Ruth 2:6

KJV

And 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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the servant {H5288} that was set {H5324} over the reapers {H7114} answered {H6030} and said {H559}, It is the Moabitish {H4125} damsel {H5291} that came back {H7725} with Naomi {H5281} out of the country {H7704} of Moab {H4124}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The servant supervising the reapers answered, "She's a girl from Mo'av who returned with Na'omi from the plain of Mo'av.

Berean Standard Bible

The foreman answered, “She is the Moabitess who returned with Naomi from the land of Moab.

American Standard Version

And 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:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 2:6 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, as Boaz's foreman identifies Ruth to his master. This concise response not only names the young woman but also immediately highlights her dual identity: her foreign origin as a Moabitess and her extraordinary loyalty demonstrated by her return with Naomi from Moab. This identification sets the stage for Boaz's compassionate response and the unfolding of God's providential plan, integrating an outsider into the lineage of Israel's greatest king.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse directly answers Boaz's question in [Ruth 2:5](/ruth/2-5 "Ruth 2:5 - Boaz Asks About Ruth") regarding the identity of the young woman gleaning in his field. It immediately precedes Boaz's direct address to Ruth and his subsequent acts of kindness and protection, which begin in [Ruth 2:8](/ruth/2-8 "Ruth 2:8 - Boaz's Instructions to Ruth"). The foreman's description of Ruth as "the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab" is crucial because it provides Boaz with key information about her character and circumstances, building upon the earlier narrative of Ruth's unwavering devotion to Naomi in [Ruth 1:16-18](/ruth/1-16 "Ruth 1:16-18 - Ruth's Unwavering Devotion to Naomi"). The foreman's knowledge suggests that Ruth's remarkable loyalty was already a known fact in Bethlehem, laying the groundwork for Boaz's favorable disposition toward her.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of gleaning, as seen in this chapter, was a legal and compassionate provision for the poor, widows, and foreigners in ancient Israel, as mandated by the Mosaic Law in passages such as [Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - Laws for Gleaning") and [Deuteronomy 24:19-22](/deuteronomy/24-19 "Deuteronomy 24:19-22 - Laws for the Harvest"). Ruth's identity as a "Moabitish damsel" is highly significant within this context. Moabites were historically viewed with suspicion and even hostility by Israelites, with specific prohibitions against their full inclusion in the assembly of the Lord, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 23:3-6](/deuteronomy/23-3 "Deuteronomy 23:3-6 - Exclusion of Moabites"). Therefore, her presence in an Israelite field, let alone her eventual integration into the community and the Davidic lineage, represents a profound subversion of cultural and legal norms, highlighting God's inclusive grace.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ruth. Firstly, **Divine Providence** is evident; Ruth's "happening" to glean in Boaz's field ([Ruth 2:3](/ruth/2-3 "Ruth 2:3 - Ruth's Providential Arrival")) is no mere coincidence but part of God's sovereign orchestration. The foreman's identification of her by name and background facilitates the next step in this divine plan. Secondly, the theme of **Loyalty and _Hesed_ (Covenant Love)** is reinforced. The foreman's mention of Ruth having "came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab" underscores her exceptional devotion, echoing her famous pledge in [Ruth 1:16](/ruth/1-16 "Ruth 1:16 - Ruth's Declaration of Loyalty"). This _hesed_ is what earns her a reputation and sets her apart. Thirdly, the theme of **Inclusion of the Outsider** is central. Despite the strong cultural and legal barriers against Moabites, Ruth's character and God's favor transcend these limitations, paving the way for her acceptance and integration into Israelite society and, ultimately, into the lineage of the Messiah, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative of God's redemptive work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Moabitish (מוֹאָבִיָּה, _mo'aviyah'_):** This adjective explicitly identifies Ruth's ethnic origin, marking her as a foreigner from Moab. In the context of ancient Israel, this designation carried significant theological and social weight, often associated with historical animosity and exclusion (cf. [Deuteronomy 23:3](/deuteronomy/23-3 "Deuteronomy 23:3 - Exclusion of Moabites")). The foreman's immediate use of this term highlights her outsider status, yet paradoxically, it is this "Moabitish damsel" whom God chooses to bring into the covenant community and the lineage of David.
