Megillat Rut in Depth

This class studies the second chapter of Megillat Rut.

In this fascinating class, continuing to study the second chapter of Megillat Rut, we discover how Boaz, Naomi’s affluent cousin, notices the beautiful Moabite Princess who’s been reduced to scrounging for survival, yet remarkably most modestly maintains her dignity. Be amazed at how seemingly inconsequential details of this ancient narrative are a source of inspiration for our lives today.

Boaz now meets Ruth face-to-face for the very first time. While there's no “instant magic,” the older judge immediately eases the anxiety of the poverty-stricken younger Princess; while moving to better her lot and provide prominence, plentiful hydration, and paternal protection. His brief words are filled with multiple meanings, and beautiful life lessons for us to emulate.

As the plot thickens, our heroine, the beautiful young pauper-princess Ruth, is overwhelmed by the warm welcome and special attention paid to her by the older wealthy plantation owner Boaz. He in turn reveals why she is a person of great interest to him. Discover how this biblical conversational give-and-take is at once fascinating, inspirational and even instructional!

Our humble heroine is invited to lunch with the plantation employees. She modestly sits away from the raucous male-dominated meal; eats little yet finds herself remarkably satiated. Boaz goes out of his way to make Ruth comfortable; demonstrating the virtues of Torah-true hospitality. Incredibly, each detail of this meager meal overflows with deep meaning and profound premonition.

On the heels of an unexpectedly warm welcome and generous lunch invitation, the “pauper princess” modestly rises to resume gathering gleanings. Her alacrity and buoyed spirits is understood to speak volumes. Seeking the restoration of Ruth’s royal self-esteem, a concerned Boaz sensitively instructs the farmhands to purposefully protect her dignity—without making it obvious.

Spending the balance of the day diligently collecting gleanings in the harvesting fields, Ruth finds extraordinary success. As the shadows grow longer she happily prepares to head back home to Naomi. These verses contain no verbal exchanges, but our heroine’s thoughtful actions speak louder than words – colourfully painting a portrait of exceptional humility, grace and insight!

Ruth’s safe return relieves Naomi, yet she anxiously inquires about her daughter-in-law's surprising success; who in turn excitedly reports on the day’s amazing harvest happenings. This careful study of their conversation and accompanying innuendo reveals much about both exceptional women and teaches us important life lessons!

Decoding a deceptively casual conversation; we reveal a subtext laden and layered with deep meaning and historical context. The wide-ranging commentary encompasses an extraordinary swath of Torah concepts; including the continued relationship between the living and the dead, ownership of Israel, the power of a blessing, Levirate marriages, possessed by a spirit, conversion, ancient national enmities, the political science of patriotism all set in a sweep of history spanning nearly six centuries!