confirming permission for Ruth to work in his field. First of all, he invites, even urges her to work only in his field, not to go elsewhere. Second, he gives practical advice as to how she should behave. She should stick close to Boaz’s young women and keep her eyes down. The verb translated “keep close” is the same verb that earlier expressed Ruth’s “clinging” to Naomi (1:14; see comment there). There Ruth’s closeness to Naomi expressed her affection and protective care for Naomi; now the same