Ruth 2:9

[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.

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}.

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."

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.”

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

Ruth 2:9 reveals Boaz's continued exceptional kindness and protective care towards Ruth, the Moabite widow who has come to glean in his fields. This verse details specific instructions he gives to her and his young men, ensuring her safety, dignity, and provision during the demanding harvest season.

Context

This verse is set during the barley harvest in Bethlehem, a time of intense labor and communal activity. Ruth, having returned to Judah with her mother-in-law Naomi, is a foreign widow relying on the ancient Israelite law of gleaning to survive. Deuteronomy 24:19 outlines this law, which allowed the poor and foreigners to gather leftover grain. Boaz, a wealthy and respected landowner, has noticed Ruth and is now going above and beyond the requirements of the law, demonstrating remarkable generosity and compassion towards her, a vulnerable outsider.

Key Themes

  • Protection and Safety: Boaz explicitly charges his young men "that they shall not touch thee." This command underscores his concern for Ruth's personal safety and honor, protecting her from potential harassment or harm in a male-dominated work environment. It speaks to his strong moral character and responsibility as a leader.
  • Provision and Hospitality: Beyond merely allowing her to glean, Boaz offers Ruth access to clean drinking water from the vessels his own reapers use. This seemingly simple act was a significant gesture of hospitality and care, providing a vital necessity in the hot, dusty fields and signifying her acceptance into the company of his workers.
  • Favor and Acceptance: Ruth, a Moabite, is shown extraordinary favor. Boaz's instructions elevate her status from a mere gleaner to someone under his direct protection and care, treating her as one of his own household. This goes beyond the normal expectations for a foreign woman seeking sustenance.
  • Boaz's Righteous Character: This verse further highlights Boaz as a man of integrity, compassion, and justice. His actions exemplify the care for the vulnerable often commanded in the Mosaic Law, particularly for widows and sojourners.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "shall not touch thee" (Hebrew: lo' yigge'u) carries a strong implication of more than just physical contact. It suggests a prohibition against molestation, harassment, or any form of inappropriate behavior that would dishonor or harm Ruth. Boaz's direct and authoritative charge to his young men emphasizes his deep concern for her well-being and reputation.

Practical Application

Ruth 2:9 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Care for the Vulnerable: Boaz's actions serve as a powerful example of how we should extend kindness, protection, and provision to those who are vulnerable, marginalized, or in need, reflecting God's own heart for the sojourner and the widow.
  • Generosity Beyond Expectation: Boaz went beyond the legal requirements of gleaning, demonstrating a spirit of abundant generosity. This encourages us to be open-handed and compassionate, seeking opportunities to bless others, not just meet minimum obligations.
  • Divine Providence: Ruth's experience in Boaz's field beautifully illustrates God's providential care. Though she went out "by chance" to glean (Ruth 2:3), she found herself under the watchful eye and generous hand of a righteous man, a testament to God directing her steps.
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Cross-References

  • 1 John 5:18 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Psalms 105:15 (3 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 6:29 (3 votes)

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

  • Matthew 10:42 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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