Ruth 2

Commentary

Ruth Meets Boaz

1And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz. 2And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter. 3And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech. 4And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee. 5Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this? 6And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab: 7And she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house.

Boaz Shows Favor to Ruth

8Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens: 9Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn. 10Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger? 11And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore. 12The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust. 13Then she said, Let me find favour in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens.

14And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left. 15And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not: 16And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not.

17So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley. 18And she took it up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed. 19And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man's name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz. 20And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen. 21And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest. 22And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field. 23So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

Boaz Meets Ruth

1 Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech, and his name was Boaz. 2 Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Let me now go to the field, and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor.” She said to her, “Go, my daughter.” 3 She went, and came and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and she happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech. 4 Behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said to the reapers, “Yahweh be with you.” They answered him, “Yahweh bless you.” 5 Then Boaz said to his servant who was set over the reapers, “Whose young lady is this?” 6 The servant who was set over the reapers answered, “It is the Moabite lady who came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab. 7 She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves.’ So she came, and has continued even from the morning until now, except that she stayed a little in the house.”

8 Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Don’t go to glean in another field, and don’t go from here, but stay here close to my maidens. 9 Let your eyes be on the field that they reap, and go after them. Haven’t I commanded the young men not to touch you? When you are thirsty, go to the vessels, and drink from that which the young men have drawn.” 10 Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your sight, that you should take knowledge of me, since I am a foreigner?” 11 Boaz answered her, “It has fully been shown me, all that you have done to your mother-in-law since the death of your husband; and how you have left your father and your mother, and the land of your birth, and have come to a people that you didn’t know before. 12 May Yahweh repay your work, and a full reward be given you from Yahweh, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” 13 Then she said, “Let me find favor in your sight, my lord, because you have comforted me, and because you have spoken kindly to your handmaid, though I am not as one of your handmaidens.”

14 At meal time Boaz said to her, “Come here, and eat of the bread, and dip your morsel in the vinegar.” She sat beside the reapers, and they reached her parched grain, and she ate, and was satisfied, and left some of it. 15 When she had risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, “Let her glean even among the sheaves, and don’t reproach her. 16 Also pull out some for her from the bundles, and leave it, and let her glean, and don’t rebuke her.”

17 So she gleaned in the field until evening; and she beat out that which she had gleaned, and it was about an ephah of barley. 18 She took it up, and went into the city; and her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought out and gave to her that which she had left after she was sufficed. 19 Her mother-in-law said to her, “Where have you gleaned today? Where have you worked? Blessed be he who noticed you.” She showed her mother-in-law with whom she had worked, and said, “The man’s name with whom I worked today is Boaz.” 20 Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “Blessed be he of Yahweh, who has not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead.” Naomi said to her, “The man is a close relative to us, one of our near kinsmen.” 21 Ruth the Moabitess said, “Yes, he said to me, ‘You shall stay close to my young men, until they have ended all my harvest.’” 22 Naomi said to Ruth her daughter-in-law, “It is good, my daughter, that you go out with his maidens, and that they not meet you in any other field.” 23 So she stayed close to the maidens of Boaz, to glean to the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and she lived with her mother-in-law.

Boaz Meets Ruth

1 Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a prominent man of noble character from the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz.

2 And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Please let me go into the fields and glean heads of grain after someone in whose sight I may find favor.”

“Go ahead, my daughter,” Naomi replied.

3 So Ruth departed and went out into the field and gleaned after the harvesters. And she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech.

4 Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and said to the harvesters, “The LORD be with you.”

“The LORD bless you,” they replied.

5 And Boaz asked the foreman of his harvesters, “Whose young woman is this?”

6 The foreman answered, “She is the Moabitess who returned with Naomi from the land of Moab. 7 She has said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves after the harvesters.’ So she came out and has continued from morning until now, except that she rested a short time in the shelter.”

8 Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Do not go and glean in another field, and do not go away from this place, but stay here close to my servant girls. 9 Let your eyes be on the field they are harvesting, and follow along after these girls. Indeed, I have ordered the young men not to touch you. And when you are thirsty, go and drink from the jars the young men have filled.”

10 At this, she fell on her face, bowing low to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you should take notice of me, even though I am a foreigner?”

11 Boaz replied, “I have been made fully aware of all you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, how you left your father and mother and the land of your birth, and how you came to a people you did not know before. 12 May the LORD repay your work, and may you receive a rich reward from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have taken refuge.”

13 “My lord,” she said, “may I continue to find favor in your eyes, for you have comforted and spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not like one of your servant girls.”

14 At mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come over here; have some bread and dip it into the vinegar sauce.” So she sat down beside the harvesters, and he offered her roasted grain, and she ate and was satisfied and had some left over.

