Esther Becomes Queen

Esther 2:1-18 NLT
^2:1 But after Xerxes’ anger had subsided, he began thinking about Vashti and what she had done and the decree he had made. ² So his personal attendants suggested, “Let us search the empire to find beautiful young virgins for the king. ³ Let the king appoint agents in each province to bring these beautiful young women into the royal harem at the fortress of Susa. Hegai, the king’s eunuch in charge of the harem, will see that they are all given beauty treatments. ⁴ After that, the young woman who most pleases the king will be made queen instead of Vashti.” This advice was very appealing to the king, so he put the plan into effect.
⁵ At that time there was a Jewish man in the fortress of Susa whose name was Mordecai son of Jair. He was from the tribe of Benjamin and was a descendant of Kish and Shimei. ⁶ His family had been among those who, with King Jehoiachin of Judah, had been exiled from Jerusalem to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. ⁷ This man had a very beautiful and lovely young cousin, Hadassah, who was also called Esther. When her father and mother died, Mordecai adopted her into his family and raised her as his own daughter.
⁸ As a result of the king’s decree, Esther, along with many other young women, was brought to the king’s harem at the fortress of Susa and placed in Hegai’s care. ⁹ Hegai was very impressed with Esther and treated her kindly. He quickly ordered a special menu for her and provided her with beauty treatments. He also assigned her seven maids specially chosen from the king’s palace, and he moved her and her maids into the best place in the harem.
¹⁰ Esther had not told anyone of her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had directed her not to do so. ¹¹ Every day Mordecai would take a walk near the courtyard of the harem to find out about Esther and what was happening to her.
¹² Before each young woman was taken to the king’s bed, she was given the prescribed twelve months of beauty treatments—six months with oil of myrrh, followed by six months with special perfumes and ointments. ¹³ When it was time for her to go to the king’s palace, she was given her choice of whatever clothing or jewelry she wanted to take from the harem. ¹⁴ That evening she was taken to the king’s private rooms, and the next morning she was brought to the second harem, where the king’s wives lived. There she would be under the care of Shaashgaz, the king’s eunuch in charge of the concubines. She would never go to the king again unless he had especially enjoyed her and requested her by name.
¹⁵ Esther was the daughter of Abihail, who was Mordecai’s uncle. (Mordecai had adopted his younger cousin Esther.) When it was Esther’s turn to go to the king, she accepted the advice of Hegai, the eunuch in charge of the harem. She asked for nothing except what he suggested, and she was admired by everyone who saw her.
¹⁶ Esther was taken to King Xerxes at the royal palace in early winter of the seventh year of his reign. ¹⁷ And the king loved Esther more than any of the other young women. He was so delighted with her that he set the royal crown on her head and declared her queen instead of Vashti. ¹⁸ To celebrate the occasion, he gave a great banquet in Esther’s honor for all his nobles and officials, declaring a public holiday for the provinces and giving generous gifts to everyone.

Examine the Scriptures
Esther 2:1-18 NLT
Esther Becomes Queen

^2:1 But after Xerxes’ anger had subsided, he began thinking about Vashti and what she had done and the decree he had made. 

After Xerxes’ anger had subsided.

What she had done.
.          She had refused to put herself on display for a bunch of drunken men to gawk at.

The decree he had made.
.         He had Queen Vashti permanently banished from his presence.

Xerxes may have had second thoughts.

A lot of time has passed.

The banquet in chapter 1:3 took place in the third year of Xerxes reign.

In chapter 2:16 Esther was taken to King Xerxes in the seventh year of his reign.

• The Greek wars (most likely) took place between chapter 1 and chapter 2 of the book of Esther.

² So his personal attendants suggested,

• Throughout the book of Esther it is obvious that Xerxes’ decisions are strongly influenced by his officials.

Proverbs 15:22 NLT
²² Plans go wrong for lack of advice;
many advisers bring success.

Proverbs 11:14 NLT
¹⁴ Without wise leadership, a nation falls;
there is safety in having many advisers.

Proverbs 24:6 NLT
⁶ So don’t go to war without wise guidance;
victory depends on having many advisers. 

He depended on others to help him make decisions and he did not always receive the best advice.

Psalm 1:1 NLT
¹ Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.

Sometimes the advice from others is bad advice.

2 Chronicles 10:8 NLT
⁸ But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the older men and instead asked the opinion of the young men who had grown up with him and were now his advisers.

 Deuteronomy 17:17 NLT
¹⁷ The king must not take many wives for himself, because they will turn his heart away from the Lord. 

“Let us search the empire to find beautiful young virgins for the king. 

To add to the king’s harem.

• Xerxes’ personal attendants suggested that they search the empire to find beautiful young virgins for the king.

³ Let the king appoint agents in each province to bring these beautiful young women into the royal harem at the fortress of Susa.

Agents in each of the 127 provinces.

Xerxes already had a harem.

The fact that he had a harem in Susa is known from other sources.

Hegai, the king’s eunuch in charge of the harem, will see that they are all given beauty treatments. ⁴ After that, the young woman who most pleases the king will be made queen instead of Vashti.”

It would be approximately four years between the banquets in chapter 1 and Vashti’s replacement in chapter 2.

This advice was very appealing to the king, so he put the plan into effect.

 If these seven personal attendants were the same “wise advisers” that suggested Vashti be disposed, they certainly did not want Xerxes to be upset because of the fact that Vashti was no longer a part of his life.

Esther 1:13-14 NLT
¹³ He immediately consulted with his wise advisers, who knew all the Persian laws and customs, for he always asked their advice. ¹⁴ The names of these men were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan—seven nobles of Persia and Media. They met with the king regularly and held the highest positions in the empire.

• This advice was very appealing to the king.

• The counsel King Xerxes received from his personal attendants is somewhat questionable. 

⁵ At that time there was a Jewish man in the fortress of Susa whose name was Mordecai son of Jair.

• Mordecai was Jewish.

Mordecai is a Babylonian name.

Mordecai most likely had a Hebrew name also.

(Repeat from introductory lesson.)

So it was that a Jewish man named Mordecai had worked his way into a low-level job in the king’s court.

Esther 2:19 NLT … Mordecai had become a palace official.

Esther 2:19 ESV and NIV … Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate.

Mordecai became assimilated into the Persian culture much like Lot became assimilated into the culture of Sodom.

• Mordecai had worked his way into a low-level job in the king’s court.

He was from the tribe of Benjamin and was a descendant of Kish and Shimei. 

King Saul’s father was named Kish.

⁶ His family had been among those who, with King Jehoiachin of Judah, had been exiled from Jerusalem to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. 

597 BC (more than 100 years prior to this time)

His family – his ancestors – had been exiled from Jerusalem.

Mordecai was Jewish. 

⁷ This man had a very beautiful and lovely young cousin, Hadassah, who was also called Esther.

Hadassah is a Hebrew name. (Myrtle)

Esther is a Persian name. (Star) 

When her father and mother died, Mordecai adopted her into his family and raised her as his own daughter.

• Esther was adopted by her cousin Mordecai after her parents died.

⁸ As a result of the king’s decree, Esther, along with many other young women, was brought to the king’s harem at the fortress of Susa and placed in Hegai’s care.  

• Esther, along with many other young women, was brought to the king’s harem at the fortress of Susa.

Without God’s intervention, the odds were very slim that she (or any one individual) would be chosen by the King. 

⁹ Hegai was very impressed with Esther and treated her kindly. He quickly ordered a special menu for her

God’s hand was at work.

Unlike Daniel, Esther does not appear to be concerned with Jewish dietary restrictions.

and provided her with beauty treatments. He also assigned her seven maids specially chosen from the king’s palace, and he moved her and her maids into the best place in the harem.

Assigning seven maids to Esther was an indication that Hegai thought Esther was a good prospect.

¹⁰ Esther had not told anyone of her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had directed her not to do so. 

• Esther kept her Jewish nationality a secret because Mordecai had directed her to do so.

Mordecai would have been aware of the prejudice many Persians felt toward the Jews.

Marriages with people of other nations that worshiped false gods were forbidden in the Law of Moses.

Deuteronomy 7:3-4 NLT
³ You must not intermarry with them (people of other nations that worship false gods). Do not let your daughters and sons marry their sons and daughters, ⁴ for they will lead your children away from me to worship other gods. Then the anger of the Lord will burn against you, and he will quickly destroy you. 

¹¹ Every day Mordecai would take a walk near the courtyard of the harem to find out about Esther and what was happening to her.

It is clear in this story that Mordecai loved Esther.

¹² Before each young woman was taken to the king’s bed, she was given the prescribed twelve months of beauty treatments—six months with oil of myrrh, followed by six months with special perfumes and ointments. 

• Esther spent 12 months preparing to go to see the king.

Primarily beauty treatments, but also some training in palace customs.

¹³ When it was time for her to go to the king’s palace, she was given her choice of whatever clothing or jewelry she wanted to take from the harem. ¹⁴ That evening she was taken to the king’s private rooms, and the next morning she was brought to the second harem, where the king’s wives lived.

• Esther spent a night with King Xerxes

• Esther was transferred to the second harem where the king’s wives lived.

 There she would be under the care of Shaashgaz , the king’s eunuch in charge of the concubines. 

