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Series on the Book of Ruth
The Day When Grace Meets Humility
Part I
by Gustavo Barros
Text: Ruth 2:4-10 4 Now behold, Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, “The Lord
be with you!” “The Lord bless you!” they answered. 5 Boaz asked the overseer of his harvesters, “Who
does that young woman belong to?” 6 The overseer replied, “She is the Moabite who came back from
Moab with Naomi. 7 She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the harvesters.’
She came into the field and has remained here from morning till now, except for a short rest in the
shelter.” 8 So Boaz said to Ruth, “My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and
don’t go away from here. Stay here with the women who work for me. 9 Watch the field where the men
are harvesting, and follow along after the women. I have told the men not to lay a hand on you. And
whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.” 10 At this, she
bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that
you notice me—a foreigner?”
Introduction:
In our Bibles (English) Ruth comes right after Judges, due to the chronological position
of the story. But in some Hebrew versions Ruth comes right after the book of Proverbs.
The reason why Ruth comes after Proverbs is because the young Moabitess Ruth is the
perfect example of the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31. Therefore we have a great link
between Proverbs 31 and Ruth. In Proverbs 31:10 the woman is called “a woman of
strength of character” or “noble character” [‫ ִ ילַ֭ח־תֶׁש ֵֽא‬-’êšeṯ ḥayil]. These same words are
used to describe Ruth in Ruth 3:11 [‫ ִ ילַ֭ח־תֶׁש ֵֽא‬- ’êšeṯ ḥayil]. But not only does Ruth
personify the virtuous woman, Boaz also represents the godly character of the
righteous man pictured in Proverbs.
One of the most important links between Proverbs and Ruth is the teaching of God’s
Providence. Simply put, providence encompasses every aspect of the created order.
From beginning to end, from heaven to earth, from animate to inanimate, from
individuals to nations, from hours to ages, from weeds to wheat, from birth to death,
from catastrophe to calm, everything is within the loving presence and involvement of
the Lord God Almighty. In his wisdom, power, righteousness, and love he is hastening
slowly to work out his own eternal purposes for his own glory and for our eternal good.
God not only created all things, but He also sustains all things, and is sustaining all
things for His glory and good purpose.
Proverbs has a clear didactical emphasis on God’s Providence, how He is in control of
everything: Proverbs 16:4 The Lord works out everything to its proper end even the wicked for a day
of disaster; 16:9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps; 16:33
The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.; 19:14 Houses and wealth are
inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord; 20:24 A person’s steps are directed by the
Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?; 21:1 In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a
stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.
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In the book of Ruth we see this teaching being painted in the lives of Naomi, Ruth, and
Boaz. Much more than a love story, this book is a proclamation of how God is Almighty
over all the deaths, tribulations, sufferings, blessings, joys, and “accidents” in the lives
of every person. God’s sovereignty is not revealed by great signs and wonders, but by
His providence through the ordinary decisions and events of our daily lives. It is this
ordinary providence, that many times comes through the dark clouds of pain and
sufferings, that takes us to our knees in adoration and humble submission.
