Questions and Answers
What time of year is it?
Time of barley harvest.
From whom did Naomi hope to get assistance?
Boaz.
What request did Ruth make of Naomi?
Let me go out to the fields and pick up the leftover grain.
Does Naomi give permission to Ruth to pursue this endeavor?
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What truth do you think it turned out is trying to imply?
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Who just happened to arrive at a critical moment in the story?
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What arouses Boaz's curiosity?
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What request of Ruth does Boaz make?
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What traits does Ruth stress about herself?
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What has Boaz been told about Ruth?
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In verse 12, how does Boaz picture Ruth's relationship to the Lord?
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For what does Ruth ask in her humble response to Boaz's generosity?
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What new overture does Boaz make towards Ruth?
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After she left to glean, what orders did Boaz give to his men?
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How long did Ruth work?
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What did Ruth bring back to Naomi?
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When Ruth reveals that it's Boaz's field, what compliment does Naomi offer?
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What advice does Naomi offer Ruth in light of the good news?
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For how long was Ruth able to glean?
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Study Notes
Context of the Story
- The story occurs during the barley harvest, indicating a time of abundance after a famine.
- Ruth and Naomi are navigating their circumstances following the death of Naomi’s husband and sons, highlighting their vulnerability.
Characters
- Naomi hopes to receive assistance from Boaz, a relative of her deceased husband, described as a man of standing in the community.
- Ruth is characterized as a Moabite, emphasizing her foreign status and struggle for acceptance and survival.
Ruth's Initiative
- Ruth requests Naomi's permission to glean in the fields to collect leftover grain, following the law that supports the needy through workfare.
- This practice contrasts with the American welfare system, focusing on the dignity of work.
Gleaning Process
- Naomi allows Ruth to glean, instructing her to do so behind the harvesters to avoid theft.
- The act of gleaning emphasizes the community's responsibility to care for the less fortunate.
Boaz's Role
- Boaz arrives at a pivotal moment, greeting his workers with blessings ("The Lord be with you"), showcasing his leadership.
- He expresses curiosity about Ruth's identity, receiving information from the harvest foreman, who describes her dedication.
Kindness and Generosity
- Boaz requests Ruth to stay in his field, granting her the right to glean and ensuring her safety by instructing the men not to harm her.
- Ruth humbly asks why she has found favor in his eyes, highlighting her awareness of her status as a foreigner.
Boaz's Blessings
- Boaz knows of Ruth's loyalty to Naomi and pronounces blessings upon her, reflecting her faith in God.
- He acknowledges her decision to seek refuge under God's wings, illustrating divine protection.
Sharing Meals
- Boaz invites Ruth to join him for mealtime, allowing her to eat bread and enjoy roasted grain, symbolizing hospitality.
Special Instructions
- He instructs his men to allow Ruth to gather among the sheaves and to purposely leave extra grain for her benefit.
- This act further emphasizes Boaz's generosity and care for Ruth's well-being.
Ruth's Hard Work
- Ruth works diligently until evening and collects an impressive one ephah of barley, demonstrating her strong work ethic.
Return to Naomi
- Upon returning, Ruth brings food to Naomi, prompting her to inquire where Ruth gleaned. Naomi blesses the man who took notice of Ruth.
- When Ruth reveals that it is Boaz's field, Naomi connects him to their family as a kinsman-redeemer, signaling hope for their future.
Strategic Advice
- Boaz instructs Ruth to remain with his workers until the harvest is complete, ensuring her safety and livelihood.
- Naomi advises her to stay close to Boaz's field, highlighting the importance of strategic relationships.
Conclusion
- Ruth follows Naomi's advice, remaining close to the servant girls during the harvest seasons, indicating her commitment to survival and familial loyalty.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the key elements and events from Ruth Chapter 2 in the Bible. This quiz covers important characters, circumstances, and provisions within the narrative. Use these flashcards to deepen your understanding of the text and its context.
