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by Katie Erickson

Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, "The LORD be with you!"
"The LORD bless you!" they answered.
Boaz asked the overseer of his harvesters, "Who does that young woman belong to?”
The overseer replied, "She is the Moabite who came back from Moab with Naomi. She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the harvesters.’ She came into the field and has remained here from morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter."
So Boaz said to Ruth, "My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here. Stay here with the women who work for me. Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the women. I have told the men not to lay a hand on you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled."
- Ruth 2:4-9

This passage captures the first recorded interaction between Boaz and Ruth, setting the stage for the unfolding story of grace and redemption. This interaction reveals both Boaz’s character and Ruth’s humility and diligence.

Boaz’s arrival in verse 4 is marked by his greeting to the harvesters: "The Lord be with you!” This greeting is significant because it demonstrates his faith and leadership. Unlike many landowners who might have been harsh or indifferent toward their workers, Boaz sets the tone of his management with a blessing, reflecting a culture of kindness and respect. His workers’ response, "The Lord bless you!” indicates that he had cultivated an atmosphere of mutual honor and faith.

Boaz represents a godly man who acknowledges God’s presence in every aspect of life, including his business dealings. His leadership stands in stark contrast to the chaotic period of the Judges, when "everyone did as they saw fit” (Judges 21:25). His righteous character makes him a fitting instrument for God’s plan of redemption.

Boaz quickly notices Ruth and inquires about her identity in verse 5. His question, "Who does that young woman belong to?” may sound possessive in modern terms, but in the cultural context of ancient Israel, it was a legitimate inquiry about her status—whether she was married, a servant, or under someone’s care.

The overseer’s response in verses 6-7 identifies Ruth as "the Moabite who came back from Moab with Naomi.” This description highlights Ruth’s foreign identity, which could have led to discrimination. However, the overseer also commends Ruth’s work ethic, mentioning that she had been working diligently since morning with only a short rest. This portrayal underscores Ruth’s character—she is not passive but actively seeking to provide for herself and Naomi.

Boaz then addresses Ruth directly in verses 8-9, and his first words to her are filled with kindness and generosity.

"My daughter, listen to me.” Boaz’s address of Ruth as “my daughter” is significant, as it suggests a protective and caring attitude rather than one of mere obligation. This term reflects both social and spiritual inclusion of Ruth despite her status as a foreigner.

“Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here.” This command shows that Boaz is not only offering Ruth a place to glean but ensuring she stays within the safety of his fields. Gleaning in another field could expose her to danger, as women were vulnerable to harassment in that time.

“Stay here with the women who work for me.” This provides Ruth with a sense of community and belonging. Rather than being isolated as a foreigner, she is encouraged to be part of a group, ensuring her safety and dignity and helping her to build relationships in this new land she now calls home.

“I have told the men not to lay a hand on you.” This directive emphasizes Boaz’s awareness of potential dangers and his proactive effort to protect Ruth. His leadership ensures that she is not subjected to mistreatment.

“And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.” In the cultural context, gleaners—especially foreign women—would typically have no right to drink from the same water jars as the workers. By offering Ruth access to this water, Boaz is extending extraordinary grace, treating her as more than just a destitute gleaner.

Boaz’s actions reflect the character of Jesus, who invites the outcast, provides for the needy, and ensures the safety of His people. Just as Boaz extends undeserved favor to Ruth, Christ extends grace to all who seek refuge in Him. Boaz models what it means to be a godly leader—one who protects, provides, and blesses those under his care. His actions remind us of our responsibility to extend kindness to the vulnerable in society.

For her part, Ruth exemplifies the attitude of a believer who, despite her hardships, continues to work hard and seek provision. She does not demand assistance but humbly receives the grace extended to her.

As I wrote about last week, Ruth’s arrival at Boaz’s field was not mere coincidence but divine orchestration. In the same way, God often works through ordinary events to bring about His greater plans. This initial dialogue between Boaz and Ruth starts to set the stage for the redemption we will see as the narrative unfolds.

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