Today’s reading
Today is our second day in Ruth, so we are reading Ruth Chapter 2. If you haven’t read yet, don’t worry– each of the chapters we are reading this week are pretty short and easy to read. As much as that may be the case, there is still mounds of depth to them.
Ruth Chapter 2
Here we learn how Naomi and Ruth make ends meet, as well as how Ruth meets Boaz. This chapter also showed me the depth of Ruth’s character. She is a hard worker, willing to do what needs to be done, within bounds. She asked permission to glean behind the harvesters, or to pick up what is left after they harvest, and she was diligent in doing so. She doesn’t ask for special consideration, but instead jumps right into work and gathers what she can. Boaz, who owns the land, and who, as it turns out, is related to Naomi, (Random chance? I think not!) also presents himself to be a man of honor. After hearing her story and learning of her hard work, he instructs his men to stay away from her, and tells her she is safe working in his fields. I like the way in verse 15 he commands his men to help her without making her feel as though she needs help, enabling her to keep her dignity.
Still strong and submissive
I love how Ruth just jumps in, does the work and listens to the advice of Naomi, which is solid advice. She also listens and follows Boaz’ instruction. In these ways she showed me how a woman can be strong and jump in to solve a problem, while still being submissive. She didn’t question her mother-in-law and she didn’t question Boaz. She listened and did as they advised. Sometimes I see strength in women to mean one who is sassy or one who breaks the rules. Here Ruth is showing me that a woman can be amazingly strong and provide, and yet still be submissive to the appropriate authorities.
What do you think?
Can women be strong and submissive? I’d love to know your thoughts on this. Did something else grab you from Ruth 2? Please share your thoughts below in the comments. Thanks for reading with me!
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