In Bethlehem, Ruth supported her late husband’s mother, Naomi, by going to the harvest field to pick up leftover grain. The Mosaic law commanded the harvesters to generously leave grain behind for the poor (Lev 19:9-10). Ruth went to a field behind the harvesters to glean grain. By God’s amazing provision, the owner of the land turned out to be Boaz, a close relative of Ruth’s late father-in-law. Boaz noticed Ruth and treated her kindly. He ensured she had enough food to eat and gathered grain to return to Naomi. He made sure she was protected from the men in the field. He treated her kindly, knowing of her virtue—how she had left her home country to be with her mother-in-law. He commended her decision to live in the promised land of the Lord.

Ruth was a meek and humble woman, yet as Boaz had blessed her, the Lord had been protecting her under his wings and providing for her. When Naomi heard about Ruth’s day, she recognized it as the Lord’s work of kindness since Boaz was a kin who could redeem and restore their family.

Naomi had been bitter about life’s tragedies, but she started seeing the sovereign God’s provision and guidance for his people.
Application: Father, you are all-knowing and in control of all. I trust you and find my refuge in you.
One Word: God provides