Ruth 2:9

KJV

[Let] 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let thine eyes {H5869} be on the field {H7704} that they do reap {H7114}, and go {H1980} thou after {H310} them: have I not charged {H6680} the young men {H5288} that they shall not touch {H5060} thee? and when thou art athirst {H6770}, go {H1980} unto the vessels {H3627}, and drink {H8354} of that which the young men {H5288} have drawn {H7579}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Keep your eyes on whichever field the reapers are working in, and follow the girls. I've ordered the young men not to bother you. Whenever you get thirsty, go and drink from the water jars the young men have filled."

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

Let 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 2:9 beautifully illustrates Boaz's exceptional kindness and protective care towards Ruth, the Moabite widow, as she gleans in his fields. This verse details his specific instructions to Ruth and his young men, ensuring her personal safety, preserving her dignity, and providing for her essential needs during the demanding and potentially vulnerable harvest season, thereby elevating her status far beyond that of a typical gleaner.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the unfolding narrative of God's providence in the lives of Naomi and Ruth, immediately following Boaz's initial, gracious welcome and invitation for Ruth to glean exclusively in his field (Ruth 2:8). Having noticed Ruth's diligence and heard of her devotion to Naomi, Boaz moves beyond mere permission to active protection and provision. His instructions in Ruth 2:9 are a direct continuation of his benevolent disposition, setting the stage for the deepening relationship and eventual kinsman-redeemer narrative that culminates in [Ruth chapter 3](/ruth/3 "Ruth 3 - Ruth and Boaz at the Threshing Floor"). The specificity of his commands underscores his growing concern for Ruth's well-being and her integration into his household's sphere of influence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the barley harvest in Bethlehem, a time of intense communal labor where fields were bustling with men and women. In ancient Israel, the law of gleaning ([Deuteronomy 24:19](/deuteronomy/24-19 "Deuteronomy 24:19 - The Law of Gleaning") and [Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - Laws for Gleaning")) mandated that landowners leave portions of their harvest for the poor, the sojourner, and the widow. Ruth, as a foreign widow, was among the most vulnerable members of society, reliant solely on this provision. The harvest environment, while communal, could also expose a lone woman to potential harassment or exploitation. Boaz's explicit command to his young men to "not touch thee" addresses this very real danger, reflecting a societal concern for the honor and safety of women. Furthermore, offering water from the workers' vessels was a significant act of hospitality in a hot, dusty agricultural setting, extending a privilege typically reserved for those within the immediate household or trusted employees.
* **Key Themes:** Ruth 2:9 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Ruth. First is **Divine Providence**, as Ruth "happened" upon Boaz's field ([Ruth 2:3](/ruth/2-3 "Ruth 2:3 - Ruth Gleaning in Boaz's Field")), yet her steps were clearly directed by God to a man of integrity and compassion. Second, **Kingly Kindness and Protection** is exemplified by Boaz, whose actions foreshadow the benevolent rule of a righteous king. He not only permits Ruth to glean but actively safeguards her honor and provides for her basic needs, going above and beyond the legal requirements of the gleaning law. Third, the theme of **Inclusion and Acceptance** is prominent, as Boaz treats Ruth, a Moabite outsider, with the dignity and care usually reserved for family or trusted servants, thereby breaking down social and ethnic barriers. Finally, the verse highlights **Boaz's Righteous Character**, portraying him as a man who embodies the Mosaic Law's spirit of care for the vulnerable, demonstrating integrity, generosity, and moral leadership in his community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Charged (Hebrew, _tzavah'_):** The word צָוָה (_tzavah_) means "to command, to order, to charge." When Boaz states, "have I not charged the young men," it signifies a direct, authoritative, and binding instruction. This is not a mere suggestion or a polite request but a firm decree from the landowner to his male workers, emphasizing his absolute authority and his serious intent to protect Ruth. It conveys the weight of his concern and the expectation of immediate and unquestioning obedience.
* **Touch (Hebrew, _naga'_):** The Hebrew verb נָגַע (_naga'_) means "to touch, to strike, to reach, to harm." In this context, "shall not touch thee" carries a strong implication of more than just casual physical contact. It suggests a prohibition against molestation, harassment, or any form of inappropriate or harmful behavior that would dishonor, assault, or exploit Ruth. Boaz's use of this word underscores his deep concern for Ruth's personal safety, reputation, and dignity in a potentially vulnerable situation.
* **Drawn (Hebrew, _sha'av'_):** The word שָׁאַב (_sha'av_) means "to draw water." While seemingly simple, its inclusion here highlights the labor involved in fetching water in ancient times and the value of readily available, clean drinking water during strenuous work. By offering Ruth access to water "which the young men have drawn," Boaz is providing a vital, costly, and often exclusive commodity, further demonstrating his exceptional care and inclusion of Ruth among his own laborers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[Let] thine eyes [be] on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them":** Boaz instructs Ruth to stay close to his reapers, indicating a specific area for her gleaning. This directive serves multiple purposes: it ensures her safety by keeping her within sight of his trusted workers, maximizes her efficiency by directing her to the most productive areas, and implicitly grants her a privileged position, as she is not left to wander aimlessly or compete with other gleaners. It is an act of guidance and protection.
* **"have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee?":** This rhetorical question underscores Boaz's active and authoritative protection of Ruth. He has already taken steps to ensure her safety from potential harassment or harm from his male workers. This command is crucial in a society where a vulnerable foreign woman could easily be exploited. It highlights Boaz's moral character and his commitment to justice and honor.
* **"and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of [that] which the young men have drawn":** This instruction is a profound act of hospitality and provision. In the hot, dusty fields, access to clean drinking water was essential and often scarce. By allowing Ruth to drink from the same vessels as his male reapers, Boaz is not only meeting a fundamental physical need but also symbolically including her in his "household" of workers. It signifies her acceptance and elevated status beyond that of a mere outsider.