Outline of the Sermon:
I – The Conversation Between Boaz and the Overseer (2:4-7)
II –The Conversation Between Boaz and Ruth – when Grace Meets Humility
(2:8-10)
Context:
In our last study we saw how God, in His supreme sovereignty, orchestrated everything
in perfect harmony. In 1:22 we were told that the two widows came to Bethlehem at
the beginning of the barley harvest. The timing was precise, for according to the Law
widows were allowed to glean in the fields. The mention of the “barley harvest” is also
important in order to remind us that something new is about to start. The dark and cold
clouds of the winter are passing away and the sun is starting to shine. In 2:1 the
narrator stops the story to tell us about a very important man – an acquaintance of
Naomi, whose name is Boaz. The author of the book tells us that Boaz was an
influential man. As Wilch writes in his commentary, “All implied aspects of a gibbor hayil
(‫תֵֽא‬
ֶׁ ‫י‬
‫ ) ר בִֹּּ֣ג‬indicate that such a respected gentleman would set examples in the
community in matters of religion, culture, economics, and politics. Whatever he did
would not be primarily in his own self-interest, but in the interest of the community,
clan, and nation. This means for a pious Israelite that the covenant of the Lord with
Israel was of primary importance.1” After presenting Boaz to the audience, the narrator
continues where he stopped – 2:2, in this verse the author paints a beautiful picture of
Ruth’s godly character, by showing us: 1) Her respect towards Naomi (“Please let me go to
the field”) and the land owners (“and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall
find favor.”); 2) Her true saving faith that is demonstrated by works (James 2:14 and 17
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save
him? 17 faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead); 3) Ruth’s common sense – she knows
what the will of God is for her life, to work hard and serve others; and 4) Her
willingness and disposition to serve under the hardest times. Ruth doesn’t stay in bed
watching movies or praying, instead, she gets up early in the morning resolved to serve
and work hard. The will of God for our lives is like a scroll that is unfolded day after
day. If you want to know the will of God for your life, you must use common sense,
give careful thought to the situation, ask advice, and serve Christ, working hard!
What an amazing, young, godly girl is Ruth! Naomi has shown us how beautiful it is for
women to be grounded in sound theology, and now Ruth shows us the beauty of a
1
John R. Wilch, Concordia Commentary – Ruth (Concordia Publishing House), p. 207.
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godly woman in serving God and His people diligently. Our last sermon finished with the
verse “and she happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz,” the
author of the book is showing that from a human perspective Ruth ended up gleaning
in Boaz’s field by chance and luck. But we know that there is no luck or chance with a
God who is almighty and all-powerful over all. There is absolutely no accident with God,
He is in control of everything, even the casting of lots (Prov. 16:33 The lot is cast into the
lap, but its every decision is from the Lord). Of all the fields in Judah, Ruth ended up being in
Boaz’s field – a godly man, from the clan of Elimelech, whose mother was Rahab, a
gentile prostitute (Mtt. 1:5). As Proverbs 16:9 says, “The heart of man plans his way,
but the Lord establishes his steps.”
So now what, will they meet each other? Will it so happen that Boaz will show up right
when Ruth is working?
Ruth 2:4-17 tells us that Boaz and Ruth indeed meet each other, but much more than
narrating the encounter between them, the author of this majestic book wants us to
behold God’s providence and he also wants us to contemplate and imitate the godly
character of Ruth and Boaz. So, let us do this today!
I – The Conversation Between Boaz and the Overseer
(2:4-7)
4 Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, “The Lord be with you!” “The Lord
bless you!” they answered. 5 Boaz asked the overseer of his harvesters, “Who does that young woman
belong to?” 6 The overseer replied, “She is the Moabite who came back from Moab with Naomi. 7 She
said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the harvesters.’ She came into the field
and has remained here from morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter.”
- “Now behold, Boaz arrived from Bethlehem” --- Some translations have:
“Just then…” (ESV, NIV), but the NASB has a more accurate translation here, for the
Hebrew word hinneh (‫ )הנִה‬literally means behold. The author of the book wants to get
our attention. He wants our eyes and minds on this amazing act of God’s providence.
Guess who just showed up? Boaz! The carnal mind says, “What a coincidence!” or
“What a small world!” but the Bible says “What an amazing and almighty God we
have!”
May we all behold in wonder and amazement how in control of things God always is. He
not only created everything, but He also sustains everything.
v.4
“Boaz arrived from Bethlehem” --- Boaz’s fields were probably outside the town.
“People typically lived in a small town or village, which provided safety as well a sense
of community… The population of the town seldom exceeded a few hundred. The fields
were away from the town, and it was necessary for people to leave the security of town
to work in the fields.2”
2
John Walton, Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary (Zondervan) – Vol. II, pp.252-253.
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Boaz came from the town in order to inspect the work in his field. He came to inspect
the progress of the harvest and the condition of the workers.
As soon as he arrived in the field all the workers would quickly recognize him and “with
a polite wave of his upraised hand, he gave them a simple, friendly greeting: ‘The Lord
be with you!’”
