 In the Garden of Eden, six millennia ago, mankind sold himself into the slavery of sin. This slavery held man in captivity. The same day Adam became aware that he could not redeem himself, God in his kindness looked at our hopelessness and offered man a Goel to redeem us. Four thousand years later, Jesus Christ took on human form to become our Goel to God. Calvary’s cross became the place where He declared His position as our Goel to redeem us from the slavery to which we had sold ourselves.

 We could easily read over this and carelessly move on to the next thing. Yet we must not ignore that we were sold into slavery and stood without a Kinsman-Redeemer. Our Eternal Boaz became our Goel and provided redemption because He loved us. 

 His declaration to redeem the world unto Himself must be our motivator to share with mankind. There is a clear message of hope in His declaration to redeem. What else could be more important this day than to find someone still sold into slavery and tell them of their Goel? 

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A Kinsman Inspected

by John O’Malley

“And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the Lord, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen”  (Ruth 2:20).

Naomi’s words reflect how quickly she was mentally working her way through the family tree. Boaz was a kinsman. How close was he? She began to consider, “The man is near of kin unto us.” Certainly it was the thought of the Levirate laws (laws of the kinsman redeemer or goel) and Boaz’s placement in their family that brought about the next phrase, “one of our next kinsmen.” Cautious hope sprang within their hearts. Would they be sentenced to live with their property at arms’ reach but still out of their grasp? Would there be no goel to stand for them?

These two phrases, “near of kin” and “one of our next kinsmen,” help us to see the turmoil in Naomi’s heart. Since Boaz had been so gracious to Ruth and had been prepared by Jehovah to care for them, this must have placed her in a quandary. Ever the matchmaker, Naomi was forced to declare upon careful inspection, “Boaz is close to us. However, in order to fulfill the requirements of the Levirate laws, there is one closer.” 

Boaz's placement in Elimelech’s family tree is not clear from this text, but without question, he was family. Some Old Testament rabbis teach by conjecture that Elimelech and Salmon, Boaz’s father, were brothers, making Naomi a niece to Boaz. No matter the manner of the relationship, Naomi, the city elders, and the nearer kinsman, all recognized Boaz was a rightful kinsman.

Before salvation, the believer stood before God separated and in need of redemption. The law, our means to follow God’s ways, was a next kinsman to us, but could in no way serve as our Goel. Jesus Christ, as a declaration of His grace, stepped in and announced He would be the Goel for mankind. He paid the price of our redemption with His own blood. 

What a delight for the child of God to look back upon what Jesus has done as our Goel! We must share with others that their own righteous attempts to purchase their own redemption will never work. They must be told of our Goel. Whom will you tell today?

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Where? Oh, Where?

by John O’Malley

“And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she showed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man’s name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz” (Ruth 2:19).

The events of Naomi’s day are not recorded for us in the text. It would be safe to conclude that Ruth crossed her heart and mind more than once throughout the day. “How much would she bring back? Would she bring any grains back? How far would she have to go before someone would permit her access to their fields?” Naomi certainly must have looked forward to hearing from Ruth upon her return from her first day of gleaning.

Ruth must have also been preparing in her heart and mind as each step drew her closer to home. God had been so kind to her that day. She wanted to tell everything and not miss a detail. Ruth came through the threshold of the door and began to display the bounty from Boaz. Naomi found herself overwhelmed by the rewards received from the hand of God.

Naomi knew the amount Ruth returned with exceeded her own ability and achievements. These gifts exhibited someone’s charity and she recognized it immediately. Someone out there in her homeland had taken the time to learn about her daughter-in-law and responded with grace.

Naomi’s questions for Ruth reveal a truth we must not overlook. Ruth could have attempted to glean in any field she chose. Had Ruth gone to another field, she would have been frustrated beyond measure and found herself fruitless in her labors. Had she chosen her own field, she would have not met Boaz. God had saved and delivered Ruth from Moab not for her to find her own provision, but to learn to trust Him for His provision.

