Day 89: Ruth and Boaz

It’s strange to think that in the middle of the bloodthirsty and depressing story of Judges, there is a heartwarming tale going on at the same time. But it’s good to remember that the cycle of apostasy, oppression and repentance isn’t the whole of the Israelites’ story.
Ruth gleans in Boaz’s fields
Ruth 2:1-3
Boaz’s kindness to Ruth
Ruth 2:4-16
Ruth returns to Naomi
Ruth 2:17-23
Naomi’s instructions
Ruth 3:1-5
Boaz acknowledges the duty of a kinsman
Ruth 3:6-13
Ruth’s return to Naomi
Ruth 3:14-18
The kinsman refuses to redeem Ruth’s inheritance
Ruth 4:1-8
Boaz marries Ruth
Ruth 4:9-12
Birth of Obed
Ruth 4:13-17
Deborah and Barak, the 4th & 5th Judges
Judges 4:4-9
Sisera defeated
Judges 4:10-16

Here we see the laws of Israel in action - Ruth is able to survive because of the law of gleaning, and there is hope for her future because of the law of the kinsman-redeemer. When there are no children to continue a family’s inheritance, the nearest relative has the duty to marry the widow and provide children. Also, the law commands people to welcome the foreigner living in their land - a welcome antidote to the wholesale slaughter we’ve been witnessing in recent weeks.
Ruth (encouraged and guided by Naomi) seizes the chances the law offers to her with both hands. Boaz is a model Israelite, and he does the right thing by this foreign woman. Good for you, Boaz.
Back to Judges, and we find a surprise - a woman is in charge of the Israelites, and what a woman! Deborah is an exceptional person, and it’s a shame we don’t hear more about her. She is fearless in the face of Israel’s enemies, and her faith in God is unwavering.