Ruth Chapter 2

In chapter 2, Ruth shows her character. She's industrious, and full of initiative. She doesn't sit around and wait for someone to do something for her. She takes advantage of one of the Law's provisions for the poor, that of gleaning.

The Lord leads her to a field of one of the kinsman- redeemers. Ruth asks permission to glean. She doesn't assume she should be allowed. Her hard work attracts attention.

When Boaz comes to visit the workers, he asks about her. After learning her identity, he speaks to her, calls her "my daughter," encourages her, offers protection and work opportunities through for the duration of the harvest (which could have been months), orders his servants to leave extra grain for her, and gives her privileges not normally given to gleaners. He invites her to drink from the water jars, and invites her to lunch! This is "way over the top" in regard to behavior of landowners toward gleaners. Boaz has amply displayed his godly character.

When Ruth went home and told Naomi about her day, hope begins to arise in Naomi's heart, and she feels encouraged.