Ruth 2:10 - Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your sight, that you should take knowledge of me, since I am a foreigner?”
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What does "Ruth 2:10" mean?
This verse (Ruth 2:10) from the Book of Ruth in the Bible highlights Ruth's humility and surprise at being treated with kindness and respect by Boaz. Let's break it down:
"Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground..." This is a gesture of deep respect, humility, and gratitude. It shows that Ruth recognizes Boaz's higher status and his unexpected generosity. It's a physical expression of her emotional state.
"...and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your sight..." This is the core of her question. She's asking why Boaz is being so kind to her. "Found favor in your sight" means why has he shown her grace, kindness, or preferential treatment. She's genuinely surprised and humbled that he would notice her favorably.
"...that you should take knowledge of me..." "Take knowledge of me" means to acknowledge her, to pay attention to her, or to take her into consideration. In other words, why is he even recognizing her existence and showing interest in her well-being? This wasn't necessarily a romantic overture; it simply means that he's acknowledging and showing concern for her as a person.
"...since I am a foreigner?”" This is the most important part. She believes she is unworthy of such treatment because she is a foreigner. Ruth is a Moabite woman, and Moab was a nation often viewed with suspicion or even hostility by the Israelites. She is acutely aware of her outsider status. In ancient Israelite society, foreigners, especially those from certain regions, were often marginalized. She expects to be treated as an outsider, perhaps even with disdain, not with kindness.
In summary, this verse shows:
Ruth's Humility: She's deeply respectful and aware of her social standing.
Boaz's Kindness: His actions are seen as unusual and commendable.
Ruth's Vulnerability: She recognizes her status as a foreigner and is surprised by the kindness she receives.
The Significance of Inclusion: It highlights the potential for compassion and acceptance across social and ethnic boundaries.
The verse sets the stage for the developing relationship between Ruth and Boaz, emphasizing Boaz's character and the surprising ways in which God's providence can work through human kindness. It also shows how deeply ingrained cultural prejudice could be, making Boaz's behavior all the more remarkable.
Ruth 2:10 - Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your sight, that you should take knowledge of me, since I am a foreigner?”
What does "Ruth 2:10" mean?
This verse (Ruth 2:10) from the Book of Ruth in the Bible highlights Ruth's humility and surprise at being treated with kindness and respect by Boaz. Let's break it down:
"Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground..." This is a gesture of deep respect, humility, and gratitude. It shows that Ruth recognizes Boaz's higher status and his unexpected generosity. It's a physical expression of her emotional state.
"...and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your sight..." This is the core of her question. She's asking why Boaz is being so kind to her. "Found favor in your sight" means why has he shown her grace, kindness, or preferential treatment. She's genuinely surprised and humbled that he would notice her favorably.
"...that you should take knowledge of me..." "Take knowledge of me" means to acknowledge her, to pay attention to her, or to take her into consideration. In other words, why is he even recognizing her existence and showing interest in her well-being? This wasn't necessarily a romantic overture; it simply means that he's acknowledging and showing concern for her as a person.
"...since I am a foreigner?”" This is the most important part. She believes she is unworthy of such treatment because she is a foreigner. Ruth is a Moabite woman, and Moab was a nation often viewed with suspicion or even hostility by the Israelites. She is acutely aware of her outsider status. In ancient Israelite society, foreigners, especially those from certain regions, were often marginalized. She expects to be treated as an outsider, perhaps even with disdain, not with kindness.
In summary, this verse shows:
Ruth's Humility: She's deeply respectful and aware of her social standing.
Boaz's Kindness: His actions are seen as unusual and commendable.
Ruth's Vulnerability: She recognizes her status as a foreigner and is surprised by the kindness she receives.
The Significance of Inclusion: It highlights the potential for compassion and acceptance across social and ethnic boundaries.
The verse sets the stage for the developing relationship between Ruth and Boaz, emphasizing Boaz's character and the surprising ways in which God's providence can work through human kindness. It also shows how deeply ingrained cultural prejudice could be, making Boaz's behavior all the more remarkable.