Ruth provides us pictures of the gospel. It is the gospel in miniature form. Since all the Bible is inspired ( II Timothy 3), then Ruth provides us a picture of what kind of gospel this is. Ruth 2 provides such a scenario. I have argued (here & here) that Ruth is typological. This is a rather simple assumption in light of the Christo-centric character of Boaz as a merciful, valiant warrior. Boaz is a picture of David, and ultimately a picture of Jesus Christ. Boaz shows mercy to his bride, Ruth, just as Christ shows mercy to his bride, the Church.
In Ruth 2, Boaz showers Ruth with grace. This is a glorious picture of the irresistible nature of Yahweh’s grace for His people. Yet, Boaz does not grace Ruth without honoring her deeds. Boaz delights in Ruth’s actions; her covenantal loyalty to Naomi. What we see is that grace is not cheap. Grace is given freely, but it is not given purposelessly. To put it simply, “God does not grace you so you can live as you please. He graces you, so you can live as He pleases.”
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