Naomi’s questions should make the growing believer consider where we glean and how much we are gathering. Where are you gleaning? Are you in a field of your own choosing, or His choosing? How bountiful are the fruits of your labors? Are you experiencing all the blessings of God’s goodness?

If you are making your own way and seeing your own meager fruits for your labors, let Naomi’s questions provoke some thoughts in you. Am I in God’s field or my own field? Am I gleaning my own fruits or His fruits?

Where, oh where, are you gleaning and gathering?

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Show and Tell

by John O’Malley

“And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man's name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz” (Ruth 2:19).

The childhood game of show and tell comes to mind as the last sentence of this verse is read. The verse indicates that Ruth answered Naomi’s questions with a visual and verbal response. The visual response is not recorded for us save that she directed her attention toward something. Then she offered Naomi a verbal response and identified it was Boaz.

Ruth stood before her mother-in-law and showed her a clear identifier. This would distinguish with whom she had been working. Students of the Bible would love to extrapolate what she possibly could have shown Naomi.

In the cultural setting, relying upon those who are authorities for this time period, she could have been given a garment that identified her as Boaz’s gleaners. She could have also had some vessel with her to convey the barley grains home that identified Boaz. It is possible that some other indicator had been displayed before Naomi, but it would leave any onlooker without question that Ruth had been with Boaz.

The experiences of the day and the emotions of the heart were overshadowed by the fact that Boaz had taken up residence in her heart and this served as a comfort to her. It would be hard to guess which thrilled Ruth more, the visual presentation or the verbal one. Both would have been thankfully thrilling to hear.

Ruth’s voice proclaimed the phrase, “The man's name with whom I wrought today is Boaz.” The words penetrated the silence in Naomi’s home. A home that knew well God’s discipline well had encountered God’s delight. A home that once declared barrenness and bitterness saw that bounty and blessings had come since their choice to return to God.

This show and tell was not a normal display of an item with a short story to accompany it. This show and tell represented the sovereign and providential will of God. Ruth’s verbal and visual display revealed that Boaz had been identified as her benefactor. His gracious response to her needs revealed she had been adopted and accepted. Boaz had chosen to associate himself with Ruth, a Moabitish homemaker in the line of Christ.

Converts to the Eternal Boaz know well that they too have visual and verbal identifiers to distinguish their Benefactor. They have God’s Word that declares they are His. They have The Holy Spirit to comfort, guide, and teach them. They have His ‘ephahs’ of barley that confirm His adoption, acceptance, and association with them.

Do you have something for show and tell today in the classroom of your life? Perhaps you need to show someone today the visual blessing of a recent ‘ephah’ with which He has blessed you. Meditate upon His Word and commune with His Holy Spirit and ask God to give you something today to show and tell.

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Recognizing Blessings

by John O’Malley

“And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she showed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man’s name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz” (Ruth 2:19).

Naomi could keep silent no longer! Certainly something must have happened with Ruth. “Where did you glean today? Where did you beat out your gleanings?” Before Ruth could utter a response, Naomi declared her gratefulness and said, “Blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee.” Ruth seized her opportunity to explain it all. Seven and half gallons of barley lay spread before Naomi. Parched corn was placed in Naomi’s hand as she declared the events of the day in her own way. Listen as she could have declared it:

Mom, I left home today and sensed in my heart the guiding hand of Jehovah. Just like you have been teaching me about the way He guided our people to the Promised Land, so I too sensed Him guiding me to glean in a certain field. I prayed that God would let me find grace in someone’s eyes and let me glean. I arrived at God’s field for me and met the servant set over the reapers. I asked him if I could glean today in his field. I declared to him my status, relationship, and testimony. I made it clear I was Moabite by birth and Israelite by faith. I related to him my financial position and marital status. I thank God for His provision in the law for me because the servant gave me access to his master’s field.