It is important to notice that the author of the book avoids writing many details in his
book, therefore when he writes things like this greeting it is because it has a lot of
significance. What is so important about Boaz’s greeting? The greeting is Boaz’s first
words in this story and his first words reveal what his character is. His first words are a
blessing (a benediction) upon his workers.
Boaz’s first words are not words of complaint. He doesn’t arrive and start complaining
about things in the field. His first words are not destructive and negative, but instead
his words are uplifting and encouraging.
Boaz’s purpose and aim was to encourage the workers by reminding them that the
Lord, Yahweh, was with them, blessing them and helping each one of them!
Jesus says that “the out of the abundance of the heart mouth speaks3” so we can see
that Boaz’s heart is saturated and overflowing with a passion and love for God.
Paul says in Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but
only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those
who hear.”
** We must examine our hearts and see if our words are being words that give grace
and encouragement to those who hear us. What are our first words at home, at work,
at school, at church?
Do you hide the Lord Jesus from your speech? Are you ashamed of using the Lord
Jesus in your speech with others? Not in a blasphemous and irreverent way, but in
sincerity and fear. Your speech reveals a lot about your personal relationship with
Christ.
“The Lord be with you!’” --- These words reveal Boaz’s humility and understanding
that God is the one who must be with each one of his workers in order for them to
prosper. This man has a genuine fear of the Lord. His “Christian lingo” is used not only
on the Sabbath day (our Sundays), but every day! His speech reveals that God’s
presence is saturating his heart.
Most business owners would think to themselves “May I be with you!” because they
think they are the source of every blessing. Even though Boaz is the one providing
work, jobs, money, and food, he knows that he is only an instrument of God. He knows
that “unless the Lord builds the house, the workers labor in vain4.”
Boaz brings the Lord into his workplace, because he lives every day and every hour
before the presence of God. The only way to bring the Lord’s presence to our
3
4
Matthew 12:34
Psalm 127:1
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workplace, to our homes, classrooms, and friends’ homes is by being in the presence of
the Lord every day. And you won’t do that by spending 10 minutes in devotion in the
morning and then living the rest of the day ignoring the presence of God.
– “‘The Lord bless you!’ they answered” --- They don’t mumble or ignore him,
instead the workers respond with a benediction also. They understand that all the
blessings that Boaz has been able to provide them with are a result of God’s grace5.
v.4
May we all have this God-saturated speech that builds up the faith of our brothers and
sisters and that lets the world know of your faith in God6. May the Dominus
Vobiscum be not dead liturgy, but something that flows from the love and
understanding that the Lord is the source of all true blessings.
“It is clear from what we know about Boaz that he was not a harsh landowner, but a
man who genuinely cared for others. The response of his workers revealed their
goodwill toward him and their desire for God's blessing to be upon him as well. As we
think about our relationship with Christ and the people God has placed around us, we
would do well to consider the importance of our greetings. Are ‘good morning’ and ‘God
bless you’ just empty, insincere phrases? Or do our words show that we truly care for
those whom we are addressing?... What is the difference between an empty greeting
and a meaningful one? When you talk to someone, how can you communicate genuine
love, interest, and concern? A heartfelt greeting can energize the weary and encourage
the lonely.7” May we stop with the excuse that “I am not a morning person,” this is
selfish, may we think about others when we say “Hi” and “Bye”.
*** By emphasizing the name of the Lord in this verse “the narrator reminded his
audience that, though offstage, Yahweh was nevertheless within earshot.8” No chance
or luck, but Yahweh’s fingerprints!
- Boaz asked the overseer of his harvesters, “Who does that young woman belong to?”
“the overseer of his harvesters” --- This was the man in charge of the workers, he
was Boaz’s right hand. “The term can apply to someone who manages an estate, as
was the case with Ziba, who had custody of Saul’s estate (II Sam. 9:9; 19:17-18).9”
v.5
Boaz knew all his workers and suddenly he notices a young girl whom he had never
seen before, since “in the small village of Bethlehem he would have known every
resident by sight.10” Something caught Boaz’s eyes so he decided to stop and find out
5
Most commentators believe these greetings were typical of harvest season. Psalm 129:8 “The blessing of the Lord
be upon you! We bless you in the name of the Lord!”