15 When Ruth got up to glean, Boaz ordered his young men, “Even if she gathers among the sheaves, do not insult her. 16 Rather, pull out for her some stalks from the bundles and leave them for her to gather. Do not rebuke her.”

17 So Ruth gathered grain in the field until evening. And when she beat out what she had gleaned, it was about an ephah of barley. a 18 She picked up the grain and went into the town, where her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned. And she brought out what she had saved from her meal and gave it to Naomi.

19 Then her mother-in-law asked her, “Where did you glean today, and where did you work? Blessed be the man who noticed you.”

So she told her mother-in-law where she had worked. “The name of the man I worked with today is Boaz,” she said.

20 Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by the LORD, who has not withdrawn His kindness from the living or the dead.” Naomi continued, “The man is a close relative. He is one of our kinsman-redeemers. b”

21 Then Ruth the Moabitess said, “He also told me, ‘Stay with my young men until they have finished gathering all my harvest.’ ”

22 And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law Ruth, “My daughter, it is good for you to work with his young women, so that nothing will happen to you in another field.”

23 So Ruth stayed close to the servant girls of Boaz to glean grain until the barley and wheat harvests were finished. And she lived with her mother-in-law.

 

Footnotes:

17 a An ephah  is approximately 20 dry quarts or 22 liters (probably about 29 pounds or 13.2 kilograms of barley).
20 b The Hebrew word for kinsman-redeemer  or guardian-redeemer  is a legal term for the kinsman who redeems or vindicates a relative; see Leviticus 25:25–55.

Ruth Meets Boaz

1And Naomi hath an acquaintance of her husband's, a man mighty in wealth, of the family of Elimelech, and his name is Boaz. 2And Ruth the Moabitess saith unto Naomi, 'Let me go, I pray thee, into the field, and I gather among the ears of corn after him in whose eyes I find grace;' and she saith to her, 'Go, my daughter.' 3And she goeth and cometh and gathereth in a field after the reapers, and her chance happeneth -- the portion of the field is Boaz's who is of the family of Elimelech. 4And lo, Boaz hath come from Beth-Lehem, and saith to the reapers, 'Jehovah is with you;' and they say to him, 'Jehovah doth bless thee.' 5And Boaz saith to his young man who is set over the reapers, 'Whose is this young person?' 6And the young man who is set over the reapers answereth and saith, 'A young woman -- Moabitess -- she is, who came back with Naomi from the fields of Moab, 7and she saith, Let me glean, I pray thee -- and I have gathered among the sheaves after the reapers; and she cometh and remaineth since the morning and till now; she sat in the house a little.

Boaz Shows Favor to Ruth

8And Boaz saith unto Ruth, 'Hast thou not heard, my daughter? go not to glean in another field, and also, pass not over from this, and thus thou dost cleave to my young women: 9thine eyes are on the field which they reap, and thou hast gone after them; have not I charged the young men not to touch thee? when thou art athirst then thou hast gone unto the vessels, and hast drunk from that which the young men draw.' 10And she falleth on her face, and boweth herself to the earth, and saith unto him, 'Wherefore have I found grace in thine eyes, to discern me, and I a stranger?' 11And Boaz answereth and saith to her, 'It hath thoroughly been declared to me all that thou hast done with thy mother-in-law, after the death of thy husband, and thou dost leave thy father, and thy mother, and the land of thy birth, and dost come in unto a people which thou hast not known heretofore. 12Jehovah doth recompense thy work, and thy reward is complete from Jehovah, God of Israel, under whose wings thou hast come to take refuge.' 13And she saith, 'Let me find grace in thine eyes, my lord, because thou hast comforted me, and because thou hast spoken unto the heart of thy maid-servant, and I -- I am not as one of thy maid-servants.'

14And Boaz saith to her, 'At meal-time come nigh hither, and thou hast eaten of the bread, and dipped thy morsel in the vinegar.' And she sitteth at the side of the reapers, and he reacheth to her roasted corn, and she eateth, and is satisfied, and leaveth. 15And she riseth to glean, and Boaz chargeth his young men, saying, 'Even between the sheaves she doth glean, and ye do not cause her to blush; 16and also ye do surely cast to her of the handfuls -- and have left, and she hath gleaned, and ye do not push against her.'

