Ruth 2 - Ruth meets Boaz

Chapter one ends by telling us that Naomi and Ruth arrive in Bethlehem in time for the start of the barley harvest, and chapter two begins by telling us that Naomi has a living relative of good standing called Boaz. The false starts in Moab may give us pause, but it finally feels like things are beginning to fall into place, and it's a wonderful affirmation that Naomi has done the right thing in returning.  Often we are called to step out in faith, and it is such a relief when we feel that safety net beneath us.  I experienced it for myself when I made the decision to leave university, and a week later heard my pastor talk about being recommissioned.  I had a sense not only of vindication but also of purpose, and I don't think I have ever felt so aware of or grateful for God's providence.

Naomi presumably has a home to return to, but she has no apparent source of income, and so the two women find themselves in a vulnerable position.  The law makes provision for widows through the tithes and offerings, and so Ruth and Naomi could be well cared for by the community, but they instead choose to look to themselves for help. They cannot support themselves completely unaided as the culture does not allow it, but the law commands that leftover grain be left for the vulnerable and needy, and so Ruth offers to go and work in the fields.  There is no shame in turning to others when we are in need, and I hate the cliche that "God helps those who help themselves", but sometimes it is good for us to do what we can.

Purely by chance, Ruth finds herself working in a field belonging to Boaz, and when he arrives at the field he asks after her.  (He actually asks whose woman she is, reminding us that even this most female of stories cannot escape the oppressive misogyny of the culture.)  The foreman replies that she is the Moabitess who came back with Naomi, and that she has worked steadily all day except for a short rest.  Boaz then tells her to stay with his servant girls and drink whenever she is thirsty, also telling his men not to touch her and to take some stalks from their sheaths and leave them for her.

When Ruth asks why he is being so kind, Boaz tells her that he has heard all she has done for Naomi, and it is clearly her care and her dedication that have so impressed him.  Ruth had set out to gather grain "behind anyone in whose eyes I find favour", but she did not need to use what we may call her womanly charms in order to find it.  So many woman flirt and flounce in order to attract the male gaze, and defend themselves with arguments that suggest they are celebrating their femininity, but I believe that in truth they are demeaning it.  Women weren't created to be admired for their superficialities or to flatter the male ego, but to reflect the glory of God.  As Ruth demonstrates, it is the substance and not the style that finds favour in the right places.

When Ruth returns home with sacks full of grain, Naomi blesses Boaz for his kindness and tells Ruth that he is one of their kinsmen redeemers, setting us up for the next part of the story.  She also tells Ruth that it will be good for her to remain in Boaz's field as elsewhere she may be harmed.  It's a subtle nod to the fact that the world can be a dangerous place for  women, and a sad reminder that very little has changed.  It strikes me that Boaz has to tell his men not to touch Ruth and she has to stick to certain places in order to be safe, as if it is a given that she will be harassed and it is up to her to ensure her own safety.  That same mentality is still fuels the blame culture today, but the truth is that it is the men who choose to harass and harm women that need to control themselves and modify their behaviour. 

I'm increasingly aware of the fact that my blog is heavily influenced by my feminist reading and views, but I would like to make clear that I do not have a hidden agenda here.  My main focus remains on Scripture, but I have said before that we all approach and interpret the Bible through our own prisms, and my passion for women's rights is a significant part of mine.