Providence
The story of Ruth is one that speaks of love and loyalty.
Her choice to stay with Naomi, affecting the course of Israel’s history.
“Your people shall be my people, and your God mine”, she said.
Ruth arrives in Bethlehem and gleans barley so that they may be fed.
In the Providence of God, the owner is a relative of the husband of Naomi.
Admiring her fidelity and evident beauty, Boaz learns who this new girl is.
Throughout the barley harvest he ensures her success in his field
Instructing his foreman to even deliberately see that she lifts grain from their yield
In accordance with the rules of the Law at that time, a 'kinsman redeemer’ had rights.
He could buy Naomi's land, but must also accept responsibility for her and Ruths' plight;
meaning he would be obliged to take Ruth as wife ensuring the family name lived on.
The nearest kin demurred, but Boaz was pleased to accept, and Ruth became his wife.
The Providence of God continues to be seen as Israel's history unfolds,
In the fulness of time Ruth gave birth to a son, Obed is his name we are told.
Little is known about him except that his son was Jesse, the father of David.
Destined to be the forebear of the Messiah, the son of God and Man.
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