She would never go to the king again unless he had especially enjoyed her and requested her by name. 

Most of the women would live the rest of their lives in the harem of the concubines.

• A concubine might not ever see the king a second time.

(More details) 

¹⁵ Esther was the daughter of Abihail, who was Mordecai’s uncle. (Mordecai had adopted his younger cousin Esther.) When it was Esther’s turn to go to the king, she accepted the advice of Hegai, the eunuch in charge of the harem.

Hegai would have known the King’s preferences.

• Esther wisely accepted Hegai’s advice.

She asked for nothing except what he suggested, and she was admired by everyone who saw her.

• Esther followed Hegai’s suggestions.

¹⁶ Esther was taken to King Xerxes at the royal palace in early winter of the seventh year of his reign. 

• Four years had elapsed since Vashti’s fall from favor.

¹⁷ And the king loved Esther more than any of the other young women. He was so delighted with her that he set the royal crown on her head and declared her queen instead of Vashti. 

• Xerxes was so delighted with Esther that he set the royal crown on her head and declared her queen instead of Vashti. 

¹⁸ To celebrate the occasion, he gave a great banquet in Esther’s honor for all his nobles and officials, declaring a public holiday for the provinces and giving generous gifts to everyone.

It appears that Xerxes likes banquets.

“Holiday” The Hebrew for this word, unique to this verse, may imply

a remission of taxes,

an emancipation of slaves,

a cancellation of debt

or a remission of obligatory military service.

• Esther, a Jew, was placed in a position in which she could help the nation Israel, even before Israel needed help.

Queen Vashti Deposed by King Xerxes.

Esther 1:1-22 NLT
Vashti Deposed by Xerxes
The King’s Banquet
^1:1 These events happened in the days of King Xerxes, who reigned over 127 provinces stretching from India to Ethiopia. ² At that time Xerxes ruled his empire from his royal throne at the fortress of Susa. ³ In the third year of his reign, he gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials. He invited all the military officers of Persia and Media as well as the princes and nobles of the provinces. ⁴ The celebration lasted 180 days—a tremendous display of the opulent wealth of his empire and the pomp and splendor of his majesty.
⁵ When it was all over, the king gave a banquet for all the people, from the greatest to the least, who were in the fortress of Susa. It lasted for seven days and was held in the courtyard of the palace garden. ⁶ The courtyard was beautifully decorated with white cotton curtains and blue hangings, which were fastened with white linen cords and purple ribbons to silver rings embedded in marble pillars. Gold and silver couches stood on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones.
⁷ Drinks were served in gold goblets of many designs, and there was an abundance of royal wine, reflecting the king’s generosity. ⁸ By edict of the king, no limits were placed on the drinking, for the king had instructed all his palace officials to serve each man as much as he wanted.
⁹ At the same time, Queen Vashti gave a banquet for the women in the royal palace of King Xerxes.

Queen Vashti Deposed
¹⁰ On the seventh day of the feast, when King Xerxes was in high spirits because of the wine, he told the seven eunuchs who attended him—Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas— ¹¹ to bring Queen Vashti to him with the royal crown on her head. He wanted the nobles and all the other men to gaze on her beauty, for she was a very beautiful woman. ¹² But when they conveyed the king’s order to Queen Vashti, she refused to come. This made the king furious, and he burned with anger.
¹³ He immediately consulted with his wise advisers, who knew all the Persian laws and customs, for he always asked their advice. ¹⁴ The names of these men were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan—seven nobles of Persia and Media. They met with the king regularly and held the highest positions in the empire.
¹⁵ “What must be done to Queen Vashti?” the king demanded. “What penalty does the law provide for a queen who refuses to obey the king’s orders, properly sent through his eunuchs?”
¹⁶ Memucan answered the king and his nobles, “Queen Vashti has wronged not only the king but also every noble and citizen throughout your empire. ¹⁷ Women everywhere will begin to despise their husbands when they learn that Queen Vashti has refused to appear before the king. ¹⁸ Before this day is out, the wives of all the king’s nobles throughout Persia and Media will hear what the queen did and will start treating their husbands the same way. There will be no end to their contempt and anger.
¹⁹ “So if it please the king, we suggest that you issue a written decree, a law of the Persians and Medes that cannot be revoked. It should order that Queen Vashti be forever banished from the presence of King Xerxes, and that the king should choose another queen more worthy than she. ²⁰ When this decree is published throughout the king’s vast empire, husbands everywhere, whatever their rank, will receive proper respect from their wives!”
²¹ The king and his nobles thought this made good sense, so he followed Memucan’s counsel. ²² He sent letters to all parts of the empire, to each province in its own script and language, proclaiming that every man should be the ruler of his own home and should say whatever he pleases.

Examine the Scriptures
Esther 1:1-22 NLT
The King’s Banquet 

¹ These events happened in the days of King Xerxes, 

Xerxes is the Greek name.  The Hebrew name for Xerxes is Ahasuerus.

Xerxes succeeded his father Darius.

Xerxes ruled the Persian Empire for 21 years from 485 to 465 B.C.

He is mentioned in Ezra 4:6 and Daniel 9:1. 

who reigned over 127 provinces stretching from India to Ethiopia. 

² At that time Xerxes ruled his empire from his royal throne at the fortress of Susa. 

³ In the third year of his reign, he gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials. 

• In the third year of his reign, King Xerxes gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials. 

He invited all the military officers of Persia and Media as well as the princes and nobles of the provinces. ⁴ The celebration lasted 180 days 

• The celebration lasted 180 days

A 6 month long celebration.

The Persian Empire had a large administrative system made up of government leaders including the leaders of the 127 provinces in this vast empire and all of his military officers.

Commentators speculated that the officials took turns attending events so that the military and other government offices could continue to operate. 

—a tremendous display of the opulent wealth of his empire and the pomp and splendor of his majesty.

Designed to impress others, including the military leaders, of the king’s greatness.

Illustrates Xerxes pride.

• Though not stated in scripture, this banquet probably corresponds to the great feast Xerxes gave when he was planning to invade Greece.

Military campaigns were common throughout the Old Testament.

2 Samuel 11:1 NLT
David and Bathsheba^11:1 In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah.

Battles were fought to restore the honor of a king or a nation.

Battles were fought to control others and to obtain a source of income from taxes.

Battles for fought for the spoils of war.

Nahum 2:9 ESV
⁹ Plunder the silver,
plunder the gold!
There is no end of the treasure
or of the wealth of all precious things.

Nahum 2:9 ERV
⁹ Take the silver!
Take the gold!
There are many things to take.
There are many treasures.

Secular source of information:

• Herodotus  was a Greek writer, geographer and historian born in the Greek city of Halicarnassus, part of the Persian Empire. (484 BC – 425 BC)

According to Herodotus it took Xerxes four years to get ready for the invasion he launched in 481. No doubt the 180 days involved planning sessions in which all the provinces’ leaders were being prepared for the war effort, as well as being impressed with Xerxes’ wealth and splendor. The campaign was to be a costly affair.

The Book of Esther says nothing about Xerxes’ invasion of Greece, but other sources state that he wanted to avenge his father’s defeat at Marathon near Athens.

Xerxes engaged in three major battles with the Greeks (480-479 B.C.).

He won the first battle but lost the next two battles.

Defeated, he had to retreat home.

The time line of Esther from our previous lesson corresponds with the facts known from secular sources.

⁵ When it was all over,

The 180 day celebration for Xerxes’ officials.

the king gave a banquet for all the people, from the greatest to the least, who were in the fortress of Susa. It lasted for seven days and was held in the courtyard of the palace garden. 

For all the people, from the greatest to the least.

Held outdoors to accommodate large numbers of guests.

⁶ The courtyard was beautifully decorated with white cotton curtains and blue hangings, which were fastened with white linen cords and purple ribbons to silver rings embedded in marble pillars. Gold and silver couches stood on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones.

Even the pavement was exquisitely opulent.

“on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones.”

The descriptions of the décor of the king’s palace garden add to the feeling that the writer had firsthand knowledge of the setting and the occasion. 

⁷ Drinks were served in gold goblets of many designs, and there was an abundance of royal wine, reflecting the king’s generosity. ⁸ By edict of the king, no limits were placed on the drinking, for the king had instructed all his palace officials to serve each man as much as he wanted.

In other words the king was liberal with the wine and a lot of people got drunk.

Often the guests could only drink when the king was drinking.

The abundance of wine being served would have resulted in many guests getting drunk. 

⁹ At the same time, Queen Vashti gave a banquet for the women in the royal palace of King Xerxes.

Separate banquets were not unusual in that culture.

Vashti’s Greek name was Amestris .

She was the mother of Xerxes third son, Artaxerxes 483 B.C., who later succeeded his father on the throne.

According to Greek historians – She was known as queen mother during the reign of her son.

Queen Vashti Deposed

¹⁰ On the seventh day of the feast, when King Xerxes was in high spirits because of the wine,

This order was given on the seventh day, that is, the last day of the feast which had turned into a drunken party. 

he told the seven eunuchs who attended him—Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas—

Castrated because their roles brought them into frequent contact with the women of the royal harem.

