Woman in The Cornfield
24x30
oil, acrylic and cloth on canvas
The biblical account of Ruth is an epic drama of faith, hope, perseverance, and love. Ruth is the daughter in law of Naomi, who’s husband and two sons have just died leaving her and Ruth both without men. Prior to the death of the three men, Naomi, her two sons and her husband have fled from Bethlehem trying to escape a severe famine. After living in Moab for some time, Ruth and Orpah marry Naomi’s two sons. Eventually the husband and both sons die, leaving the three women with no men to provide or protect them. Without a husband, or children, without food or hope, Naomi decides to pack up and travel back to her hometown of Bethlehem. Before she leaves she encourages her two young daughters in law to leave her. Orpah obeys Naomi’s request and departs back to her family, but Ruth persists in following Naomi. Forsaking her own homeland, her god and her family, Ruth clings onto Naomi and travels with her back to Bethlehem.
Once in Bethlehem, Ruth is given special permission to glean in the fields of Boaz (Naomi’s relative), who just so happens to be a mighty man of great wealth. Later Naomi ingeniously devises a plan that will ensure both her and Ruth’s survival, by getting Boaz to marry Ruth. As expected the plan is a success, Boaz agrees to marry her and everything appears to work out for a happy ending. Before Boaz can marry her, however, he explains to them that there is another relative who is closer in relation, thus making him the rightful recipient according to there traditions. The reader is left holding their breath as Boaz takes Naomi to the man who she should rightfully be married to. When they finally meet the man, he is more interested in buying a particular piece of land that belongs to Naomi, rather than marrying the young Ruth. In the end Naomi trades the land for Boaz having the right to marry Ruth and all works out for a happy ending.
The accounts in this book, tell of a brave woman who chooses faith and loyalty over what is familiar and comfortable, which later becomes a great reward. Not only did she marry Boaz, she also gave birth to a son named Obed, who later turns out to be the grandfather of King David.