Ruth 2:10

Context

Ruth 2:10 occurs during Ruth's first day of gleaning in the fields of Boaz, a wealthy and respected kinsman of her late husband Elimelech. Having left her homeland of Moab to return to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law Naomi, Ruth is a vulnerable foreign widow. In ancient Israelite society, gleaning was a divinely ordained provision for the poor, the sojourner, and the widow, but Boaz had shown her exceptional favor, instructing his young men not to touch her and even allowing her to drink from their water vessels. This verse captures Ruth's humble and astonished reaction to Boaz's unexpected and generous kindness.

Key Themes

• Humility and Gratitude: Ruth's immediate response – falling on her face and bowing herself to the ground – demonstrates profound humility and immense gratitude for the favor shown to her. She doesn't feel entitled but is genuinely surprised by the preferential treatment from a man of Boaz's stature.
• Grace and Undeserved Favor: Ruth articulates her astonishment by asking, "Why have I found grace in thine eyes?" This highlights the theme of grace, where favor is extended not based on merit or social standing, but purely on the giver's benevolence and compassion.
• The Status of a Stranger: Ruth emphasizes her identity as a "stranger" (nokriyah in Hebrew), a foreign woman from Moab, a nation often viewed with suspicion or hostility by Israelites. This status underscores the extraordinary nature of Boaz's kindness, as the law commanded kindness to sojourners (Deuteronomy 10:19), but often such treatment was rare in practice.
• Divine Providence at Work: Although not explicitly stated by Ruth here, the narrative subtly points to God's hand guiding events, bringing Ruth to Boaz's field and moving Boaz's heart to show such remarkable kindness.

Linguistic Insights

• The Hebrew word for "grace" in this verse is chen (חֵן), which signifies favor, kindness, or charm. It implies an unmerited favor, often extended by a superior to an inferior, or by one who has the power to bless. Ruth's question uses this term to acknowledge the unexpected and generous nature of Boaz's treatment.
• The phrase "take knowledge of me" translates the Hebrew word nakar (נָכַר), meaning to recognize, acknowledge, or pay attention to. For a wealthy landowner like Boaz to single out and acknowledge a humble, foreign gleaner was indeed a significant act of respect and recognition.
• Ruth's self-identification as a "stranger" (nokriyah) emphasizes her foreign status, highlighting her outsider position in Israelite society and further magnifying Boaz's compassionate actions, as she had no inherent claim to such favor.

Practical Application

Ruth's humble and grateful response in this verse offers several powerful lessons for believers today:

• Cultivate Humility and Gratitude: Like Ruth, we should respond with humility and profound gratitude when we receive unexpected kindness, especially the unmerited grace of God. Recognizing our unworthiness magnifies the giver's generosity and our appreciation.
• Embrace God's Providence: The story of Ruth is a beautiful testament to God's guiding hand in everyday circumstances. Even when we feel like strangers or are in vulnerable positions, God can raise up individuals to show us favor and provide for our needs, often through unexpected channels and people.
• Show Kindness to Outsiders: Boaz's example challenges us to extend grace and hospitality to those who are marginalized, vulnerable, or considered "strangers" in our communities. Just as Boaz "took knowledge" of Ruth, we are called to see and care for others, reflecting God's own heart for the sojourner (Psalm 146:9).