Castrated so they would have no illusions of starting their own dynasties. 

 ¹¹ to bring Queen Vashti to him with the royal crown on her head. He wanted the nobles and all the other men to gaze on her beauty, for she was a very beautiful woman. ¹² But when they conveyed the king’s order to Queen Vashti, she refused to come. 

• King Xerxes wanted the nobles and all the other men at the feast to gaze on Queen Vashti’s beauty, for she was a very beautiful woman.

“Vashti was a very beautiful woman.”

• Queen Vashti refused to come to the king’s banquet.

Vashti’s refusal is not explained by the author.

Maybe she simply did not wish to be “gazed at” by all of the men.

Perhaps she did not wish to be in mixed company (of drunkards) at that time.

Perhaps she refused to go to the banquet because she was pregnant with Artaxerxes, who was born in 483.

Regardless of the reason for her refusal, her action was a breach of etiquette. The king was used to getting whatever he desired whenever he desired it. Therefore her response made him furious. 

This made the king furious, and he burned with anger. 

But he first consulted with his advisors.

¹³ He immediately consulted with his wise advisers, who knew all the Persian laws and customs, for he always asked their advice. ¹⁴ The names of these men were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan—seven nobles of Persia and Media. They met with the king regularly and held the highest positions in the empire.

Wise advisers, who knew all the Persian laws and customs held the highest positions in the empire.

• Throughout the ancient Near East wise men played important roles in governments.

(e.g., Daniel’s position in the Babylonian and Persian Empires).

¹⁵ “What must be done to Queen Vashti?” the king demanded. “What penalty does the law provide for a queen who refuses to obey the king’s orders, properly sent through his eunuchs?”

• The king consulted wise men about what he should do.

These seven men had special access to the king and were the ones who knew the law well.

Herodotus has confirmed the fact that this use of wise men was a feature of ancient Near Eastern courts. 

¹⁶ Memucan answered the king and his nobles,

The counsel King Xerxes received from Memucan is somewhat questionable. 

“Queen Vashti has wronged not only the king but also every noble and citizen throughout your empire. ¹⁷ Women everywhere will begin to despise their husbands when they learn that Queen Vashti has refused to appear before the king. 

• The crime the queen had committed was that she disobeyed a command of the king.

Obviously the king and queen did not share an emotionally intimate relationship. This was true of Xerxes and the women in his harem. 

¹⁸ Before this day is out, the wives of all the king’s nobles throughout Persia and Media will hear what the queen did and will start treating their husbands the same way. There will be no end to their contempt and anger. 

¹⁹ “So if it please the king, we suggest that you issue a written decree, a law of the Persians and Medes that cannot be revoked.

Irrevocable nature of Persian law

Daniel 6:8, 15 NLT
⁸ And now, Your Majesty, issue and sign this law so it cannot be changed, an official law of the Medes and Persians that cannot be revoked.”

¹⁵ In the evening the men went together to the king and said, “Your Majesty, you know that according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, no law that the king signs can be changed.”

• According to the law of the Medes and the Persians, no law that the king signs can be changed. 

It should order that Queen Vashti be forever banished from the presence of King Xerxes, and that the king should choose another queen more worthy than she.  

• Memucan advised King Xerxes to banish Queen Vashti from his presence forever and choose another queen more worthy than Queen Vashti. 

²⁰ When this decree is published throughout the king’s vast empire, husbands everywhere, whatever their rank, will receive proper respect from their wives!”

Memucan suggested that he have the queen deposed so that other women of the empire would not follow Vashti’s example and despise their husbands and the empire be filled with female disrespect and marital discord.

It is difficult to see how this punishment would cause the women of the empire to respect their husbands but that was the idea behind the decree.

This is partially explained by the fact that the men had been drinking heavily. 

²¹ The king and his nobles thought this made good sense, so he followed Memucan’s counsel. 

• The king followed Memucan’s counsel.

It is possible that the king and his nobles had consumed too much wine during the celebration.

²² He sent letters to all parts of the empire, to each province in its own script and language, proclaiming that every man should be the ruler of his own home and should say whatever he pleases.

• A vast relay communications system, something like an ancient pony express, made it possible to spread news throughout the empire quickly.

This sets the stage for the rise of Esther.

Introduction to the book of Esther:

The book of Esther is unique in that it is one of the only two books in the Bible named for women (the other, of course, is Ruth).

Author: unknown

The book gives no hint of who wrote it, but whoever it was knew the Persian culture well. The account has all the marks of a person who was there because he described the events as an eyewitness. And he was probably a Jew.

The book could have been written sometime after 465 B.C.

Like Song of Solomon, Obadiah, and Nahum, the New Testament does not make any reference to the book of Esther.

Neither the word for God nor the name Yahweh (Lord), occurs in the book of Esther.

Even though the name of God is nowhere mentioned in the book, His sovereignty, divine guidance, and care are evident throughout the story.

Esther and Exodus both chronicle how vigorously foreign powers tried to eliminate the Jewish race and how God sovereignly preserved His people in accordance with His covenant promise to Abraham.

The book of Esther explains how the festival of Purim originated. Purim was to be an annual remembrance of how God delivered His people from death, similar to their deliverance during the exodus from Egypt.

Esther 1:1-2 NLT
Introduction
¹ These events happened in the days of King Xerxes, who reigned over 127 provinces stretching from India to Ethiopia. ² At that time Xerxes ruled his empire from his royal throne at the fortress of Susa.

Examine the Scriptures
Esther 1:1-2 NLT
Introduction 

¹ These events happened in the days of King Xerxes, 

Xerxes is the Greek name.

The Hebrew name for Xerxes is Ahasuerus.

Xerxes was a cruel king who ruled with tyrannical force.

Xerxes was known for his drinking, lavish banquets, harsh temper, and sexual appetite.

During Xerxes’ reign, the Persian Empire was near its peak.

The empire was very wealthy.

who reigned over 127 provinces stretching from India to Ethiopia. 

This included Xerxes’ conquest of Egypt.

² At that time Xerxes ruled his empire from his royal throne at the fortress of Susa.

Refer to a map of the Persian Empire at the time of Ezra.

Much of the story takes place at Shushan (Susa), the winter capital of Persia.

Other capital cities are Babylon, Ecbatana, and Persepolis.

The events of the book cover a 10-year portion (483-473 B.C.) of the reign of Xerxes I (486 – 465 B.C.).

The events occurred between those recorded in the sixth and seventh chapters of Ezra.

Background to this story of Esther.

The Jewish tribes of Benjamin and Judah had been conquered and taken into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. Several decades later, the Medo-Persian Empire overwhelmed Babylon and inherited the Jewish captives who had assimilated into their Babylonian (now Persian), homeland.

Jeremiah 29:10 NLT  (approximate dates of Jeremiah’s prophecies are  627–570 B.C.),
¹⁰ This is what the Lord says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. 

The Persian king allowed a large contingent of Jews to return to Jerusalem

Ezra 1:1-3 NLT
Cyrus Allows the Exiles to Return
¹ In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, the Lord fulfilled the prophecy he had given through Jeremiah. He stirred the heart of Cyrus to put this proclamation in writing and to send it throughout his kingdom:
² “This is what King Cyrus of Persia says:
“The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth. He has appointed me to build him a Temple at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. ³ Any of you who are his people may go to Jerusalem in Judah to rebuild this Temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, who lives in Jerusalem. And may your God be with you!

Ezra 2:64-67 NLT
⁶⁴ So a total of 42,360 people returned to Judah, ⁶⁵ in addition to 7,337 servants and 200 singers, both men and women. ⁶⁶ They took with them 736 horses, 245 mules, ⁶⁷ 435 camels, and 6,720 donkeys.

The Persian king allowed a large contingent of Jews to return to Jerusalem

but many Jews stayed in Persia.

Missed opportunities

Isaiah and Jeremiah had urged the yet to be exiled nation to come out of Babylon.

Jeremiah 29:10-14 NLT
¹⁰ This is what the Lord says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. ¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. ¹² In those days when you pray, I will listen. ¹³ If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. ¹⁴ I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”

It was God’s plan for the Jews to leave Babylon (Persia).

Jeremiah 50:8 NLT
⁸ “But now, flee from Babylon!
Leave the land of the Babylonians.
Like male goats at the head of the flock,
lead my people home again.

Jeremiah 51:6 NLT
⁶ Flee from Babylon! Save yourselves!
Don’t get trapped in her punishment!
It is the Lord’s time for vengeance;
he will repay her in full.

Isaiah 48:20 NLT (approximate dates of Isaiah’s prophecies are  740–681 B.C.),
²⁰ Yet even now, be free from your captivity!
Leave Babylon and the Babylonians.
Sing out this message!
Shout it to the ends of the earth!
The Lord has redeemed his servants,
the people of Israel.

The Persian king allowed a large contingent of Jews to return to Jerusalem

but many Jews stayed in Persia.

(Mordecai’s parents would have stayed)

This story takes place about 56 years after the first exiles returned to Jerusalem.

So it was that a Jewish man named Mordecai had worked his way into a low-level job in the king’s court.

Esther 2:19 NLT … Mordecai had become a palace official.

Esther 2:19 ESV and NIV … Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate.

