2:1 husband, a prominent rich man The Hebrew phrase used here, gibbor chayil, likely identifies Boaz as a wealthy landowner, a member of the upper class. The phrase commonly refers to warriors (Josh 8:3; Judg 11:1; 1 Chr 12:8), but it can also designate a person of wealth and ability (1 Sam 9:1; 1 Kgs 11:28; 2 Kgs 15:20).

Elimelech Since Boaz is from the same family as Elimelech (Naomi’s late husband), he can act as a redeemer (go'el) for Ruth and Naomi due to the provisions of levirate law. See note on Ruth 1:11.

Go’el Word Study

2:2 let me go to the field and glean Ruth takes the initiative to gather food for herself and Naomi. Her actions are in line with Deut 24:19–21, which allots the leftovers of a harvested field as provision for the poor, including widows. Harvesters were supposed to allow the poor to pick up the grain that fell during the harvesting process.

I may find favor Ruth hopes to find a field where she will be allowed to glean. While biblical law required landowners to allow this, Ruth seems to have asked permission before gleaning (Ruth 2:7)—suggesting the poor may not always have been allowed to glean.

2:3 she happened by chance upon the While Ruth’s coming to Boaz’s field seems coincidental, Naomi later recognizes that God is at work (v. 20).

2:5 To whom does this young woman belong? Boaz’s question may be driven by curiosity about the new woman working in his field; it may also indicate an attraction to Ruth.

2:6 a Moabite girl Boaz’s servant identifies Ruth first by her Moabite ethnicity (see note on 1:22). He also indicates that Ruth is the woman who accompanied Naomi back from Moab.

2:7 Please let me glean and let me gather among the Ruth shows courtesy by asking permission to do something that should have been her legal right (see note on v. 2).

from the morning up to now This phrase likely means that Ruth worked hard, taking only a short rest, emphasizing her work ethic.

2:8 my daughter Boaz’s use of this address likely reflects an age difference between him and Ruth (3:10). He may have been closer in age to Naomi’s deceased husband, Elimelech. It is also a very affectionate term to use for a foreigner (see note on 1:22).

2:9 not to bother you Boaz instructed his workers not to bother Ruth. The Hebrew verb used here can denote causing bodily harm (Gen 26:11, 29), but it can also be a sexual euphemism (Gen 20:6; Prov 6:29).

2:10 Why have I found favor in your eyes by recognizing me—for I am a foreigner? Ruth recognizes the great privilege Boaz has awarded to her. She had hoped to find favor from a land owner (Ruth 2:2), but she did not expect to receive this level of kindness.

2:11 All that you have done Boaz had apparently learned of Ruth’s loyalty and kindness to Naomi.

2:12 May Yahweh reward Ironically, Boaz himself can fulfill this wish. See note on 3:9.

under whose wings Boaz recognizes that Ruth has not only expressed loyalty to Naomi, but to Yahweh, the God of Israel (1:16). In this context, the Hebrew word kenaphaim is usually translated as “wings.”

2:13 have spoken kindly to your servant The Hebrew phrase used here describes speaking comfort or encouragement (Gen 50:21; Isa 40:2) and can also be used to show attraction between a man and woman (Gen 34:3; Judg 19:3; Hos 2:14). While the first meaning is probably intended here, the second meaning anticipates the later events of the story.

2:14 Come here and eat In addition to allowing Ruth to work with his female servants, Boaz also provides a meal for her. She is invited to eat with the workers, where Boaz himself serves her—a type of respect reserved for special guests.

2:15 Let her also glean Boaz further extends his kindness to Ruth by telling his workers to let her glean among the sheaves (or stocks of grain). Normally, a person in Ruth’s position would be allowed to gather only what workers missed or left behind (Lev 19:9–10; Deut 24:19–22).

2:16 pull out for her from your bundles Further evidence of Boaz’s generosity. Not only does he allow Ruth to glean among the sheaves, he also instructs his workers to leave bundles of grain for her.

2:17 an ephah of A unit of dry measure equivalent to approximately five gallons. An ephah of barley would have weighed approximately 30 pounds—enough for Ruth and Naomi to live on for several weeks. Ruth’s ability to glean this amount in one day demonstrates both her work ethic and Boaz’s generosity.

2:19 May he who took notice of you be blessed The amount of grain Ruth returns with shows Naomi that she received special treatment.

2:20 whose loyal love has not forsaken Naomi reverses her former claim that Yahweh dealt bitterly with her (Ruth 1:13, 20–21). She now recognizes that God has not removed His kindness (chesed; see 1:8 and note).

Chesed Word Study

the living or the dead In blessing Naomi and Ruth, God also blesses Naomi’s deceased husband and sons (4:5; compare Deut 25:6).

our redeemers Boaz was a close enough relative to Naomi and Ruth to be a redeemer (go'el). This provided hope to Naomi and Ruth. If Boaz exercised his responsibility as a redeemer by marrying Ruth, he would provide an heir for Naomi (see Ruth 4:5). See note on 1:11 (compare Gen 38:8 and note).

2:23 the end of the barley harvest and wheat harvest A period close to two months: late April—early June. Ruth continued to work to provide for herself and Naomi. Apparently, Boaz’s special treatment of her also continued (see note on Ruth 2:8–9).