About noontime, the owner of the field came. He spoke with such tenderness. What spoke to my heart was that he called me daughter. The owner told me to plan on going nowhere else for the rest of the harvest. He knew all about my conversion, my commitment to Jehovah and to you. He said that he had been shown fully all about me. I was so humbled by his compassion and kindness; I thanked him and wondered why he would favor me so. He made it clear to me I could leave the corners of the field and work right around the reapers. He then invited me to share the midday meal with him. That is when he gave me this parched corn to eat. I saved some of it for you!

It seemed from that moment my day got easier and the work went faster. Everywhere I could look, it seemed I found grain to pick up. The next time the master and I speak, I must tell him about the carelessness of his workers. After lunch, it seemed they became careless with the grain, even wasteful. When the afternoon passed, I found myself with all this grain. So I began to beat the grains. I tried to be careful and not waste a grain. My excitement to come home and share these blessing with you spurred me on to finish. After beating out the grain, I had this much to carry home.

Mother, I know you wanted to know the name of the man who is this Master. You are correct; he did take knowledge of me. His name is most unusual in sound; I understand it means “quickness.” Certainly he was quick to respond to my needs. I am so grateful to Jehovah for leading me to this man. Mother, his name is Boaz.

God had arranged their meeting. He had given them a heart for one another. All of it was done in His time to bring together these two hearts. He brought Boaz and Ruth to the intersection of loneliness and hope and they found each other. Their meeting was not by chance. No, this was a meeting that secured the line of the Messiah and thwarted Satan’s attempt to extinguish the salvation of mankind.

How well do you recognize God’s blessings in your life? Can you see how He has woven the threads of your life to make a beautiful fabric for His honor and glory? Pause today to recognize and testify of His blessings.

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Hope Breaks Across Naomi’s Horizon

by John O’Malley

“And she took it up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed” (Ruth 2:18).

Naomi’s life since she left Bethlehem-judah the first time had been dramatically altered. The days of raising children in the Promised Land had been exchanged for burying two sons in the deserts of Moab. The anticipation of growing old with her husband Elimelech and watching their grandchildren play and grow up in the faith was crushed when Elimelech was interred in Moab’s plains.

She had returned to the God of her childhood and the land of His promise with a daughter-in-law remaining in Moab. No, her life was not the same. Her plaintive mourning over joys buried in Moab was echoed upon her return to Bethlehem-judah. She announced upon her arrival after more than a decade,

“Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the Lord hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?” (Ruth 1:20-21).

She desired that her name be changed from “delightsome one” to “disappointed one.” Her very name stood as a monument to her husband’s decision to leave Bethlehem-judah and her decision to remain in Moab after her husband’s death. Though her decision to remain in Moab drained her of her delights, Moab could not detain her in its shackles of death, disappointment, and discouragement.

Naomi’s departure from Moab to return to Bethlehem-judah revealed her awareness of God’s dealing in her life. God had worked in her life. She saw the emptiness of her home, heart, and hope. She declared to them that God’s working in her life testified against her actions. She knew that He had dealt very bitterly with her. Yet the low spot of her return in the previous chapter is now placed in the shadows as the sunlight of God’s provision breaks across the horizon of her tomorrows upon the return of Ruth from the fields.

Naomi saw what Ruth had gleaned. Deep within her bosom, she knew this visit from the Almighty was a visit of bread and blessing, not bitterness. She received the barley and the parched corn from Ruth. It had been a decade or longer since she had known this kind of blessing. The Almighty’s grace was beginning to replace the emptiness and disappointment with bread, barley, and blessings.

Ruth returning to Naomi laden with God’s provisions was more than just a trip home; it was the beginning of God’s replacement warranty. Naomi returned broken and God honored His Word and began to replace the missing elements in her life.

Have you a blessing to share today? Has God touched your life? Someone is out there that needs to hear of His visit in your life. Proclaim today His goodness; it may mark the beginning of a turnaround in someone’s life.

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Grace After Knowledge

by John O’Malley

“And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she showed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man’s name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz” (Ruth 2:19). 

