The biblical book of Ruth is great literature with its drama, suspense, vivid dialog, character development and foreshadowing. The author writes from two different perspectives. From the point of view of the participants, life is hard and seems hopeless. Seemingly random events and choices take place without the participants having any knowledge of their implications (i.e. Ruth just happens to go gleaning in the field of Boaz – 2:3). The other perspective is that of the narrator who coveys that the LORD is working out His glorious purpose through all of these apparently random events. The theological term for this work of God is His providence.
In chapter two, Ruth seeks to get food for herself and Naomi. She needs someone to show favor. Through Boaz, favor is shown and their immediate needs are met. Naomi, who had been in despair, brightens up, perhaps because she begins to recognize that the LORD, in His providence, is showing them His lovingkindness.
What happens to them sheds light on how God works in our lives. He does work good for all those who love Him (Romans 8:28), even when we don’t understand the purpose of many hard things which happen to us. It has been said reading God’s providence is like reading Hebrew. It only makes sense if you read it backwards.
We too were empty and in need of favor. God has shown us favor in Christ. We rejoice in His lovingkindness and in His providence.
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