* **Damsel (נַעֲרָה, _na'arah'_):** This Hebrew noun simply means "young woman" or "girl." It describes Ruth's age and perhaps her vulnerability as a young widow. It contrasts with the more general term for "woman" (_'ishshah_). The use of _na'arah_ here emphasizes her youth and potentially her unmarried status, making her presence in the field and her need for provision all the more poignant.
* **Came back (שָׁבָה, _shavah'_):** The verb "to return" or "to come back" is significant. It points to Ruth's deliberate and costly choice to leave her homeland and people to accompany Naomi, as famously declared in [Ruth 1:16-18](/ruth/1-16 "Ruth 1:16-18 - Ruth's Unwavering Loyalty"). The foreman's knowledge of this specific detail suggests that Ruth's extraordinary loyalty and commitment to Naomi were already known and perhaps admired within the community of Bethlehem.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said":** This clause establishes the speaker as Boaz's foreman, the one in charge of the harvest workers. His position implies authority and a comprehensive knowledge of who is working in the fields, including those gleaning. His immediate answer to Boaz's inquiry in the previous verse demonstrates his attentiveness and the efficient management of Boaz's estate.
* **"It [is] the Moabitish damsel":** This is the direct identification of Ruth. The foreman immediately names her by her ethnicity and age/status. The emphasis on "Moabitish" is crucial, as it immediately signals her foreignness and sets up the narrative tension regarding her inclusion in Israelite society. This quick identification suggests she had already drawn some attention, perhaps due to her diligence or her unique circumstances.
* **"that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab":** This crucial explanatory phrase provides the context for Ruth's presence in Bethlehem and highlights her admirable character. It clarifies that she is not merely a random foreigner but one who has demonstrated remarkable loyalty and commitment to Naomi, her Israelite mother-in-law. This detail is key to Boaz's understanding of Ruth and influences his subsequent actions, as her reputation for _hesed_ (loyal love) precedes her.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Identification** is paramount, as the foreman's direct naming and description of Ruth serve to introduce her formally to Boaz, and by extension, to the reader in a more specific way. This act of identification is not merely descriptive but **Characterization**; the foreman's words paint Ruth as both a vulnerable outsider ("Moabitish damsel") and a woman of profound loyalty ("came back with Naomi"). This dual characterization immediately establishes her unique position in the narrative. Furthermore, the foreman's response serves as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for Boaz's subsequent kindness and the unfolding of the divine plan. The mention of her Moabitish origin, in particular, subtly foreshadows the remarkable way in which God will use this "outsider" to fulfill His purposes, ultimately leading to her inclusion in the lineage of David and Christ. There is also a subtle **Irony** at play: the very identifier that would typically lead to exclusion (Moabitish) is presented in a context that will lead to ultimate inclusion and blessing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 2:6, though brief, is profoundly significant in its theological implications. It highlights God's sovereign hand in directing seemingly ordinary events for extraordinary purposes. Ruth's "chance" arrival in Boaz's field, followed by the foreman's precise identification of her, demonstrates divine providence at work, orchestrating encounters that lead to the fulfillment of His redemptive plan. More deeply, this verse underscores God's radical inclusivity, challenging the narrow ethnic and social boundaries of the time. The "Moabitish damsel," a descendant of a people traditionally excluded from Israel's assembly, is not only welcomed but is set on a path to become an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, the Messiah. This narrative arc prefigures the New Testament revelation of God's universal grace, extending salvation to all peoples regardless of their background, based on faith and loyal love.

