Chapter 225 of 1163

RUTH 2

Ruth was a young believer, but she knew enough of the Word to understand that she was permitted to glean in the fields during the harvest (Lev. 19:9–10). She trusted the God who was concerned about widows and the poor (Exod. 22:22; Deut. 10:18), and He did not fail. When we trust God and obey Him, He begins to work on our behalf (Prov. 3:5–6).

There were at least two men in Bethlehem who could permanently deliver Ruth and Naomi from their poverty and loneliness, and God providentially led Ruth to the field of one of them, Boaz. (See Ps. 25:9; Isa. 42:16.) It was not the bitterness of Naomi but the faithfulness of Ruth that changed the picture.

Boaz protected Ruth and provided for her even before she discovered who he was. (On his part, it was probably love at first sight!) Instead of living on leftovers, Ruth became a friend of “the lord of the harvest” who gave her generous gifts. Can you see in all of this a picture of what Christ has done for His own?

Under His Wings (Ruth 2:12)

This image refers to the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle, where the wings of the cherubim overshadowed the mercy seat (Exod. 25:17–22). To be under His wings means to be in the place of security and fellowship with God (Pss. 36:7–8; 61:4; 91:1–4). Believers should abide in Him (John 15:1–10) and enter into the Holy of Holies (Heb. 10:19–25). God’s people are “outside the camp” (Heb. 13:13) but living “inside the veil” in the Holy of Holies.

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