17And she gleaneth in the field till the evening, and beateth out that which she hath gleaned, and it is about an ephah of barley; 18and she taketh it up, and goeth into the city, and her mother-in-law seeth that which she hath gleaned, and she bringeth out and giveth to her that which she left from her satiety. 19And her mother-in-law saith to her, 'Where hast thou gleaned to-day? and where hast thou wrought? may he who is discerning thee be blessed.' And she declareth to her mother-in-law with whom she hath wrought, and saith, 'The name of the man with whom I have wrought to-day is Boaz.' 20And Naomi saith to her daughter-in-law, 'Blessed is he of Jehovah who hath not forsaken His kindness with the living and with the dead;' and Naomi saith to her, 'The man is a relation of ours; he is of our redeemers.' 21And Ruth the Moabitess saith, 'Also he surely said unto me, Near the young people whom I have thou dost cleave till they have completed the whole of the harvest which I have.' 22And Naomi saith unto Ruth her daughter-in-law, 'Good, my daughter, that thou goest out with his young women, and they come not against thee in another field.' 23And she cleaveth to the young women of Boaz to glean, till the completion of the barley-harvest, and of the wheat-harvest, and she dwelleth with her mother-in-law.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Ruth 2?
2Introduction to Ruth 2
3Context of Ruth 2
4Ancient Key Word Study
5Compare & Contrast
6Ruth 2 Unique Insights
7Ruth 2 Connections to Yeshua
8Ruth 2 Scriptural Echoes
9Ruth 2 Devotional
10Did You Know

What is the meaning of Ruth 2?

Introduction to Ruth 2

Ruth 2 unfolds one of the most beautiful examples of divine providence in Scripture, where seemingly chance encounters reveal God’s sovereign hand in arranging circumstances for His redemptive purposes. This pivotal chapter introduces Boaz, a wealthy landowner whose character reflects the chesed (loving-kindness) of God Himself. Through Ruth’s initiative to glean in the fields and Boaz’s extraordinary kindness, we witness how יהוה (Yahweh) orchestrates events to provide for His people and advance His covenant purposes.

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Context of Ruth 2

This chapter is strategically positioned after the introduction of Naomi and Ruth’s arrival in Bethlehem during the barley harvest. The timing is crucial as it sets up the divine appointment between Ruth and Boaz. The narrative takes place during the period of the Judges, a dark time in Israel’s history characterized by the refrain “everyone did what was right in their own eyes” (Judges 21:25). Against this backdrop, the story of Ruth shines even brighter, demonstrating that יהוה (Yahweh) was still actively working through faithful individuals.

Within the broader biblical narrative, Ruth 2 serves as a crucial link in the genealogy of the Messiah. The chapter’s events set in motion a series of divinely orchestrated circumstances that will ultimately lead to the birth of King David and, through his lineage, to Yeshua Himself. The themes of redemption, providence, and chesed (loving-kindness) presented here echo throughout Scripture and find their ultimate fulfillment in the Messiah’s redemptive work.

Ancient Key Word Study

  • חֶסֶד (chesed) – This foundational Hebrew word appears in verse 20, traditionally translated as “kindness” but carrying much deeper connotations of covenant faithfulness, steadfast love, and merciful devotion. Boaz’s actions toward Ruth exemplify this divine attribute, reflecting God’s own chesed toward His people.
  • לִקֵּט (laqat) – The verb “to glean” appears multiple times in this chapter, representing both the physical act of gathering leftover grain and the spiritual principle of God’s provision for the poor and marginalized. The word’s repetition emphasizes Ruth’s diligence and humility.
  • מִקְרֶה (miqreh) – Translated as “she happened to come” in verse 3, this word literally means “by chance,” yet the narrative clearly shows divine providence at work. The apparent coincidence masks God’s sovereign guidance.
  • גָּאַל (ga’al) – The term for “kinsman-redeemer” introduced in verse 20 is a technical legal term that becomes central to the story. It encompasses the responsibilities of preserving family lineage, property, and providing for widows, pointing prophetically to the Messiah’s role as our Redeemer.
  • כָּנָף (kanaf) – The word for “wings” in verse 12 is used metaphorically to describe divine protection. This beautiful imagery appears throughout Scripture to depict God’s sheltering presence and care for His people.
  • נָכַר (nakar) – Translated as “take notice” in verse 10, this verb carries the weight of recognition and acknowledgment. Boaz’s deliberate attention to Ruth reflects God’s personal care for individuals, particularly those society might overlook.
  • שָׁכַב (shakab) – The term for “rest” in verse 7 carries connotations of security and peace, foreshadowing the spiritual rest found in the Messiah’s redemption.

