Ruth 1-2

“It is good, my daughter, that you go out with his young women, lest in another field you be assaulted” (2:22). The text tells us that in the chaotic days of the judges (1:1), two vulnerable widows found peace and protection in Bethlehem (1:22). Noemi realized that Ruth would be safe collecting barley in the fields of righteous Boaz, who took the Law seriously by leaving grain for the poor and welcoming Ruth, the young foreigner who was in turn protecting her mother-in-law Noemi.  These three, obeying the Lord, created a haven of peace.

When God’s people choose to obey Him even in chaotic times, blessings abound: the vulnerable are protected, foreigners are welcomed, and wanderers find refuge (2:12).