Ruth 2: The women hatch a plan

Synopsis:

Naomi and Ruth show up in Bethlehem-judah during the barley harvest. Naomi and Ruth decide to target a kinsman of Naomi’s husband, a wealthy man named Boaz. Ruth goes to glean in his field and he takes a liking to her and gives her permission to glean close to the men harvesting and Boaz further instructed the men to make sure that they left good barley for her. Ruth stayed with her mother in law and gleaned until the end of the barley and wheat harvest with the other maidens of Boaz.

In other words:

Ruth intentionally gains the favor of a rich man named Boaz.

Favorite bit:

Ruth 2:15,16 – Where Boaz instructs his men to leave some handfuls of barley on purpose for her.

2nd favorite bit:

That basically Boaz is a very good man, who helps out a complete stranger, just because it’s the right thing to do.  (Ruth 2:11)

Least favorite bit:

Naomi is very intent that Ruth not fraternize with any of the men harvesting, but to keep with the maidens so that her reputation is above reproach. They are clearly targeting Boaz for romance with Ruth.

Moral Lesson Learned:

Keep your reputation good by being a good person (Ruth 2)