6
The New Testament letters often open and finish with similar benediction – see I Cor 16:23; II Thess 3:16; II Tim
4:22
7
http://www.preceptaustin.org/ruth_24-7.htm#2:4
8
Robert L. Hubbard, T.N.I.C.O.T. – Ruth (Eerdmans), p. 145.
9
Walton, Zondervan, p. 253.
10
John R. Wilch, Concordia Commentary – Ruth (Concordia Publishing House), p. 215.
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more about that “strange” person in his field. The harvest lost its significance, he is
concerned about the young lady.
“Who does that young woman belong to?” --- Boaz was not hunting for a
girlfriend, he was working hard, doing what the Lord had placed before his hands, and
living before the face of God. His question is not because he is desperate for a woman,
but because he truly cared about the people around him. This question inquired about
the family or clan to which Ruth belonged, or, assuming Ruth was a slave, it simply
sought the identity of the owner.
“young woman” --- (na'arah) usually refers to a marriageable but unmarried girl,
emphasizing the youthfulness of the girl (12-16 years old ??). But this same word also
mean “(female) servant” (Gen. 24:61; I Sam. 25:42). The narrator is being clever and
playing with the audience, is Boaz only asking about her as a female servant or is he
talking about her as a marriageable young woman?!
v.6 - The overseer replied, “She is the Moabite who came back from Moab with Naomi.
“She is the Moabite” --- The overseer tells Boaz where the girl is from who is an alien
in Judah. She is from Moab (a despised and hated place by the Jews), as Hubbard puts,
“the term casts a dark shadow over the otherwise happy and potentially propitious
scene.11”
“who came back from Moab with Naomi” --- She doesn’t have a family, an owner,
or a husband. Her only known connection is with Naomi.
The Impression Ruth Left:
The overseer doesn’t know much about Ruth’s background, but by then he knows a lot
about her character and work ethics. So he goes on and starts describing her ethics12.
v.7 - She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the harvesters.’ She came into
the field and has remained here from morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter.”
3 Important Descriptions of Ruth that Caught the Overseer’s Sight:
1 – She is Respectful = “She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the
sheaves’” --- The overseer was impressed by how respectful Ruth was. *** Can people
see respect toward others in your life? Respect toward authorities? Respect toward your
children, husband or wife?
2 – She is Humble = Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the
harvesters --- Ruth knows her place and accepts the humble work of going behind the
harvesters. “In the harvesting process, a male worker, after he had cut off with a sickle
(Jer. 50:16) as much as he could hold in his left hand, laid the ears on the ground in
piles without binding them into a bundle. Later, the men could gather the ears into
sheaves (Gen. 37:7) and bring the m in from the field (Ps. 126:6). But usually the men
11
12
Hubbard, p. 147.
For a diferente interpretation of this verse, see Hubbard, pp. 147-152.
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were followed by female workers who gathered the ears into bundles or sheaves,
perhaps binding them, and who carried them to the threshing floor, where the stalks
and husks would be separated from the heads. The poor were allowed to do this only
after the sheaves were removed so that they would not be tempted to pull out some
ears from the sheaves (Deut. 24:19).13” Ruth requests permission to serve as a poor
person would. She knows how to take initiative, but she is not pushy or presumptuous
but meek and humble.
3 – She Has Work Ethic = She came into the field and has remained here from
morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter --- The workers typically started
working early in the morning, before dawn, to take advantage of the cooler morning
temperature and it was easier to cut the stalks when they were still wet with the dew.
Ruth came to work very early in the morning. She was not sitting around, pretending
she was praying in order to find out God’s will and provision for her life. She understood
that God had given her feet and arms and that she was supposed to do something,
Her work ethic shocked the overseer. He was amazed by such a young Moabitess girl.
Even her water break was short.