Mordecai became assimilated into the Persian culture much like Lot became assimilated into the culture of Sodom.

Genesis 19:1 NLT
Sodom and Gomorrah Destroyed
^19:1 That evening the two angels came to the entrance of the city of Sodom. Lot was sitting there, and when he saw them, he stood up to meet them. Then he welcomed them and bowed with his face to the ground.

 

The Return of the Exiles

The return of the exiles is a gradual process spanning the following century. The Jewish exiles from Judah return to Jerusalem in a time span spread over 92 years between 537BC and 445BC.

The return of the exiles to Judah and the rebuilding of Jerusalem were carried out in three waves. The first return was around 538 B.C. under the leadership of a man named Zerubbabel. It was during this period that the people of Israel built the second Temple.

About eighty years later, a second group, under the priestly leadership of Ezra, returned to the land. Spiritual and religious reformation occurred at that time.

Finally, under the leadership of Nehemiah, a king’s cupbearer, many more returned. Nehemiah’s focus was to repair Jerusalem’s walls and gates.

 

This lesson wraps up our study on the book of Ruth

Ruth 4:11-22 NLT
Boaz Marries Ruth
¹¹ Then the elders and all the people standing in the gate replied, “We are witnesses! May the Lord make this woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, from whom all the nation of Israel descended! May you prosper in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem. ¹² And may the Lord give you descendants by this young woman who will be like those of our ancestor Perez, the son of Tamar and Judah.”
The Descendants of Boaz
¹³ So Boaz took Ruth into his home, and she became his wife. When he slept with her, the Lord enabled her to become pregnant, and she gave birth to a son. ¹⁴ Then the women of the town said to Naomi, “Praise the Lord, who has now provided a redeemer for your family! May this child be famous in Israel. ¹⁵ May he restore your youth and care for you in your old age. For he is the son of your daughter-in-law who loves you and has been better to you than seven sons!”
¹⁶ Naomi took the baby and cuddled him to her breast. And she cared for him as if he were her own. ¹⁷ The neighbor women said, “Now at last Naomi has a son again!” And they named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David.
¹⁸ This is the genealogical record of their ancestor Perez:
Perez was the father of Hezron.
¹⁹ Hezron was the father of Ram.
Ram was the father of Amminadab.
²⁰ Amminadab was the father of Nahshon.
Nahshon was the father of Salmon.
²¹ Salmon was the father of Boaz.
Boaz was the father of Obed.
²² Obed was the father of Jesse.
Jesse was the father of David.

 Examine the Scriptures
Ruth 4:11-22 NLT
Boaz Marries Ruth

¹¹ Then the elders and all the people standing in the gate replied, “We are witnesses!

All of the people at the city gate signaled strong approval of Boaz’s actions. 

May the Lord make this woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah,

From whom all the nation of Israel descended! 

Rachel was the most beloved wife of Jacob.

Rachel had been barren many years before she bore children.

Ruth had been barren in Moab.

Rachel was buried nearby.

Genesis 35:19 NLT
¹⁹ So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).

Leah was the mother of Judah, their namesake descendant.  (900 years prior to this time.)

What does it mean to be “like Rachel and Leah”?

It might be something like this: Like Ruth, from whom came all the descendants of David.

• The elders and all the people standing in the gate demonstrated a great deal of respect for Ruth the Moabitess. 

May you (Boaz) prosper in Ephrathah (another name for Bethlehem)

Ephrathites were from the clan of Ephrathah, centered in Bethlehem.

• All of the people at the city gate prayed that Boaz would prosper and be famous. 

and be famous in Bethlehem. 

The birthplace of Jesus.

¹² And may the Lord give you descendants

• The elders and all of the people at the city gate prayed that the Lord would give Boaz descendants.

These descendants would include David and the Lord Jesus Christ.

• The elders acknowledged that children are a gift from God.

Psalm 127:3 NLT
³ Children are a gift from the Lord;
they are a reward from him.

 by this young woman who will be like those of our ancestor Perez (the first born of twins), the son of Tamar and Judah.”

Genesis 38:1-30.

Boaz was a descendant of Perez.

They may have been praying for more descendants like Boaz.

The Descendants of Boaz
¹³ So Boaz took Ruth into his home, and she became his wife. When he slept with her, the Lord enabled her to become pregnant, and she gave birth to a son. 

Ruth was married to Mahlon for ten years without having children.

• The Lord enabled Ruth, who had been barren in Moab for the entire period of her marriage to Mahlon, to become pregnant.

¹⁴ Then the women of the town said to Naomi, “Praise the Lord, who has now provided a redeemer for your family!

Once again Naomi becomes the center of attention.

The women of the town recognized that God had provided a redeemer (Obed) who would care for Naomi in her latter years.

• The Lord had provided a redeemer for Naomi and her family. 

May this child be famous in Israel. 

How was Obed used by God?

¹⁵ May he restore your youth and care for you in your old age. For he is the son of your daughter-in-law who loves you and has been better to you than seven sons!”

Ruth turned out to be better than seven sons.

Seven sons was an ideal for Hebrew families.

¹⁶ Naomi took the baby and cuddled him to her breast. And she cared for him as if he were her own. 

¹⁷ The neighbor women said, “Now at last Naomi has a son again!” 

“Son” can mean descendant.

This child replaced the family Naomi lost when her two sons died in Moab.

The family line would continue once again. 

And they named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David.

Obed means “worshiper” or “servant”.

• Naomi’s deep sorrow turned to radiant joy; emptiness gave way to fullness.

It appears that the neighbor women named Ruth’s son Obed.

• Obed replaced the family Naomi lost when her two sons died in Moab. The family line would continue. 

• Obed became the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David. 

¹⁸ This is the genealogical record of their ancestor Perez: 

Also in:
1 Chronicles 2
Matthew 1
Luke 3

 Perez was the father of Hezron.
¹⁹ Hezron was the father of Ram.
Ram was the father of Amminadab.
²⁰ Amminadab was the father of Nahshon.
Nahshon was the father of Salmon.
²¹ Salmon was the father of Boaz.
Boaz was the father of Obed.
²² Obed was the father of Jesse.
Jesse was the father of David.

Nine centuries / ten generations. (900 years back to Jacob, 100 years before David)

“Son” can mean descendant.

Some generations have been selectively omitted.

The book of Matthew takes this line of ancestors back to Abraham.

1 Chronicles 2 goes back to Israel (Jacob).

Luke 3 goes back to Adam.

 

David was an ancestor of Jesus.

• Obed, the son of Boaz and Ruth, was an ancestor of Jesus.
• The genealogical record of Obed is found in Ruth 4, 1 Chronicles 2, Matthew 1, and Luke 3.

The Book of Ruth 

The story of Ruth, a virtuous woman.

The story of Boaz, a kinsman redeemer.

An illustration of God’s redemptive plan extending beyond the Jews.

A picture of God’s sovereignty.

And so much more!

Introduction:

Previous Lesson: Strive to treat others in ways similar to Boaz’s treatment of Ruth.

Today’s Lesson:  Conduct your business in ways similar to how Boaz conducted his business.

Ruth 4:1-10 NLT
Transaction at the City Gate
^4:1 Boaz went to the town gate and took a seat there. Just then the family redeemer he had mentioned came by, so Boaz called out to him, “Come over here and sit down, friend. I want to talk to you.” So they sat down together. ² Then Boaz called ten leaders from the town and asked them to sit as witnesses. ³ And Boaz said to the family redeemer, “You know Naomi, who came back from Moab. She is selling the land that belonged to our relative Elimelech. ⁴ I thought I should speak to you about it so that you can redeem it if you wish. If you want the land, then buy it here in the presence of these witnesses. But if you don’t want it, let me know right away, because I am next in line to redeem it after you.”
The man replied, “All right, I’ll redeem it.”
⁵ Then Boaz told him, “Of course, your purchase of the land from Naomi also requires that you marry Ruth, the Moabite widow. That way she can have children who will carry on her husband’s name and keep the land in the family.”
⁶ “Then I can’t redeem it,” the family redeemer replied, “because this might endanger my own estate. You redeem the land; I cannot do it.”
⁷ Now in those days it was the custom in Israel for anyone transferring a right of purchase to remove his sandal and hand it to the other party. This publicly validated the transaction. ⁸ So the other family redeemer drew off his sandal as he said to Boaz, “You buy the land.”
⁹ Then Boaz said to the elders and to the crowd standing around, “You are witnesses that today I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelech, Kilion, and Mahlon. ¹⁰ And with the land I have acquired Ruth, the Moabite widow of Mahlon, to be my wife. This way she can have a son to carry on the family name of her dead husband and to inherit the family property here in his hometown. You are all witnesses today.”

Examine the Scriptures

Ruth 4:1-10 NLT

Transaction at the City Gate

^4:1 Boaz went to the town gate and took a seat there.

Most legal transactions, including property transfers, were carried out at the city gate.  The city gate served as a combined town hall and courthouse.  This was the normal place for business and legal transactions, where witnesses were readily available.

A similar event in Genesis. (Among other places in Scripture.)

Genesis 19:1 NLT
That evening the two angels came to the entrance of the city of Sodom. Lot was sitting there, and when he saw them, he stood up to meet them. Then he welcomed them and bowed with his face to the ground.

