Introduction
In Halle, Germany, Pastor August Francke founded an orphanage for the late 17th century orphans throughout the city and region. One day, when he didn’t know how he could carry on the work with the present lack of funds, a Christian widow came to him begging for a ducat – a gold coin. Regretfully, he told her that at the present moment he was unable to help her. Unable to stop herself, the widow began weeping. Francke, moved by her tears, asked her to wait while he prayed. As he sought the Lord, Francke felt it definitely impressed upon him that he should give a ducat to this poor widow. With faith that the Lord would take care of the orphanage if Francke was obedient, he gave the ducat to the widow. Two days later, Francke opened a letter in which the widow thanked him for his generosity. It explained that she had asked the Lord to shower the orphanage with gifts. Later that same day, Francke received 14 ducats. He was rejoicing in this rich blessing from the Lord, when he was informed that the orphanage was soon to receive 500 gold pieces from the estate of a wealthy German prince. This time it was Francke’s turn to weep tears of joy for the Lord’s abundant blessing. While not every gift to a widow will be so immediately returned, God has promised that those who show kindness to widows will be richly blessed. Study Ruth 2:14-23 to see Boaz’s example of caring for widows and to learn more about how you can bless the widows around you.
Observation
Pray
Before taking a careful look at today’s passage, stop and ask God to direct your mind to see His truth. Ask for His wisdom with boldness and commitment, and He’s promised to give it to you.
Read Focus Verses
Today’s passage is Ruth 2:14-23. Read it carefully, and notice what is happening in this simple story.
Context is Clearer
Read the first part of this story in Ruth 2:1-13 to pick up where you left off last time and to remind yourself what is happening.
Who to Whom
To whom is Boaz speaking in verse 14?
A Kind Offer
In your own words, what is Boaz offering to Ruth in verse 14?
A Meal Eaten
What does verse 14 say about Ruth’s meal?
Boaz’s Command
What did Boaz tell his employees in verses 15-16?
Words Fitly Spoken
When did Boaz give this command to his employees, according to verse 15?
Character
What kind of worker is Ruth shown to be in verse 17 and this whole passage?
How Much?
How much barley did Ruth glean?
Kindness
When Ruth got home, she did more than bring the fruits of her hard day’s work. What special and unexpected gift did she have for Naomi?
Naomi’s Question
What did Naomi ask when she saw what Ruth had gleaned?
Naomi’s Comment
Who did Naomi say that Boaz was in relation to them?
Naomi’s Advice
What was Naomi’s advice to Ruth?
Ruth’s Spirit
How did Ruth respond to her mother-in-law’s advice?
Lodging
Where was Ruth living at this time?
Interpretation
True Religion
See what James 1:27 says about caring for widows.
Boaz’s Faith
What does Boaz’s kindness to Ruth say about his faith according to James 1:27?
Lending to the Lord
Some people would call Boaz an unwise businessman because he gave more than was required of Him. Notice what Proverbs 19:17 says about it.
The Generous Will Increase
Notice also what Proverbs 11:24-25 says about generosity.
Sowing and Reaping
Read one more of the Bible’s many passages on the reward of generosity. Notice the word picture of sowing and reaping used in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7.
What Would You Say?
Based on these passages, what would you say to someone who said that giving was foolish, or that they would give after they had more money?
An Ephah
According to this chart, an ephah is approximately 22 liters or 5.8 gallons.
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How did Naomi know that the man was generous to Ruth and herself based on what Ruth brought home?
Thanksgiving
What are some of the various elements of Naomi’s response to Boaz’s kindness?
Expectations
Did Naomi brush off the kindness Ruth had received because God had commanded His people to be kind to widows? Why or why not?
Invitation
Why do you think that Boaz invited Ruth to keep coming to his field even though he had already shown her so much kindness?
Response
What was Naomi’s response to Boaz’s kind offer?
Until it Was Finished
Ruth gleaned until both grain harvests were finished which was about two and a half or three months according to John Gill’s commentary.
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Caring for Widows
What are some ways you can care for the widows in your life?
Giving Thanks
How can you teach yourself to give thanks immediately as you learn about God’s mercies, and to bless those who bless you?
Learning to Receive
Naomi and Ruth did not reject Boaz’s kindness, or say they would be taking advantage of him by accepting his offer. Instead they humbly accepted his favor and asked the Lord to bless Him for it. Is there a way in your life that you can learn to accept the kindness of others and follow the example of Naomi and Ruth today?
Wrapup
Closing
We hope this study has challenged you to care for the widows around you.
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