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Ruth 2:1–23 Scene 2: Ruth Gleans in Boaz’s Field. This encounter between Ruth and Boaz in the harvest field is one of their two crucial meetings.
Ruth 2:1 Boaz is described as worthy, which can refer to one’s character, wealth, social standing, or strength. The same word is used to describe Ruth (3:11).
Ruth 2:2 glean. The poor, sojourners, widows, and orphans were allowed to gather standing grain in corners or borders of fields, as well as stalks or sheaves that had been left behind by workers (Lev. 19:9–10; Deut. 24:19). in whose sight I shall find favor. See note on Ruth 2:10.
Ruth 2:3 From a human point of view, Ruth just happened to be in the right place. But in fact she was there through God’s mysterious providence.
Ruth 2:8–9 Boaz has charged the young men working in his field (see vv. 15, 21, 22) not to touch Ruth, to ensure her safety.
Ruth 2:10 found favor. Ruth wonders why Boaz would act so kindly toward her. Ruth calls herself a foreigner, but because of her loyalty to Naomi and to the Lord she has become a sojourner, who can enjoy many of the rights of an Israelite (Lev. 24:22; Num. 9:14; 15:14–16; Ezek. 47:22–23).
Ruth 2:12 wings . . . refuge. Compare Ps. 36:7; 57:1; Matt. 23:37.
Ruth 2:17–18 Gleaning went from early morning (v. 7) to evening, that is, before sundown. After sundown was the time to beat out or winnow what had been gathered (see note on 3:2). An ephah of barley is about 5.5 gallons (22 liters)—at least a two-week supply for the two women.
Ruth 2:20 Whose kindness could refer to both the kindness of Boaz and the kindness of the Lord. Naomi foresees that this kindness will be shown to the living (Ruth) in marriage (Deut. 25:5–6; Ruth 4:10a, 13) and also to Naomi’s dead husband and sons (1:8) by continuing their name through the birth of children to Ruth (4:5, 10; Lev. 25:23, 25). close relative . . . one of our redeemers. Boaz is neither the closest relative to Naomi nor the only one (see note on Ruth 3:12–13). This situation combines two Israelite customs: the redemption of family land and levirate marriage (see Introduction: Key Themes; “Redemption”).
Ruth 2:21 Moabite. See note on 1:22. close by my young men. See note on 2:8–9.
Ruth 2:23 The barley harvest was in April/May, and the wheat harvest was a few weeks later (see 1:22).
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