• Boaz was intent on conducting his affairs openly and correctly.

Boaz was not about to take something or someone that was not rightfully his.

Just then the family redeemer he had mentioned came by, so Boaz called out to him, “Come over here and sit down, friend. I want to talk to you.” So they sat down together. 

The author of Ruth choose not to use the man’s name. (more about this later in the lesson.)

² Then Boaz called ten leaders from the town and asked them to sit as witnesses. 

• Ten leaders from the town would serve as witnesses for the legal proceedings about to take place.  

³ And Boaz said to the family redeemer, “You know Naomi, who came back from Moab. She is selling the land that belonged to our relative Elimelech. 

• Boaz was looking out for Naomi’s welfare as well as Ruth’s welfare.

Naomi was not currently using or controlling the land, but she did have legal title to the land.

It was God’s plan for the Promised Land to remain in the families whose ancestors had originally been assigned to the land.

Leviticus 25:8-10 NLT
The Year of Jubilee
⁸ “In addition, you must count off seven Sabbath years, seven sets of seven years, adding up to forty-nine years in all. ⁹ Then on the Day of Atonement in the fiftieth year, blow the ram’s horn loud and long throughout the land. ¹⁰ Set this year apart as holy, a time to proclaim freedom throughout the land for all who live there. It will be a jubilee year for you, when each of you may return to the land that belonged to your ancestors and return to your own clan. 

The Promised Land ultimately belonged to God.

Leviticus 25:23-25 NLT
Redemption of Property
²³ “The land must never be sold on a permanent basis, for the land belongs to me. You are only foreigners and tenant farmers working for me.
²⁴ “With every purchase of land you must grant the seller the right to buy it back. ²⁵ If one of your fellow Israelites falls into poverty and is forced to sell some family land, then a close relative should buy it back for him.

Psalm 24:1
A psalm of David.
¹ The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.
The world and all its people belong to him. 

⁴ I thought I should speak to you about it so that you can redeem it if you wish.

• Boaz knew that the nearest kinsman redeemer had the first right to the property and Boaz gave him the opportunity to redeem the property.

The redeemer would be the caretaker of the land until the destitute landowner could recover economically and buy it back.

If you want the land, then buy it here in the presence of these witnesses. But if you don’t want it, let me know right away, because I am next in line to redeem it after you.”

• Boaz was ready and willing to redeem the land if the nearer kinsman redeemer chose not to redeem the land.

The man replied, “All right, I’ll redeem it.”

The kinsman could see a great opportunity. With no male heir and no apparent likelihood that there would be one, this redeemer would end up with the land and would be doing his social duty for the family.

⁵ Then Boaz told him, “Of course, your purchase of the land from Naomi also requires that you marry Ruth, the Moabite widow. That way she can have children who will carry on her husband’s name and keep the land in the family.”

Marrying Ruth would not have been required by the letter of the levirate law.

This is a big deal changer.  With the possibility of a male heir things change drastically. The male heir would inherit the land.

⁶ “Then I can’t redeem it,” the family redeemer replied, “because this might endanger my own estate. You redeem the land; I cannot do it.”

Considerations:

If Ruth had a son the land would be passed down to him.

The expense of additional property.

The expense of a wife.

Marrying a Moabite.

• The nearer kinsman redeemer was not willing to endanger his own estate by redeeming the land that belonged to Elimelech.

By acting to preserve his own name, this man became the no-name who refused to help his close relative.

• Boaz was willing to assume any of the risks that may accompany this redemption. 

⁷ Now in those days it was the custom in Israel for anyone transferring a right of purchase to remove his sandal and hand it to the other party.

The process of renouncing one’s property rights and passing them to another was publicly attested by taking off a sandal and transferring it to the new owner.

The passing of the sandal symbolized Boaz’s right to walk on the land as his property.

This publicly validated the transaction. ⁸ So the other family redeemer drew off his sandal as he said to Boaz, “You buy the land.”

• The passing of the sandal publicly validated the transaction.

• After giving his sandal to Boaz, the unknown kinsman moved from the scene and into anonymity. The name of Boaz is recorded in Scripture for all to see.

⁹ Then Boaz said to the elders and to the crowd standing around, “You are witnesses that today I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelech, Kilion, and Mahlon.  

Orpah is no longer a part of this story.

¹⁰ And with the land I have acquired Ruth, the Moabite widow of Mahlon, to be my wife.

Here Boaz exercised the “spirit “of the law.

• Boaz respected Ruth as a worthy person in spite of the fact she was a Moabite.

• Boaz was about to marry Ruth and take her “under his wings.”

Ruth 3:9 NLT
⁹ “Who are you?” he asked.“I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your covering over me, for you are my family redeemer.”

This way she can have a son to carry on the family name of her dead husband and to inherit the family property here in his hometown. You are all witnesses today.”

• Boaz clearly intended to raise an heir who would carry on the family name.

Boaz was a kinsman redeemer by his own choice. 

Boaz is an illustration of the Lord Jesus Christ who became mankind’s Kinsman Redeemer.  The one who makes all things right before God the Father for those who trust in Him.

Philippians 2: NLT
³ Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. ⁴ Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
⁵ You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
⁶ Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
⁷ Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
⁸     he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
⁹ Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
¹¹ and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. 

• Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

Boaz Makes His Decision

Ruth 3:10-18 NLT
¹⁰ “The Lord bless you, my daughter!” Boaz exclaimed. “You are showing even more family loyalty now than you did before, for you have not gone after a younger man, whether rich or poor. ¹¹ Now don’t worry about a thing, my daughter. I will do what is necessary, for everyone in town knows you are a virtuous woman. ¹² But while it’s true that I am one of your family redeemers, there is another man who is more closely related to you than I am. ¹³ Stay here tonight, and in the morning I will talk to him. If he is willing to redeem you, very well. Let him marry you. But if he is not willing, then as surely as the Lord lives, I will redeem you myself! Now lie down here until morning.”
¹⁴ So Ruth lay at Boaz’s feet until the morning, but she got up before it was light enough for people to recognize each other. For Boaz had said, “No one must know that a woman was here at the threshing floor.” ¹⁵ Then Boaz said to her, “Bring your cloak and spread it out.” He measured six scoops of barley into the cloak and placed it on her back. Then he returned to the town.
¹⁶ When Ruth went back to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked, “What happened, my daughter?”
Ruth told Naomi everything Boaz had done for her, ¹⁷ and she added, “He gave me these six scoops of barley and said, ‘Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’”
¹⁸ Then Naomi said to her, “Just be patient, my daughter, until we hear what happens. The man won’t rest until he has settled things today.”

Examine the Scriptures
Ruth 3:10-18 NLT
Boaz Makes His Decision 

¹⁰ “The Lord bless you, my daughter!” Boaz exclaimed.

This is Boaz’s initial response to Ruth’s “proposal”.

Compare this to:
Ruth 2:12 NLT
¹² May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.”

Again Boaz addresses Ruth as “my daughter”.

• Boaz’s initial response to Ruth’s proposal was a blessing: “The Lord bless you, my daughter.”

“You are showing even more family loyalty now than you did before,

Ruth was looking out for the welfare of Naomi.

for you have not gone after a younger man, whether rich or poor. 

Ruth made a decision that was good for her family, by doing something that would continue the family line and provide an heir to the land.

Ruth 4:5 NLT
⁵ Then Boaz told him, “Of course, your purchase of the land from Naomi also requires that you marry Ruth, the Moabite widow. That way she can have children who will carry on her husband’s name and keep the land in the family.”

• Boaz recognized Ruth’s kindness and loyalty.

¹¹ Now don’t worry about a thing, my daughter. I will do what is necessary,

• Boaz continued to look out for Ruth’s welfare.

Ruth 4:5 NLT
⁵ Then Boaz told him, “Of course, your purchase of the land from Naomi also requires that you marry Ruth, the Moabite widow. That way she can have children who will carry on her husband’s name and keep the land in the family.”

for everyone in town knows you are a virtuous woman.  

Proverbs 31:10-31 – A Virtuous (excellent) Wife.

See also 2:1 ESV, NIV, & NLT for Boaz

ESV
Now Naomi had a relative of her husband’s, a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz.

NIV
Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a man of standing from the clan of Elimelek, whose name was Boaz.

NLT
Now there was a wealthy and influential man in Bethlehem named Boaz, who was a relative of Naomi’s husband, Elimelech.

• Ruth was known as a virtuous woman.

• Boaz was known as a wealthy and influential man, a worthy man, and a man of standing. 

¹² But while it’s true that I am one of your family redeemers, there is another man who is more closely related to you than I am.  

Boaz knew that Ruth had a relative who was more closely related to her than he was.

• Boaz was committed to do the right thing.

¹³ Stay here tonight, and in the morning I will talk to him. If he is willing to redeem you, very well. Let him marry you. 

• Boaz was willing to let the closer kinsman redeemer redeem Ruth.

In Boaz’s mind, marriage was a part of redemption.

But if he is not willing, then as surely as the Lord lives,

The phrase “as the Lord lives” makes this a solemn oath from Boaz. 

I will redeem you myself!

• If the nearer kinsman was not willing to redeem Ruth, Boaz would surely do so.

