Finding Safety in God's Care, the Story of RuthHalimbawa

Boaz treats Ruth well

“Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, ‘Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?’” (Ruth 2:10)

When the reapers are at work and Ruth is gathering wheat, Boaz comes to check on his workers. He sees an unknown woman in his field and asks who she is. The overseer explains: she is the foreign woman who came with Naomi and I have given her permission to gather wheat here. Boaz is fine with that and even goes further than the law required. Not only does he allow Ruth to search for food in his field, he also offers her drinking water and a free lunch. In addition, he warns his servants not to assault her (which, unfortunately, was not obvious, see Ruth 2:22). They are even to deliberately drop some wheat from time to time so that Ruth can gather an ample supply.

Boaz's attitude is kind. He is attentive to a poor woman in a difficult social position and provides a safe environment for her. The book of Proverbs praises such an attitude: “Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him” (Proverbs 14:31). In fact, Boaz mirrors God Himself, who cares for strangers, widows, and orphans, and who gives food to the hungry (Psalm 146:7-9).

How do you deal with people less fortunate than you who ask you for a favor?