Compare & Contrast

  • Verse 2’s phrase “let me go to the field” demonstrates Ruth’s initiative and humility. The Hebrew construction emphasizes her willingness to perform menial labor, contrasting with potential pride or entitlement. The word אֲלַקֳּטָה (alaqota) is used instead of the more common אָסַף (asaf), highlighting the specific nature of gleaning as a provision for the poor.
  • In verse 8, Boaz’s instruction to “stay here with my young women” uses deliberate language that elevates Ruth’s status from a foreign gleaner to an honored guest. The Hebrew מִן (min) preposition implies close association rather than mere proximity.
  • Verse 12’s blessing invokes full reward from יהוה (Yahweh), using שְׁלֵמָה (shelemah) rather than טוֹבָה (tovah), suggesting complete rather than merely good compensation, pointing to God’s perfect provision.
  • The description of Ruth’s gleaning success in verse 17 uses precise measurements, emphasizing the supernatural abundance of God’s provision through Boaz’s generosity. The ephah measurement mentioned would have been an extraordinary amount for a single day’s gleaning.
  • Verse 20’s declaration of Boaz as a kinsman-redeemer employs specific legal terminology, גֹּאֲלֵנוּ (go’alenu), rather than more general terms for helper or benefactor, establishing the foundational concept of redemption.

Ruth 2 Unique Insights

The chapter contains several profound theological insights that point to deeper spiritual truths. The concept of “happening to come” to Boaz’s field (verse 3) demonstrates what the rabbis call hashgacha pratit (divine providence in the details). The Midrash Rabbah notes that this “chance” encounter was orchestrated by יהוה (Yahweh) Himself, comparing it to the seemingly random events that brought Joseph to power in Egypt.

The early church fathers, particularly Ambrose of Milan, saw in Boaz’s field a type of the Kingdom of God, where believers gather spiritual nourishment from the Word. The specific mention of both barley and wheat harvests suggests the dual nature of Scripture – the basic sustenance of Torah (barley) and the fuller revelation in the Messiah (wheat).

The rabbinical tradition also notes the significance of Ruth’s gathering “until evening” (verse 17), seeing it as a prophetic picture of Israel’s gathering of souls until the evening of this age. This interpretation aligns with Yeshua’s parable of workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16).

Ruth 2 Connections to Yeshua

The character and actions of Boaz profoundly foreshadow the Messiah’s redemptive work. As a kinsman-redeemer, Boaz exemplifies the role Yeshua would fulfill on a cosmic scale. Just as Boaz provided protection, provision, and ultimately redemption for Ruth, so Yeshua offers these spiritual realities to all who seek refuge under His wings (Matthew 23:37).

The theme of grace toward foreigners anticipates the Messiah’s extension of salvation to the Gentiles. Ruth’s position as a Moabite who finds favor in Israel parallels the mystery revealed in the New Covenant, that through the Messiah, Gentiles become fellow heirs of God’s promises (Ephesians 3:6).

Ruth 2 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates with numerous biblical themes and passages. The concept of gleaning established in Leviticus 19:9-10 finds perfect expression here, demonstrating how God’s Torah provisions protect the vulnerable. The imagery of finding refuge under God’s wings echoes Psalm 91:4 and appears throughout Scripture.

Ruth’s character exemplifies the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31, particularly in her diligence and initiative. The theme of divine providence recalls Joseph’s story, where God worked through seemingly random events to accomplish His purposes (Genesis 45:7-8).

Ruth 2 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to recognize God’s hand in the seemingly ordinary events of our lives. Just as Ruth “happened” to come to Boaz’s field, we too can trust in God’s sovereign guidance of our circumstances. The chapter encourages us to demonstrate chesed (loving-kindness) in practical ways, following Boaz’s example of going beyond mere duty to show genuine care for others.

Ruth’s humility and initiative provide a model for approaching both God and life’s challenges. Her willingness to glean in the fields reminds us that God often provides through our willing participation in His work, even when the task seems mundane. Boaz’s character challenges us to use whatever resources and influence we have to bless others, especially those society might overlook.

Did You Know

  • The amount of grain Ruth gleaned (an ephah of barley) was approximately 30-50 pounds, an extraordinary quantity that demonstrated supernatural provision through Boaz’s generosity.
  • The practice of gleaning was not merely charity but a dignified system of provision established in Torah, allowing the poor to work for their sustenance rather than merely receive handouts.
  • Boaz’s greeting to his workers, “יהוה (Yahweh) be with you,” and their response, “יהוה (Yahweh) bless you,” was more than mere courtesy – it was a profound theological affirmation of God’s presence in daily work.
  • The term “kinsman-redeemer” (go’el) had specific legal obligations in ancient Israel, including buying back property, providing for widows, and maintaining family lineage.
  • Ruth’s request to glean “among the sheaves” was actually quite bold, as this was typically forbidden to protect against theft. Boaz’s permission demonstrated extraordinary favor.
  • The location of Boaz’s field near Bethlehem (“house of bread”) would later become significant as the birthplace of both David and Yeshua.
  • The specific mention of both barley and wheat harvests places these events during the counting of the Omer, between Passover and Shavuot (Pentecost).
  • Ancient Jewish tradition suggests that Boaz died the day after his marriage to Ruth, making his kindness even more significant as possibly his last righteous act.

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Jean Paul Joseph
Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. Learn more about the F.O.G.

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