Now lie down here until morning.”

¹⁴ So Ruth lay at Boaz’s feet until the morning, but she got up before it was light enough for people to recognize each other. For Boaz had said, “No one must know that a woman was here at the threshing floor.” 

• Boaz is concerned for Ruth’s and his reputation.

Boaz wanted to avoid any chance of gossip.

¹⁵ Then Boaz said to her, “Bring your cloak and spread it out.” He measured six scoops of barley into the cloak and placed it on her back.

• Boaz continued to look out for the needs of Ruth and Naomi, even before becoming the family redeemer.

Boaz is going beyond anyone’s expectations in giving Ruth this generous amount of gain.

Some commentators say this could be as much as 60 pounds of grain.

Boaz had the “heart” of a family redeemer.

Then he returned to the town.

¹⁶ When Ruth went back to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked, “What happened, my daughter?”

Ruth told Naomi everything Boaz had done for her, ¹⁷ and she added, “He gave me these six scoops of barley and said, ‘Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’”

Naomi’s “matchmaking” seemed to be working out well.

¹⁸ Then Naomi said to her, “Just be patient, my daughter, until we hear what happens.

Naomi knew that Boaz was a man of integrity and would fulfill his promise.

“Just be patient.”

The man won’t rest until he has settled things today.”

• At this point, the outcome of this matter is in Boaz’s hands.

Boaz will follow through.

“I will do what is necessary” Quoting Boaz’s comment in verse 11.

 

Ruth 3:1-9 NLT

Ruth at the Threshing Floor

^3:1 One day Naomi said to Ruth, “My daughter, it’s time that I found a permanent home for you, so that you will be provided for. ² Boaz is a close relative of ours, and he’s been very kind by letting you gather grain with his young women. Tonight he will be winnowing barley at the threshing floor. ³ Now do as I tell you—take a bath and put on perfume and dress in your nicest clothes. Then go to the threshing floor, but don’t let Boaz see you until he has finished eating and drinking. ⁴ Be sure to notice where he lies down; then go and uncover his feet and lie down there. He will tell you what to do.”,br>⁵ “I will do everything you say,” Ruth replied. ⁶ So she went down to the threshing floor that night and followed the instructions of her mother-in-law.
⁷ After Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he lay down at the far end of the pile of grain and went to sleep. Then Ruth came quietly, uncovered his feet, and lay down. ⁸ Around midnight Boaz suddenly woke up and turned over. He was surprised to find a woman lying at his feet! ⁹ “Who are you?” he asked.
“I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your covering over me, for you are my family redeemer.”

Examine the Scriptures
Ruth 3:1-9 NLT
Ruth at the Threshing Floor
^3:1 One day Naomi said to Ruth, “My daughter, it’s time that I found a permanent home for you, so that you will be provided for. 

Note the positive relationship between Naomi and Ruth.

Ruth has been looking out for Naomi, by working in Boaz’s fields.

Now Naomi takes the initiative, looking out for Ruth.

Naomi recognized the need to plan for the future.

• Naomi feels responsible, just as she did in chapter 1 verse 9, for Ruth’s future husband and home.

Ruth 1:9 NLT
^9 “May the Lord bless you with the security of another marriage.” 

It was customary for Hebrew parents to arrange marriages for their children.

² Boaz is a close relative of ours, 

Ruth 2:20 NLT
²⁰ “May the Lord bless him!” Naomi told her daughter-in-law. “He is showing his kindness to us as well as to your dead husband. That man is one of our closest relatives, one of our family redeemers.”

• Boaz met the criteria for being a family redeemer for Naomi and Ruth. 

and he’s been very kind by letting you gather grain with his young women.

Boaz had been very kind and generous to Ruth.

Boaz was treating Ruth like a daughter.

Ruth 2:8 NLT
⁸ Boaz went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter.”

• Boaz was treating Ruth like a daughter.

What has Boaz not done?

As a contemporary of Elimelech and Naomi, Boaz is a generation older than Ruth.

• Boaz had not done anything to initiate marrying Ruth.

Tonight he will be winnowing barley at the threshing floor.  

After the harvest, the grain is separated from the straw.  This was followed by winnowing the grain.  Winnowing is the process of tossing the grain into the air to finish separating the grain from the chaff.  This process usually took place in late afternoon when the Mediterranean winds prevailed.  The work would have carried over past dark.

Boaz would be sleeping near the grain to protect it. 

³ Now do as I tell you—take a bath and put on perfume and dress in your nicest clothes.

Prepare yourself for a very special occasion.

Then go to the threshing floor, but don’t let Boaz see you until he has finished eating and drinking. ⁴ Be sure to notice where he lies down; then go

Ruth was to be at the threshing floor observing Boaz without being recognized.

Go under the cover of darkness unseen by Boaz or anyone else. 

and uncover his feet and lie down there. 

• The meaning of “uncovering of the feet” is unclear but it is certainly proper.

The act most likely took place in the dark so that Boaz had the opportunity to reject the offer without the whole town knowing about it. 

He will tell you what to do.” 

(more about this phrase in the next lesson) 

⁵ “I will do everything you say,” Ruth replied. 

Again it is clear that Naomi and Ruth had a great mother-in-law, daughter-in-law relationship.

⁶ So she went down to the threshing floor that night and followed the instructions of her mother-in-law. 

• Ruth followed the instructions of her mother-in-law.

⁷ After Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits,

Boaz was in good spirits.
He had worked hard.
He enjoyed a good meal.

The famine in the land was over.
God was giving His people in Judah good crops.

Ruth 1:6 NLT
⁶ Then Naomi heard in Moab that the Lord had blessed his people in Judah by giving them good crops again. 

• Boaz was in good spirits. 

he lay down at the far end of the pile of grain and went to sleep. Then Ruth came quietly, uncovered his feet, and lay down. ⁸ Around midnight Boaz suddenly woke up and turned over. He was surprised to find a woman lying at his feet!

Afraid
Startled
Shuddered
Troubled
Terrified

• Boaz woke up and found a woman lying at his feet.

 ⁹ “Who are you?” he asked.

When Boaz woke up he knew a woman was laying at his feet, but he did not know who it was.

“I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your covering over me, for you are my family redeemer.”

Boaz’s previous prayer for Ruth

Ruth 2:12 NLT
¹² May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” 

• Ruth had already put herself under the wings of God.

Other scriptures using “wings” of God.

Psalm 36:7 NLT (David)
⁷     How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity finds shelter
in the shadow of your wings.

Psalm 57:1 NLT
For the choir director: A psalm of David, regarding the time he fled from Saul and went into the cave.
¹ Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy!
I look to you for protection.
I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings
until the danger passes by.

Psalm 61:4 NLT (David)
⁴ Let me live forever in your sanctuary,
safe beneath the shelter of your wings! 

The request was clear.

Ruth identified Boaz as her family redeemer, and asked him spread his covering over her.

The corners of your covering is translated as wings of your covering. (Both signify protection.)

• Ruth was now asking to be put under the wings of Boaz.

Ruth was proposing marriage to Boaz.

“Spread the corner of your garment over me” was a request for marriage.  A similar custom is still being practiced in some parts of the Middle East today. 

To be continued.

 

Why Do We Do Bible Studies?

In the Bible, God tells us to study the Bible.

Joshua 1:8 (NLT)
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

Deuteronomy 6:6-8 NLT
⁶ And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. ⁷ Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. ⁸ Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders.

 1 Peter 2:2-3 NLT
² Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, ³ now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.

The Bible gives us many reasons to study the scriptures.

Proverbs 3:1-2 NLT
1 My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart.2 If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying.

2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)
Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.

Proverbs 4:10-13
¹⁰ My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life.¹¹ I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths.¹² When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble.¹³ Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life.

 Revelation 1:3 (NLT)
God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.

Psalm 119:105 NLT
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

Psalm 119:15-16 NLT
¹⁵ I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.¹⁶ I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.

The Bible gives us peace and hope.

Imitate the early church.

Acts 2:42 NLT
⁴²All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

We need to know the truths of the scriptures so that we are not deceived by false teachers.

Colossians 2:8 NLT
⁸ Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT
³ For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. ⁴ They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

Matthew 7:15 NLT
The Tree and Its Fruit
¹⁵ “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.

2 Peter 2:1-3 NLT
The Danger of False Teachers
^2:1 But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. ² Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. ³ In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction will not be delayed.

Ephesians 4:14 NLT
¹⁴ Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.

2 Corinthians 11:3-4 NLT
³ But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent. ⁴ You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed.

Studying the Word helps us fight spiritual battles and experience victory!

We need to know the truths of the scriptures so that we are not misled by teachers with good intentions.

Acts 17:11 NLT
¹¹ And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. 

Spending time studying God’s Word helps us produce spiritual fruit.

Psalm 1:1-3 NLT
¹ Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.
² But they delight in the law of the Lord,
meditating on it day and night.
³ They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do.

John 15:4-8 NLT
⁴ Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
⁵ “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. ⁷ But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! ⁸ When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.

Another benefit of studying God’s Word is that as we mature, we can lead others in truth, too!

1 Peter 3:15 NLT
¹⁵ Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.

What is a major benefit that comes from studying the scriptures?

