Ruth 2:15-17 And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not: And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not. So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley.

The commandments of God to His people was to leave the corner of the fields unharvested. The corners were meant for charity to the poor who had no land nor means of feeding themselves. It was expected of those poor to know their place and to keep to the charity provided and not take from the land owners.

Ruth was not Jewish by birth but stayed with Naomi, her mother-in-law, by choice after her husband died. Boaz saw something in her that was special and offered her help that went against and above custom.

Charity is shown to the charitable. Ruth had no legal responsibility to care for Naomi, but she loved her and in that she did not stick to custom. Ruth went above and beyond what was expected.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Ruth diligently sought and found God in her service, for what is seeking God if it is not to love as God loves, beyond measure, beyond what is expect? The image of Boaz withholding chastening is an image of God’s grace and mercy shown to us, when we act out of love and not self-interest.

Boaz loved Ruth and made her his bride. Christ loves us and we are His bride.