It would have been easy for Naomi to reflect upon the disasters that had entered through the door of her home since their departure from God’s will more than a decade before. Naomi knew God’s hand of discipline could not only touch her husband and children, but she knew it could affect others as well. 

Naomi was not ignorant of Ruth’s desire to search for a place of provision. Naomi knew when Ruth left that morning that “the odds” would be against her. Throughout the day, Naomi could have wondered about Ruth’s welfare. “Would she find a field where she could glean? Would she be accepted in that field? How much grain would she be able to bring home for their sustenance? Where would the God of Israel lead her daughter-in-law? How would she be accepted? Whom would she meet? What would happen?” They were living in troublesome times. Many in their region lived according to the laws of their own creation and not their Creator’s laws. “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25).

Naomi’s response reflected her day of pondering and praying for her precious daughter-in-law. Ruth’s arrival with such an abundant bounty of grain prompted Naomi’s reaction of two questions and one blessing for their newfound benefactor. Such responses define the thought “Grace after knowledge.”

Ruth’s benefactor took knowledge of her. After he learned of her family, her fate, her frustrations, her flaws and even her faith, he showed her grace. Knowing Ruth’s inadequacies, he still showed her his grace. He could have ignored her, but he invited her into his field and his family. He could have rejected her, but he opened his heart and harvest field. He could have despised her, but he offered her provision and protection. He offered grace after he took knowledge of her. Boaz showed grace after he took knowledge of Ruth’s cause, condition, and country.

This very thought should thrill the heart of every convert from the land of Moab. You were once flawed, far from God, and a failure. Our Eternal Boaz took knowledge of you and even after that, He showed His grace. He knew whom we were, what we were, and where we were, and He loved us anyway. He knew us, yet He loved us. What generosity! What goodness! What grace!

Let your meditation this day be as Naomi’s: “Blessed is He that did take knowledge of me!”

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Bringing Barley to Others

by John O’Malley

“And she took it up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed” (Ruth 2:18). 

Ruth’s journey from home that morning was one filled with hope, faith, and trust. Ruth’s prayer when she left home that morning indicated her hope and trust. Boaz’s testimony in the middle of the day revealed Ruth’s faith. Now this journey home is one of satisfaction in the one true God of Israel. 

She left home seeking to find grace in human eyes. That day she found grace both in human eyes and in heaven’s eye. Ruth left seeking ears of corn, and came home with gallons of barley. She went out looking for daily provision, and found divine provision. Ruth's heart was full as her hope was fulfilled. Ruth’s faith was made sight by the barley in her hand. Ruth’s trust was confirmed as she strode home, certain that the wings of the Lord God of Israel had again guided her to a place of provision.

When Naomi returned to Bethlehem-judah, she declared that she had left full, but had come home again empty. Straying out of God’s will drained her. Straying from God’s Word depleted her. Straying from God’s ways exhausted her. 

Now we see Ruth had left home empty, and had come home filled with bounty from Boaz. She had come back with more than enough barley for that day’s provision and the following day’s provision. She had slipped into her pouch the parched corn she had received from Boaz during the noon meal. 

It would have been easy for her to consider that Naomi would never have known about the parched corn, but this was not Ruth’s way. Ruth made a human commitment to Naomi in 1:16. Ruth made a heavenly commitment to God in 1:17. These commitments precluded her from excluding Naomi from parched corn now and promised children later.

Ruth knew that beyond her local barley field was a hungry person who needed bread. She gathered the precious seed and walked to her home place. Upon her arrival, she offered it to her mother-in-law who received it with gladness and glorified God for its arrival.

We who have received the goodness of God’s Word are obligated to rise out of our barley fields to take the seed to those who are hungry. Our churches today are full of “barley-gatherers,” but we lack many “barley-givers” and “barley-goers.” 

When did you last take the barley of the Word of God and head into a city, village, or home and present someone barley and parched corn? Since you have the seed of the Word of God, and you know where there are hungry people, why not head there today and take them the Word of God?

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