II –The Conversation Between Boaz and Ruth – when
Grace Meets Humility (2:8-10)
8 So Boaz said to Ruth, “My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go
away from here. Stay here with the women who work for me.
v.8 - “So Boaz said to Ruth” --- What is he going to say? Is he going to tell her to
leave his field? Is he going to despise the young Moabitess girl?
“My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from
here. Stay here with the women who work for me.” --- How sweet and gentle were his
words!
Here is the majestic and beautiful encounter between Grace and Humility, Generosity
and Humbleness.
It seems like Ruth was leaving his field, maybe because of something done to her,
when Boaz started talking to her.
“My daughter, listen (carefully) to me.” --- Boaz was probably in his 40’s since he
was a contemporary of Naomi and Elimelech. It was also a term of endearment. In
essence Boaz is saying that he would treat her like a member of his own family.
With Boaz addressing Ruth directly, particularly with a loud exclamation “Pay attention,”
all the workers would have paused and dropped all that they were doing to listen to
Boaz. Everyone was listening to the big boss now!
13
Wilch, p. 217.
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v.8 - Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here. Stay here with
the women who work for me. --- He tells Ruth to not leave his field.
The Godly Character of Boaz:
Verses 8 and 9 show us that Boaz was not only a man of words, but also a man of
works. He not only professes faith, but he puts his faith into practice. Boaz is a beacon
of light in the dark days of the judges.
Boaz:
1 – Secures Provision --- Boaz makes sure that Ruth will have more than enough. He
makes it clear to all that what she needs will be supplied in his field.
He provides water for her (v.9 - And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water
jars the men have filled). He knows how hard the sun can be on the body and he makes
sure that she will have plenty of energy to work.
2 – Secures Protection --- (v.9 - I have told the men not to lay a hand on you)
“Ruth’s presence on the scene was a stranger and especially as an alien would naturally
draw attention and almost invite abuse by some in society. The word ‘touch’ (naga)
carries several nuances, including to strike (Gen. 32:25, 32), to inflict injury (Gen.
26:1129), and to have sexual relations (Gen. 20:6; Prov. 6:29). Unless Boaz suspected
his employees to be of the basest sort, it is unlike that sexual relations (i.e., rape)
would be the point of prohibition; more likely it is not to strike or abuse her and may
prohibit verbal abuse.14” Boaz makes sure that nothing will happen to this despised
young girl. He instituted anti-sexual-harassment policy long ago!
Ruth has provision and protection under Boaz. Grace has met humility!
Boaz and the Law:
Boaz goes much deeper than the Law. He understood the heart of the Law. He was not
concerned with external appearances, but with inward realities. He understood grace!
“My daughter” (v.8) --- He addresses her with tenderness.
“Stay close to the women who work for me” (v.8) --- He places her on the same level
as his other workers, and his other workers were treated as brothers and sisters in the
Lord (v.4).
“Get a drink from the water jars the men have filled” (v.9) --- The drawing of water was
the special responsibility of women or foreigners (Gen. 24:11; Deut. 29:10; Josh. 9:2127) and Boaz changes the customs of the day. A foreign woman who was supposed to
draw the water for the Israelite men is now drinking water that Israelite men have
drawn.
14
Walton, Zondervan, p. 254.
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Grace is revealed in generosity and extraordinary action! A person who understands the
grace of God cannot abide in superficiality. If you understand how gracious God has
been to you, your life will demonstrate liberality and generosity.
Surprised by Amazing Grace:
v.10 - At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, “Why have I found such
favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?”
Let us behold Ruth’s humility and thankfulness. These two go hand in hand!
A humble person is a grateful person! Pride makes you think that you always deserve
something better, while humility makes you realize that you don’t deserve anything.
I am afraid that some people here would respond by saying, “Oh, I am so glad that you
saw how hard I work and how much I deserve to be better treated!” or “It was time for
you to recognize how wonderful I am!”
“she bowed down with her face to the ground” --- “She dropped first to her knees
and then bowed forward until her forehead touched the ground. The symbolism was
graphic: her vulnerable prostration physically expressed both the social distance
between them and her gratitude for Boaz’s kindness.15”
“She asked him, ‘Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice
me—a foreigner?’” --- The Hebrew sentence has a play with the word “notice” (‫ ַרכֶׁג‬nakar) and “foreigner” (ֵֽ‫ רַכְ ג‬- nokri). She was amazed that Boaz had noticed the
unnoticeable. How could he pay attention to something that deserves no attention.