#### Literary Devices
Ruth 2:9 effectively employs several **Literary Devices** to convey its rich meaning. **Direct Discourse** is central, as Boaz's words are quoted verbatim, allowing the reader to directly apprehend his authoritative yet compassionate tone and the specific nature of his instructions. This technique immerses the reader in the immediate interaction and highlights Boaz's character. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as Boaz's protective and providing actions here subtly hint at his future role as Ruth's kinsman-redeemer, a figure who would fully encompass protection, provision, and restoration. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** between Ruth's initial vulnerability as a foreign widow and the extraordinary protection and provision she receives from Boaz, emphasizing the transformative power of his grace. Finally, the provision of water from the vessels can be seen as **Symbolism**, representing not just physical sustenance but also refreshing kindness, acceptance, and the life-giving nature of Boaz's benevolence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 2:9 stands as a powerful testament to God's providential care for the vulnerable, often working through righteous individuals. Boaz's actions mirror God's own character, demonstrating a divine concern for the marginalized, the widow, and the sojourner, echoing the numerous Old Testament commands for justice and compassion. His generosity goes beyond the letter of the law, embodying the spirit of grace and abundant provision. This verse reminds us that true righteousness is not merely adherence to rules but an active outpouring of kindness and protection towards those in need, reflecting the very heart of God. It also points to the way God often uses seemingly ordinary circumstances—like Ruth's "chance" gleaning—to orchestrate extraordinary blessings and fulfill His redemptive purposes.

* [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God's Care for the Fatherless and Widow")
* [Psalm 146:9](/psalm/146-9 "Psalm 146:9 - The Lord Preserves the Sojourners")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 2:9 offers profound lessons for believers today, challenging us to embody the character of Boaz in our own lives. It calls us to actively seek out and protect the vulnerable, to extend grace and provision beyond mere obligation, and to create environments where all individuals, especially those on the margins, feel safe, valued, and included. Boaz’s proactive steps to ensure Ruth’s dignity and well-being in a potentially exploitative setting serve as a model for Christian leadership and personal conduct. We are encouraged to be attentive to the needs of others, to use our positions of influence or resources to uplift and safeguard, and to demonstrate a generosity that reflects God's own abundant love. Furthermore, Ruth's experience reminds us to trust in God's sovereign providence, even when our circumstances seem uncertain; just as her steps were divinely guided to Boaz's field, so too are our lives overseen by a loving God who orchestrates our paths for our good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can I, like Boaz, proactively protect and affirm the dignity of vulnerable individuals in my community or sphere of influence?**
* **Am I willing to go "above and beyond" what is expected, demonstrating radical generosity and hospitality to those who are often overlooked or marginalized?**
* **How does Boaz's character challenge my understanding of what it means to be a person of integrity and compassion in my daily life?**
* **Where might God be directing my steps, even in seemingly ordinary circumstances, to connect me with His provision and purpose?**

### FAQ

**Why was Boaz's specific instruction to his young men "that they shall not touch thee" so important?**

Answer: This instruction was critically important for Ruth's safety and honor. As a foreign widow gleaning in a field primarily worked by men, Ruth was highly vulnerable to harassment, exploitation, or even assault. Boaz's direct and authoritative command to his young men, using the word "touch" (Hebrew _naga'_) which implies harm or molestation, was a clear and public declaration of her protected status. It established boundaries, ensured her personal security, and preserved her dignity in a potentially dangerous environment, showcasing Boaz's profound respect and moral character.

**What is the significance of Boaz allowing Ruth to drink from the vessels his young men had drawn?**

Answer: This seemingly simple act was a profound gesture of hospitality and inclusion. In the hot, dusty fields of ancient Israel, clean drinking water was a precious commodity, often requiring significant effort to obtain. By granting Ruth access to the same water vessels used by his male reapers, Boaz was treating her not merely as a gleaner but as one of his trusted workers, almost as part of his household. This act provided essential physical refreshment and also symbolically elevated her status, demonstrating exceptional kindness and acceptance towards a vulnerable outsider.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Boaz, in his protective care and abundant provision for Ruth, serves as a beautiful foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer. Just as Boaz extended grace and safety to Ruth, a vulnerable outsider, so too does Christ gather us, who were once alienated and without hope, into His fold, offering us complete protection and spiritual provision. Boaz’s command for his young men "not to touch" Ruth reflects Christ’s unwavering commitment to the purity and security of His bride, the Church, whom He loves and for whom He gave Himself up ([Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Christ Loves the Church")). Furthermore, Boaz's provision of water from his vessels points to Christ as the living water, who satisfies our deepest spiritual thirst ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, the Living Water") and [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, protecting them from harm ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")), and inviting all who are weary and burdened to find rest and refreshment in Him ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Boaz's actions are a tangible display of the selfless love and redemptive care that finds its perfect and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus 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

1 John 5:18

¶ We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

Genesis 20:6

And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.

1 Corinthians 7:1

¶ Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: [It is] good for a man not to touch a woman.

Psalms 105:15

[Saying], Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

Proverbs 6:29

So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.

Matthew 10:42

And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold [water] only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

Job 19:21

Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me.