Scripture transforms our minds. 

God wants to transform us.

Romans 12:2 NLT
² Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Ephesians 4:23 NLT
²³ Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.

What can scripture do?

Psalm 19:7-8 NLT
⁷ The instructions of the Lord are perfect,
reviving the soul.
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
⁸ The commandments of the Lord are right,
bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are clear,
giving insight for living.

 Psalm 119:50 NLT
⁵⁰ Your promise revives me;
it comforts me in all my troubles.

John 20:30-31 NLT
Purpose of the Book
³⁰ The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. ³¹ But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name. 

Romans 10:17 NLT
¹⁷ So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.

 Romans 15:4 NLT
Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.

 2 Timothy 3:14-15 NLT
¹⁴ But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.¹⁵You have been taught the Holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT
¹⁶ All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.¹⁷ God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

Hebrews 4:12 NLT
¹² For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
              A supernaturally discerning agent showing us right from wrong.

Proverbs 2:1-6 NLT
¹ My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands.² Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding.³ Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.⁴ Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.⁵ Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God.⁶ For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Matthew 4:4 NLT
⁴ But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say,
‘People do not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Scripture nurtures our spiritual needs in a way that benefits us eternally.

Scripture transforms not just our minds, but our lives.

1 Peter 1:23-25 NLT
²³ For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. ²⁴ As the Scriptures say,
“People are like grass;
their beauty is like a flower in the field.
The grass withers and the flower fades.
²⁵     But the word of the Lord remains forever.”
And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.

Bible study deepens godly community

Bible study helps us grow closer to God.

Ruth Works in Boaz’s Fields

Things are getting better for Naomi and Ruth.

Naomi is recognizing God’s kindness in the life of her family.

Ruth 2:17-23 NLT
Ruth Works in Boaz’s Fieldsbr¹⁷ So Ruth gathered barley there all day, and when she beat out the grain that evening, it filled an entire basket. ¹⁸ She carried it back into town and showed it to her mother-in-law. Ruth also gave her the roasted grain that was left over from her meal.
¹⁹ “Where did you gather all this grain today?” Naomi asked. “Where did you work? May the Lord bless the one who helped you!”
So Ruth told her mother-in-law about the man in whose field she had worked. She said, “The man I worked with today is named Boaz.”
²⁰ “May the Lord bless him!” Naomi told her daughter-in-law. “He is showing his kindness to us as well as to your dead husband. That man is one of our closest relatives, one of our family redeemers.”
²¹ Then Ruth said, “What’s more, Boaz even told me to come back and stay with his harvesters until the entire harvest is completed.”
²² “Good!” Naomi exclaimed. “Do as he said, my daughter. Stay with his young women right through the whole harvest. You might be harassed in other fields, but you’ll be safe with him.”
²³ So Ruth worked alongside the women in Boaz’s fields and gathered grain with them until the end of the barley harvest. Then she continued working with them through the wheat harvest in early summer. And all the while she lived with her mother-in-law.

Examine the Scriptures

Ruth Works in Boaz’s Fields
Ruth 2:17-23 NLT
¹⁷ So Ruth gathered barley there all day, and when she beat out the grain that evening, it filled an entire basket. ¹⁸ She carried it back into town and showed it to her mother-in-law. Ruth also gave her the roasted grain that was left over from her meal.

Repeated from the last lesson.

• • • Ruth worked all day and into the evening.

• • • Ruth made sure Naomi’s needs were being met.

¹⁹ “Where did you gather all this grain today?” Naomi asked. “Where did you work? 

• Naomi knew Ruth could not have gleaned an entire basket of grain in one day under normal conditions. 

May the Lord bless the one who helped you!”

• Naomi prayed a blessing on the person who had been so generous to Ruth before she knew who he was. 

So Ruth told her mother-in-law about the man in whose field she had worked. She said, “The man I worked with today is named Boaz.”

• Ruth told her mother-in-law that she had worked in the field of Boaz.

²⁰ “May the Lord bless him!” Naomi told her daughter-in-law.

• Naomi repeated her blessing on Boaz.

“He (God) is showing his kindness to us as well as to your dead husband. 

• At the end of chapter one, Naomi saw nothing ahead but the loneliness, abandonment, and helplessness of widowhood.

^1:13 … Things are far more bitter for me than for you, (Naomi’s comment to her two daughters-in-law.)

• • • • Naomi felt like her situation was “far more bitter” than Orpah’s or Ruth’s situation.

^{1:13 continued} because the Lord himself has raised his fist against me.” 

• • • Naomi believed that the Lord had caused her to suffer and the Almighty had sent tragedy upon her. 

^1:20 “Don’t call me Naomi,” she responded. “Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me. ²¹ I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty. Why call me Naomi when the Lord has caused me to suffer and the Almighty has sent such tragedy upon me?”

• • • Naomi was sure her problems were all God’s fault.

• • • Naomi was feeling “empty” and depressed.

• • • Naomi saw nothing ahead but the loneliness, abandonment, and helplessness of widowhood.

Naomi now sees hope for a better future.

• Naomi was now beginning to feel God’s kindness on her family.

Note: Our relationship with God should not be based on “feelings”.

That man is one of our closest relatives, one of our family redeemers.” 

Naomi saw the potential for good to come from this situation.

• This situation combines two Israelite customs. “That man is one of our closest relatives, one of our family redeemers.”

One of our closest relatives
and
One of our family redeemers.

The Family Redeemer

In the book of Ruth, the phrase “family redeemer” has a specific, technical meaning. Elsewhere, the underlying Hebrew term go’el is translated “nearest relative”.

According to the law, family redeemers had three main responsibilities in Israel:

1. 1. 1. Leviticus 25:23-34 stipulates that if an Israelite became so poor that he had to sell his land, a family member was to pay off the debt so the land would remain in the family. If no relative could purchase the land and the seller was unable to buy it back, the land still reverted to the seller or his heirs in the jubilee (fiftieth) Year. Two examples of family redeemers buying land for their relatives are Boaz (4:1-12) and Jeremiah (Jer32:6-15).

1. 1. 2. Similarly, if an Israelite became so poor he had to sell himself into debt-slavery, a family
         redeemer was to buy his relative from service to a non-relative (Lev 25:35-55). The poor Israelite would pay off his debt by working for his relative, who could be expected to treat him better than a stranger would.

1. 1. 3. The family redeemer was to pursue justice for an Israelite killed by another’s hand, under conditions described in Numbers 35:9-34.

The concept of the family redeemer reminds us that God is the true owner of all things,
and he commands us to love our neighbor as ourselves. The NT presents Jesus as the perfect family redeemer, buying us from slavery to sin and death.

Source: NLT Study Bible-Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Close relative.

Boaz was a close relative, but more than that he was a kinsman-redeemer of property and persons.  He could act as a levir, a Latin term for brother-in-law.  Boaz could redeem by fulfilling the levirate law, which required a brother of a deceased man to marry his widow and raise a son to his name (Deuteronomy 25:5-10).

Ruth had more good news. 

²¹ Then Ruth said, “What’s more, Boaz even told me to come back and stay with his harvesters until the entire harvest is completed.”

• God’s timing: Ruth and Naomi arrived in Bethlehem at the time when work was available for Ruth.

²² “Good!” Naomi exclaimed. “Do as he said, my daughter. Stay with his young women right through the whole harvest.

Naomi is excited.

• Naomi wants to make the best of this opportunity.

Naomi doesn’t want Ruth to minimize the chance of a good thing that is coming her way. 

You might be harassed in other fields, but you’ll be safe with him.” 

This most likely was not Naomi’s primary motive for Ruth to continue working in Boaz’s fields. 

²³ So Ruth worked alongside the women in Boaz’s fields and gathered grain with them until the end of the barley harvest. Then she continued working with them through the wheat harvest in early summer.

• Ruth continued working in Boaz’s fields through the wheat harvest in early summer.

This was about 2 months of labor.

And all the while she lived with her mother-in-law. 

To be continued.

Ruth Meets Boaz

Boaz turns out to be a very special man with many outstanding character qualities.

Ruth 2:1-17 NLT
Ruth Meets Boaz
Ruth Works in Boaz’s Field
¹ Now there was a wealthy and influential man in Bethlehem named Boaz, who was a relative of Naomi’s husband, Elimelech.
² One day Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go out into the harvest fields to pick up the stalks of grain left behind by anyone who is kind enough to let me do it.”
Naomi replied, “All right, my daughter, go ahead.” ³ So Ruth went out to gather grain behind the harvesters. And as it happened, she found herself working in a field that belonged to Boaz, the relative of her father-in-law, Elimelech.
⁴ While she was there, Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters. “The Lord be with you!” he said.
“The Lord bless you!” the harvesters replied.
⁵ Then Boaz asked his foreman, “Who is that young woman over there? Who does she belong to?”
⁶ And the foreman replied, “She is the young woman from Moab who came back with Naomi. ⁷ She asked me this morning if she could gather grain behind the harvesters. She has been hard at work ever since, except for a few minutes’ rest in the shelter.”
⁸ Boaz went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don’t go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field. ⁹ See which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them. I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly. And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.”
¹⁰ Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.”
¹¹ “Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. ¹² May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.”
¹³ “I hope I continue to please you, sir,” she replied. “You have comforted me by speaking so kindly to me, even though I am not one of your workers.”
¹⁴ At mealtime Boaz called to her, “Come over here, and help yourself to some food. You can dip your bread in the sour wine.” So she sat with his harvesters, and Boaz gave her some roasted grain to eat. She ate all she wanted and still had some left over.
¹⁵ When Ruth went back to work again, Boaz ordered his young men, “Let her gather grain right among the sheaves without stopping her. ¹⁶ And pull out some heads of barley from the bundles and drop them on purpose for her. Let her pick them up, and don’t give her a hard time!”
¹⁷ So Ruth gathered barley there all day, and when she beat out the grain that evening, it filled an entire basket. 

