Woman vs. Man: The Great Debate

Ruth Chapter 2

Woman in a

Man's world?

Let's discuss the inequality between men and women for a bit. Why does it bother you or I so much when men say the following?

"Calm down!" "whoa bossy!"

"you look tired today." "At least i took out the trash."

"ugh...what is it now?" "why don't you like me?"

"you ate that whole thing?" "why are my pants still in the washer?"

"you should smile more often." "We need to do something about this mess."

"you are too emotional." "Is your period starting soon?"

What does the Bible say about Women equality?

This whole discussion on women versus men is not anything new. It originated with the first sin in history: Adam and Eve. Some would argue that Eve sinned first. Others would argue it was Adam's fault for not intervening when she is tempted. Regardless, sin is sin. We all suffer because of it, and we all must deal with the consequences.

The old Levitical law had much to say about women in marriage, in menstruation, in childbearing, in serving, etc. This old covenant is not something to be tossed out the window, nor is it to be followed explicitly to enter into the kingdom of heaven. The New Testament provides us with a new covenant through Jesus Christ who gives a beautiful example of the equality amongst men and women in His name. Jesus lays out a perfect example of how he views each sex with love and respect. His example is the one to follow, and we must be very careful not to allow slanderous talk about the Bible's abhorrent treatment of women. Context is key when reading the Bible, and Jesus is the standard by which we should all measure our lives including our approach to equality.

What on earth does any of that have to do with Ruth gleaning in Boaz's field???

EVERYTHING!

Boaz is acting as the provider for Ruth in chapter 2 in more ways than some would deem necessary. As excellently stated by Redmond,

"Boaz and Naomi both work toward helping Ruth gain the provisions she needs to survive and thrive. They help her reap prosperously in a setting in which men are the reapers, men are in charge, women follow behind men in reaping, women do not have a place at the table with men, and women are vulnerable to physical assault and charges of being sexually promiscuous. Despite the wall built against the hope of Ruth's prosperity, the efforts of Boaz and Naomi prevail on behalf of Ruth(Redmond, pg. 273)"

Ruth 2:1-7

We have a beautiful picture here of a landowner/master who has the respect of his workers. He also is tender hearted to those in need.

Ruth here is seen as providing for her little family without fear. Ruth knows full well that her people are not taken kindly to in such a land. She is a Moabitess; however, Ruth trusts that she can rise above the scrutiny and find favor somewhere amongst God's people. She gleans in a field nearby that "just so happens" to be the field of Naomi's relative, and not just any relative..a kinsmen redeemer.

One may ask, Why was there wheat yet to glean after the harvesters had already gone through? Surely these landowners would not be willing to leave behind some harvest because more harvest results in higher income; however, Mosaic law as mandated in scripture planned for instances such as Ruth's.

Deuteronomy 24:19-21 states:

"When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. When you beat the olives from your trees, do not go over the branches a second time. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow."

Reflection Time!

How would you describe your husband's work ethic?

What are the things that you wish would change?

What are the things he excels at?

We look at the example of Boaz's relationship with his workers. They are proud and happy to work for him. Do you think maybe we may need to look at our husbands in a different light? Maybe we focus too much on all of the things we wish he would change? Maybe if we focused on the things that he does well, others may fall into place? I have noticed in my own attitude that, if I constantly stew over the things that annoy me, then I will be annoyed with my husband. If I try to focus on the things he does well, my overall attitude is one of appreciation and gratitude.

Ruth 2:8-13

Boaz is ensuring the provision of a Moabite woman. He ensures that she is safe from harm, and that she has plenty to glean for her family. He also shares his table with her.

Boaz provides safety by providing his field and encouraging her to glean only with his women workers. Boaz also instructs his men not to mess with her or bring her any harm. Also, Boaz tells Ruth to drink the water drawn by his men. Why these provisions specifically?

He knows his field is safe with the women workers.
He knows that his men will not harm her or harass her.
He also drives this point home by having his men draw water for her.
Her place in his field is solidified by having his men serve her.

As a foreign woman trudging forward into God's people, this must have been such a relief. Here is the first field she tends, and she finds not only food, but safety and service. Who am I that I should deserve such grace in your eyes? Ruth shares a similar sentiment with Mary mother of Jesus. Who am I? "In this particular situation, Boaz is an instrument of God's provision and blessing as a direct result of her faithfulness to her mother in law, Naomi (Redmond, 277)."

Another interesting thought by Redmond, "Boaz does not seem to feel any sense of needing to choose between showing kindness to Ruth and being obedient to God. Instead, he understands that in seeking Ruth's human, female, earthly care he is doing the work that is spiritual---work that is from the Lord and honoring to him. (Redmond, page 277)."

Question: Should men's concern for women's wellbeing go beyond their physical safety and financial security?

Ruth 2:14-16

What is the significance of allowing Ruth to dip her bread in the same sauce as Boaz and his men?

Boaz offers her a place at his table and to eat until she is satisfied(see Matthew 14:20). This experience is public and not private. This situation reminds me of the classic new kid at school who sits by him or herself until one person publicly acknowledges them. It is the same here. Boaz is showing a Moabitess kindness publicly; thereby, providing safety and assurances in his plantation that she is accepted and acceptable.

Boaz provided three things:

1)no interference

2) no need for approval

3) thriving environment without suppression

Some men provide this for women in the workplace or in the church. Have you ever experienced this provision? Was there a man in your life who paved the way for your future blessing?

Ruth 2:17-23

After an amazing day it is time to bring the barley and leftover food back to Naomi. Ruth was probably so excited to share all that had occurred on her first day in an unknown world.

Naomi blesses this man multiple times during the text for his kindness and goodness. The Lord is also praised for providing mercy through his servant Boaz. Here I would like to share a statement made by a believer about praise. "Why are you praising God when I was the one who did it?" Selfish right, but how would you respond to this statement? How does this change your handling of future blessings?

Naomi acknowledges that this man, Boaz, is a kinsmen redeemer. Now what provisions are the responsibility of a kinsmen redeemer?

"1) to ensure that the hereditary property of the clan never passes out of the clan (Lev. 25:25-30)

2) to maintain the freedom of individuals within the clan by buying back those who have sold themselves into slavery because of poverty

(Lev. 25:47-55)

3) to track down and execute murderers of near relatives

( Num. 35:12, 19-27)

4) to receive restitution money on behalf of a deceased victim of a crime (Num. 5:8)

5) to ensure that justice is served in a lawsuit involving a relative

(Job 19: 25, Ps. 119:154, Jer. 50:34) (Judges, Ruth 674-675)"

How do we take all of this information and use it as women of influence in our homes, in our workplace, and in our churches?

Live by example to educate those who see you day in and day out.
Talk about how young men should treat women respectfully. Especially your sons!
Discuss with the women in your life about the environments in which they place themselves.

Boaz and Naomi do these things! Here are two examples:

Boaz is the example and provides a safe environment in which he educates the men in his charge. There are great men in the world, but that does not mean that there are not harmful men in the world. Boaz knows this fact, and uses his position to influence those men to respect and care for women.

Naomi uses her position as mother in law to instruct and care for her daughter in law's safety. As an older woman of God she needs to instruct the next generation to live safely and make good choices. Glean in Boaz's field only so that you do not become prey by men from other fields.

Ruth boldly went forth to glean, and was blessed for her faithfulness.

It is your turn.

Resources:

Redmond, E. C., Akin, D. L., Platt, D., & Merida, T. (2023). Exalting Jesus in Judges and Ruth. Holman Reference.

Block, Daniel. Judges, Ruth. New American Commentary. Nashville: B&H, 1999.

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