Boaz recognizes Ruth’s hardwork and care for her mother-in-law and tells her that he has instructed his servants not to touch her and that she should glean in his field and help herself to water.
After being informed that this was the daughter of Naomi, Boaz makes the connection. He obviously has heard the news as well. He said to Ruth, Listen carefully, my daughter. Boaz understands this is a relative, and addresses her with fondness, calling her daughter. Boaz invites her to stay in his field, where he offers her special protection and provision, saying I have commanded the servants not to touch you. When you are thirsty, go to the water jars and drink from what the servants draw.
Ruth reacts with great gratitude. She fell on her face, bowing to the ground. It seems Ruth wants to make sure Boaz knows the full story, since she includes the information that she is a foreigner. Boaz assures Ruth he is not deterred by her nationality. He has heard of her service to his relative Naomi. He tells Ruth All that you have done for your mother-in-law after the death of your husband has been fully reported to me.
Boaz then expresses a prayer, to which he has already become a partial answer, saying may the Lord reward your work, and your wages be full from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge. Again Ruth expresses gratitude.
Biblical Text
8 Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Listen carefully, my daughter. Do not go to glean in another field; furthermore, do not go on from this one, but stay here with my maids. 9 Let your eyes be on the field which they reap, and go after them. Indeed, I have commanded the servants not to touch you. When you are thirsty, go to the water jars and drink from what the servants draw.” 10 Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your sight that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?” 11 Boaz replied to her, “All that you have done for your mother-in-law after the death of your husband has been fully reported to me, and how you left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and came to a people that you did not previously know. 12 May the Lord reward your work, and your wages be full from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.” 13 Then she said, “I have found favor in your sight, my lord, for you have comforted me and indeed have spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not like one of your maidservants.”
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