Ruth 2:1-23. NIV. In Chapter 1, Ruth shows kindness to Naomi, demonstrating God’s love for her in her time of suffering. In Chapter 2, God rewards Ruth with favour, which is linked to her faith—“taking refuge in God.” Ruth took refuge in God… Earlier in Chapter 1, we saw that Ruth, a Moabite widow, insisted on returning to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law (1:4-5, 1:16-18, 1:22), although Moabites were enemies of Israel (Judges 3:12). So why this decision? Aside from her love for her mother-in-law, Chapter 2 shows that Ruth had “come to take refuge” in God (v12). She found faith in God and declared to Naomi, “…your God my God” (1:16). This declaration meant a different way of living, so she returned with Naomi to live in Bethlehem (v23). And found favour with Boaz… While in Bethlehem, Ruth went gleaning, and “...
