As we continue in the narrative, we see Ruth, a foreign widow with practically zero power or influence in the ancient world, taking advantage of a biblical law designed to protect the vulnerable in Israelite society. “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” (Leviticus 23:22). As she is gathering the barley which has fallen she is noticed by Boaz, the landowner, who takes it upon himself to protect, feed, and supply her generously. At the end of the chapter, we discover that Boaz is actually one of the “family redeemers” of Naomi’s family. What a coincidence! Or is it?
Again, God seemingly takes no direct actions in the story, but his fingerprints of compassion and sovereignty are all over it. It was God who guided the writers of the law of Moses to include such generous provisions for the poor and foreigner. It was God who led Ruth to this specific field. And it was God who allowed Ruth and Boaz to cross paths, furthering this tale of redemption and hope, and kindling the beginnings of an unexpected love story.