Piper, writes, “She is different from most people today. We have a sense of entitlement.
We expect kindness and are astonished and resentful if we don’t get our ‘rights.’ But
Ruth expresses her sense of unworthiness by falling on her face and bowing to the
ground. Proud people don’t feel amazed at being treated well. They don’t feel deep
gratefulness. But humble people do.16”
What a tremendous picture of thankfulness and humility! What a beautiful illustration of
James 4:6, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
Conclusion:
What a wonderful shadow of Jesus Christ we see in Boaz – the One who gives grace in
abundance. Can we not see this scene being fulfilled in John 4, with the gentile woman
at the well?!
15
16
Hubbard, p. 161.
John Piper, A Sweet and Bitter Providence (Crossway), p. 64.
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May we all imitate the generosity and liberality of Boaz in blessing others. May we
run away from the Letter and run into grace. Liberality and generosity generated by
grace lead others to praise God and glorify His name. Boaz’s generosity, his gracious
liberality in giving and providing for the people of God is a great encouragement to all
of us! May we all be reminded by the life of Boaz, who was a shadow of Jesus Christ,
that it is “more blessed to give than to receive.” Giving our time, our words, finances,
our attention to the Lord and His people!
What about humility?! Ruth is doing nothing more than resembling and imitating her
Lord Jesus Christ. See Philippians 2:3-8.
May we dress ourselves daily with the garment of humility, imitating our Lord Jesus –
who came not be served, but to serve.
Colossians 3:12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
I Peter 5:5 all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE
PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.
Ruth 2:10 - At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him,
“Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?”
May this be our position this morning and may her question be our daily song.
I Timothy 1:15-17 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into
the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16But for that very reason I was shown mercy
(grace) so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an
example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17Now to the King eternal,
immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
So this morning let us stand, like Ruth, overwhelmed by God’s rich and even
embarrassing grace!
More resources online:
http://preceptaustin.org/ruth_commentaries.htm
http://dwynrhh6bluza.cloudfront.net/resources/documents/5242/BSBP.pdf?1340650109 (Piper’s book)
http://trinityportland.com/resources/trinity-portland-sermons/ (Art Azurdia)
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sid=73112339559 (Voddie Baucham)
Gospel Coalition - http://thegospelcoalition.org/resources/scripture-index/ruth
chapter 1 - http://thegospelcoalition.org/resources/scripture-index/ruth/chapter/1
chapter 2 - http://thegospelcoalition.org/resources/scripture-index/ruth/chapter/2
chapter 3 - http://thegospelcoalition.org/resources/scripture-index/ruth/chapter/3
chapter 4 - http://thegospelcoalition.org/resources/scripture-index/ruth/chapter/4
http://www.truthforlife.org/resources/series/god-of-the-ordinary/ (Alistair Begg)
http://www.monergism.com/directory/link_category/MP3-Audio--Multimedia/Old-Testament-Sermons-By-Book/Ruth/
http://feedingonchrist.com/sinclair-ferguson-sermons-from-his-scotland-days/
http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/books/a-sweet-and-bitter-providence (John Piper)
http://www.cambridgepres.org.uk/sermons/ruth.html (Ian Hamilton)
Books:
Robert L. Hubbard, T.N.I.C.O.T. – Ruth (Eerdmans).
Barry G. Webb, NSBT – Five Festal Garments – Christian Reflections on The Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes and
Esther (IVP).
John Walton, Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary (Zondervan) – Vol. II.
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Bruce Waltke, An Old Testament Theology – an exegetical, canonical, and thematic approach (Zondervan).
John R. Wilch, Concordia Commentary – Ruth (Concordia Publishing House).
K. Lawson Younger Jr., The NIV Application Commentary – Judges/Ruth (Zondervan).
John Piper, A Sweet and Bitter Providence (Crossway).