Ruth 2 "happened" to go into that field that King David was born. Elohim's in complete control 2017

7 months ago
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Ruth 2:1
Now Naomi had a kinsman of her husband, a man of great wealth, of the family of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz.

When we left the last chapter Naomi returned to Judah and Ruth came back with her, desiring to be a part of Israel and to serve Elohim. Naomi's husband had a wealthy relative named Boaz. According to the Targum, which is an ancient Aramaic paraphrase of parts of the Tanakh, Boaz is the same is Izban.

Judges 12:8-10
Now Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel after him. 9And he had thirty sons, and thirty daughters whom he gave in marriage outside the family, and he brought in thirty daughters from outside for his sons. And he judged Israel seven years. 10Then Ibzan died and was buried in Bethlehem.

This is possible but cannot be verified for certain.

Ruth 2:3
So she departed and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers; and she happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech.

The text states that Ruth "happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz." But we know that this was not a haphazard incident. It is because she "happened" to go into that field that King David was born. Elohim is in complete control of this situation, as He is in all others.

Ruth 2:9
"Let your eyes be on the field which they reap, and go after them. Indeed, I have commanded the servants not to touch you. When you are thirsty, go to the water jars and drink from what the servants draw."

If Ruth was searching for a man to find favor with her, then it appears she found him. Boaz gives her special privileges and tells her to stay on his land. He has already commanded his servants not to touch her or give her a difficult time.

Ruth 2:11
And Boaz answered and said to her, "All that you have done for your mother-in-law after the death of your husband has been fully reported to me, and how you left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and came to a people that you did not previously know.

Boaz knows all about Ruth. He knows that she is forsaking her family and the false gods of her people. He knows she is taking care of her mother-in-law. He greatly admires her for these things. Just as Boaz shows great character in dealing with his servants and with the poor, Ruth shows great character in dealing with her mother-in-law and with the false gods she had previously been raised with. This looks like an excellent match.

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