Examine the Scriptures

Ruth 2:1-17 NLT
Ruth Meets Boaz
Ruth Works in Boaz’s Field

¹ Now there was a wealthy and influential man in Bethlehem named Boaz, who was a relative of Naomi’s husband, Elimelech.

• Boaz was a wealthy and influential man.

Boaz was a relative of Naomi’s husband.

(Boaz was qualified to be a family redeemer for Naomi and Ruth.  This will be discussed in more detail in the next lesson.)

Boaz had a reputation for being both wealthy and influential.

The name Boaz means “in him is strength”

The Hebrew words describing Boaz means “a man of valor”

Boaz exhibited many outstanding character qualities.

• Boaz is listed in the genealogies of Jesus in Matthew and Luke.

Luke 3:32 NLT
³² David was the son of Jesse.
Jesse was the son of Obed.
Obed was the son of Boaz.
Boaz was the son of Salmon.
Salmon was the son of Nahshon.

Matthew 1:5 NLT
⁵ Salmon was the father of Boaz (whose mother was Rahab).
Boaz was the father of Obed (whose mother was Ruth).
Obed was the father of Jesse.

Since biblical genealogies sometimes skip generations, it’s possible that Rahab was Boaz’s grandmother or great-grandmother. 

² One day Ruth the Moabite

“the Moabite” a foreigner (more about this later)

said to Naomi, “Let me go out into the harvest fields to pick up the stalks of grain left behind by anyone who is kind enough to let me do it.”

• Ruth took the initiative to support herself and her mother-in-law.

• Apparently, Ruth knew the Mosaic Law.

Leviticus 19:9-10 NLT
⁹ “When you harvest the crops of your land, do not harvest the grain along the edges of your fields, and do not pick up what the harvesters drop. ¹⁰ It is the same with your grape crop—do not strip every last bunch of grapes from the vines, and do not pick up the grapes that fall to the ground. Leave them for the poor and the foreigners living among you. I am the Lord your God. 

Leviticus 23:22 NLT
²² “When you harvest the crops of your land, do not harvest the grain along the edges of your fields, and do not pick up what the harvesters drop. Leave it for the poor and the foreigners living among you. I am the Lord your God.” 

Deuteronomy 24:19-22 NLT
¹⁹ “When you are harvesting your crops and forget to bring in a bundle of grain from your field, don’t go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigners, orphans, and widows. Then the Lord your God will bless you in all you do. ²⁰ When you beat the olives from your olive trees, don’t go over the boughs twice. Leave the remaining olives for the foreigners, orphans, and widows. ²¹ When you gather the grapes in your vineyard, don’t glean the vines after they are picked. Leave the remaining grapes for the foreigners, orphans, and widows. ²² Remember that you were slaves in the land of Egypt. That is why I am giving you this command. 

This was a way that God used to provide food for the poor.

Ruth was aware of her options.

Two widows living by themselves. 

Naomi replied, “All right, my daughter, go ahead.” 

Naomi supported Ruth’s initiative. 

³ So Ruth went out to gather grain behind the harvesters. 

And as it happened, she found herself working in a field that belonged to Boaz, the relative of her father-in-law, Elimelech. 

“as it happened”

• The events in this story are not mere chance.

Two factors:

God’s providence was at work in Ruth’s life.

Ruth took the initiative to “get a job”.

• God works through ordinary choices to provide for those who trust Him.

Boaz, a relative of her father-in-law, is clearly God working in this occurrence.

The phrase “a relative” repeated here for the second time.

⁴ While she was there, Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters. “The Lord be with you!” he said.
“The Lord bless you!” the harvesters replied. 

Note Boaz’s relationship with his harvesters.

A blessing indicating that faith in God was active in the life of Boaz and the lives of his harvesters.

• Faith in God was active in the life of Boaz and the lives of his harvesters. 

⁵ Then Boaz asked his foreman, “Who is that young woman over there? Who does she belong to?”

Boaz noticed Ruth.

⁶ And the foreman replied, “She is the young woman from Moab who came back with Naomi. 

The foreman was informed. 

⁷ She asked me this morning if she could gather grain behind the harvesters.

• Ruth had asked for permission to work the fields.

She has been hard at work ever since, except for a few minutes’ rest in the shelter.”

• Ruth was a diligent worker.

2 Thessalonians 3:10 NLT
¹⁰ Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.” 

⁸ Boaz went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter.

Boaz: 45-52 years old.

• At this point in the story, Boaz treated Ruth as he would treat a daughter.

Ruth 3:10 NLT
¹⁰ “The Lord bless you, my daughter!” Boaz exclaimed. “You are showing even more family loyalty now than you did before, for you have not gone after a younger man, whether rich or poor.

Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don’t go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field. ⁹ See which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them.

Boaz was kind to Ruth from the time he first met her.

Boaz invited Ruth to continue working in his fields.

This could mean 4 months of work harvesting both the barley and wheat crops. 

I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly.

Boaz protected Ruth from being mistreated by the young men.

And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.”

The special treatment continued.

Ruth would not have to draw her own water. (Which was often the case.) 

¹⁰ Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly.

A common gesture of humility.

“What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.” 

• Ruth was surprised by the favor or acceptance she was receiving from this important man since she was a foreigner and a stranger.

Deuteronomy 23:3-6 NLT
³ “No Ammonite or Moabite or any of their descendants for ten generations may be admitted to the assembly of the Lord. ⁴ These nations did not welcome you with food and water when you came out of Egypt. Instead, they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in distant Aram-naharaim to curse you. ⁵ But the Lord your God refused to listen to Balaam. He turned the intended curse into a blessing because the Lord your God loves you. ⁶ As long as you live, you must never promote the welfare and prosperity of the Ammonites or Moabites.

She asked, “What have I done to deserve such kindness?”

Ruth was a recipient of grace and she was grateful.

• Ruth asked, “What have I done to deserve such kindness?”

¹¹ “Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers.  

Boaz had heard about Ruth.

News travels fast in small towns.

• Initially, the special treatment from Boaz to Ruth was because of everything she had done for her mother-in-law Naomi.

¹² May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.”

Somehow Boaz recognized that Ruth had come to the place in her life where she was truly trusting in God for all of her needs.

Boaz prayed that God would reward Ruth as repayment for the kindness she had displayed toward her mother-in-law.

Psalm 17:8 NLT David
⁸ Guard me as you would guard your own eyes.
Hide me in the shadow of your wings.

Psalm 36:7 NLT David
⁷     How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity finds shelter
in the shadow of your wings. 

Psalm 57:1 David
¹ Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy!
I look to you for protection.
I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings
until the danger passes by.

Psalm 61:4 NLT David
⁴ Let me live forever in your sanctuary,
safe beneath the shelter of your wings! 

Psalm 91:4 NLT (anonymous)
⁴ He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

Matthew 23:37 NLT
Jesus Grieves over Jerusalem
³⁷ “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me.

Soon Boaz would be used by God to answer his own prayer. 

¹³ “I hope I continue to please you, sir,” she replied. “You have comforted me by speaking so kindly to me, even though I am not one of your workers.”

• Ruth continued to respond in humility.

She mentioned her gratitude for his kind words.

¹⁴ At mealtime Boaz called to her, “Come over here, and help yourself to some food. You can dip your bread in the sour wine.” So she sat with his harvesters, and Boaz gave her some roasted grain to eat. She ate all she wanted and still had some left over.

• Boaz continued his kindness to Ruth.

He invited her to eat the food provided for himself and his harvesters.

This was very generous.

Generally, gleaners, like Ruth, had to fend for themselves.

It was very unusual for someone like Ruth to get some of the food that was intended for the harvesters. 

¹⁵ When Ruth went back to work again, Boaz ordered his young men, “Let her gather grain right among the sheaves without stopping her. ¹⁶ And pull out some heads of barley from the bundles and drop them on purpose for her. Let her pick them up, and don’t give her a hard time!”

• Boaz went far beyond what was required by the Mosaic Law.

He instructed his workers to deliberately drop handfuls of barley stalks for Ruth to gather. 

¹⁷ So Ruth gathered barley there all day, and when she beat out the grain that evening, it filled an entire basket. 

• Ruth worked all day and into the evening.

An entire basket was a lot of barley.

Commentators believe this would amount to about half a bushed, likely weighing about 30 to 40 pounds, and would be food for many days.  

¹⁸ She carried it back into town and showed it to her mother-in-law. Ruth also gave her the roasted grain that was left over from her meal.

• Ruth made sure Naomi’s needs were being met.