Ruth continues to relay the words of Boaz to Naomi in the next verse. Ruth 2:21 Then Ruth the Moabitess said, "Furthermore, he said to me, 'You should stay close to my servants until they have finished all my harvest.'" The blessings continue to multiply! This is like listening to a story that just keeps getting better and better – and we have not neared the end!
It is interesting that verse 21 begins with the words ‘Ruth he Moabitess’. This particular description of Ruth is a reminder of her background and renders these events even more amazing. Remember, the land of Moab was known for its worship of idols. The fact that Ruth is now part of the family name of Elimelech through marriage, and living among the Jewish peoples, having adopted their customs and their God, is only a scene that could have been written by God’s own hand.
NASB uses the word ‘furthermore’, other translations say ‘yea, he said unto me’, ‘besides, he said unto me, and ‘he also said to me’ (ASV, RSV and NKJV). Imagine the conversation between Ruth and Naomi. Ruth can hardly believe what has transpired that day. She expected little, just the possibility of gathering a small amount of grain for food, yet she was granted kindness, security, refreshment, and hope. Through the course of her interaction with Boaz, Ruth remembered her position; her humility continues to shine in her actions and words.
Think of your position in Christ. You were called to Him, and although you had nothing to offer, He stretched out his arms for you to offer riches untold. Unworthy, unlikely and once His enemy, you have been embraced by God’s mercy and blessed abundantly. We have an example of Ruth, excited to tell the whole incredible story to Naomi of her unexpected blessings.
Are you excited to talk about the gift you have received in Christ and the blessings that are yours as His child?
Ruth reveals that Boaz told her to stay close to His servants until they finished the harvest. Several commentaries report that there were two harvest periods. The first being barley which was currently being harvested, and the latter being wheat which would follow. Ruth had been invited to join Boaz’s servants until all the harvest was complete.
It is noteworthy to look at what Ruth did not share with Naomi. Boaz was full of praise towards Ruth in verses 11-12. One commentary makes this observation of Ruth’s conversation with Naomi, “She tells what kindness Boaz had shewed her; but not, how he had commended her. Humility teaches not only not to praise ourselves, but not to be forward in repeating the praise which others have given us”. John Wesley’s Notes on the Old and New Testaments
Ruth 2:11-12 And Boaz answered and said to her, "All that you have done for your mother-in-law after the death of your husband has been fully reported to me, and how you left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and came to a people that you did not previously know. "May the LORD reward your work, and your wages be full from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge."
Consider God’s answered prayer and direction in your own life. There are things you had probably hoped for or thought would be a good direction that God, in His mercy, kept from you. Instead, you see His answers, in His timing, and as you look back, realize His perfect blessings.
The hardships that Naomi and Ruth have experienced were allowed by God to prepare them to receive His blessings. God’s plan for His children makes no compromise, has no holes, and is not left to chance. Blessings are not acquired by our merit but by His abounding love. God chose to bless Naomi and Ruth, placing them in His perfect timing for His perfect blessings. God desires to bless each of His children according to His plan. Adversity prepares us for what lies ahead, teaches us to trust in God and proves our sincere faith.
Psalm 119:71 It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I may learn Thy statutes.
Psalm 66:10 For Thou hast tried us, O God; Thou hast refined us as silver is refined.
Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
Jeremiah 17:7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD and whose trust is the LORD.
1Peter 1:6-7 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, [being] more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
