Ruth 2:8

Then 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:

Then said {H559} Boaz {H1162} unto Ruth {H7327}, Hearest {H8085} thou not, my daughter {H1323}? Go {H3212} not to glean {H3950} in another {H312} field {H7704}, neither go {H5674} from hence, but abide {H1692} here fast by my maidens {H5291}:

Bo'az said to Rut, "Did you hear that, my daughter? Don't go to glean in another field, don't leave this place, but stick here with my working girls.

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.

Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither pass from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens.

Commentary

Ruth 2:8 marks a pivotal moment in the book of Ruth, as Boaz, a wealthy and respected kinsman of Naomi’s late husband, directly addresses Ruth for the first time. This verse signals the beginning of Boaz's protective care and provision for the young Moabite widow.

Context

Having returned to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law Naomi, Ruth, a foreign widow, sought to provide for them by gleaning in the fields—a right afforded to the poor and sojourners under the Mosaic Law. By divine providence, she happened upon a field belonging to Boaz. In this verse, Boaz, having heard of Ruth’s faithfulness to Naomi, takes the initiative to speak to her. His instruction to Ruth is not merely a courtesy but a significant act of grace and protection, inviting her to remain exclusively within his fields.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence: Though Ruth "happened" upon Boaz's field (Ruth 2:3), this encounter was clearly orchestrated by God, leading to her provision and future.
  • Boaz's Kindness and Protection: Boaz's address to Ruth, calling her "my daughter," immediately establishes a tone of paternal care. He goes beyond the legal requirements of gleaning by offering her exclusive access to his fields and the safety of working alongside his maidens. This foreshadows his role as her kinsman-redeemer.
  • Ruth's Humility and Diligence: Ruth's initial hard work and humble demeanor in the field are implicitly acknowledged and rewarded by Boaz's favor.
  • Social Integration and Acceptance: For a Moabite woman in Israel, being welcomed and protected by a prominent landowner like Boaz signifies her growing acceptance and God's favor upon her.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "my daughter" (Hebrew: bitti) used by Boaz is a term of endearment and respect, often used by an elder to a younger woman, signifying care and protection. It immediately establishes a compassionate and authoritative relationship, rather than a purely employer-employee one. Boaz's instruction to "abide here fast by my maidens" (Hebrew: tidbaqin – to cling, cleave, or stick close) emphasizes the importance of staying close to his female workers, ensuring her safety and continued access to the best gleanings, away from potentially aggressive male reapers in other fields. This act of care mirrors the covenant love Ruth showed to Naomi, as seen in Ruth 1:16.

Practical Application

This verse highlights the beauty of God's provision often coming through the kindness and generosity of others. It encourages believers to recognize divine guidance in seemingly ordinary circumstances and to trust that God cares for those who diligently seek to do what is right. Just as Ruth found safety and blessing by heeding Boaz's counsel, we are reminded of the value of seeking wise guidance and remaining in environments where we are protected and can flourish. Boaz's character exemplifies the compassion and integrity that should mark those in positions of influence, providing a model for how to extend grace to the vulnerable, much like the laws concerning the poor and foreigners outlined in Leviticus 19:9-10.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 5:13

    And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, [if] the prophet had bid thee [do some] great thing, wouldest thou not have done [it]? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

  • Song Of Solomon 1:7

    ¶ Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest [thy flock] to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?

  • Song Of Solomon 1:8

    If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds' tents.

  • Matthew 9:22

    But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

  • 1 Samuel 3:6

    And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here [am] I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.

  • 1 Samuel 3:16

    Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here [am] I.

  • Matthew 9:2

    And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
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