* [Deuteronomy 23:3](/deuteronomy/23-3 "Deuteronomy 23:3 - Exclusion of Moabites")
* [Ruth 1:16](/ruth/1-16 "Ruth 1:16 - Ruth's Vow of Loyalty")
* [Isaiah 56:3-7](/isaiah/56-3 "Isaiah 56:3-7 - God's Welcome to Foreigners")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 2:6 offers a powerful reminder that God sees and values faithfulness, even in the most humble and unexpected circumstances. Ruth, a foreign widow with no claim to favor, had built a reputation for unwavering loyalty to Naomi, a reputation that preceded her and was recognized by Boaz's foreman. This teaches us that our character, cultivated through acts of integrity, devotion, and kindness, does not go unnoticed by God, and often, by those around us. Our faithfulness, even when seemingly small or unseen by the world, can open doors for divine blessing and provision, as it did for Ruth. It also challenges us to cultivate an attentiveness like Boaz's—to notice those who are marginalized or in need, and to be open to how God might be working through them, even if they come from unexpected backgrounds. We are called to embody a welcoming spirit that reflects God's own inclusive nature, extending grace beyond societal or cultural boundaries.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Ruth's reputation, as described by the servant, challenge our assumptions about who God uses and blesses?**
* **In what ways might our own faithfulness, even in seemingly small acts of loyalty or service, be observed and honored by God?**
* **How can we, like Boaz, be more attentive to the needs and character of those who may be overlooked or marginalized in our communities?**

### FAQ
**Why is Ruth's "Moabitish" identity so important in this verse?**

Answer: Ruth's "Moabitish" identity is crucial because it highlights her status as an outsider in Israelite society. According to [Deuteronomy 23:3](/deuteronomy/23-3 "Deuteronomy 23:3 - Exclusion of Moabites"), Moabites were explicitly excluded from the assembly of the Lord due to their historical antagonism towards Israel. Therefore, the foreman's immediate identification of Ruth as a Moabitess emphasizes the significant cultural and legal barrier she faced. Her subsequent acceptance and integration into the community, and ultimately into the lineage of King David and Jesus, powerfully underscore God's redemptive plan, which transcends ethnic and national boundaries, demonstrating His inclusive grace.

**What does this verse tell us about Boaz's management of his fields and his relationship with his workers?**

Answer: This verse, though brief, provides insight into Boaz's effective management and his personal involvement in his agricultural operations. By asking his foreman about Ruth, Boaz demonstrates that he is attentive to who is working in his fields and that he relies on his trusted employees for information. The foreman's immediate and detailed response indicates a well-managed estate where the overseer is knowledgeable about the workers and activities under his charge. This suggests a respectful and efficient working relationship between Boaz and his foreman, which contributes to Boaz's reputation as a righteous and responsible landowner, further setting the stage for his compassionate interaction with Ruth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth 2:6, with its emphasis on the "Moabitish damsel" being identified and brought into the household of Boaz, powerfully prefigures the expansive and inclusive nature of God's redemptive plan in Jesus Christ. Ruth, an outsider from a cursed lineage, is not merely tolerated but is embraced and becomes a vital link in the genealogical line of David ([Ruth 4:21-22](/ruth/4-21 "Ruth 4:21-22 - Ruth in David's Genealogy")) and, ultimately, Jesus Christ ([Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Ruth in Jesus' Genealogy")). This narrative foreshadows the New Covenant reality where, in Christ, the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile is broken down ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down Dividing Walls")). Jesus, the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer, extends His grace and salvation to all who believe, regardless of their background or previous exclusion. His ministry consistently welcomed the marginalized, the Samaritan, the Gentile, and the outcast, fulfilling the prophetic vision that all nations would come to Him ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus' Other Sheep")). Just as Ruth found refuge and redemption in Boaz's field, all humanity finds ultimate refuge and new life in the boundless grace of Christ, where there is "neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ruth 1:22

So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest.

Genesis 39:4

And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all [that] he had he put into his hand.

Genesis 15:2

¶ And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house [is] this Eliezer of Damascus?

Genesis 24:2

And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh:

Ruth 1:19

¶ So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, [Is] this Naomi?

Matthew 24:45

Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?

Ruth 1:16

And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, [or] to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people [shall be] my people, and thy God my God: