This verse, Ruth 2:11, from the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament, is Boaz acknowledging and praising Ruth's actions towards her mother-in-law, Naomi. Let's break down the meaning:
"Boaz answered her, “I have been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband...": This shows that Boaz is aware of Ruth's loyalty and devotion to Naomi. He's heard about her acts of kindness and care, especially since they both suffered the loss of their husbands. This emphasizes that Ruth's actions haven't gone unnoticed.
"...and how you have left your father and your mother, and the land of your birth...": Boaz is acknowledging the significant sacrifice Ruth made. Leaving her family and homeland meant abandoning her cultural roots, her security, and likely her social support system. She gave up everything to stay with Naomi.
"...and have come to a people that you didn’t know before.": This highlights the magnitude of Ruth's commitment. She chose to follow Naomi to a foreign land (Bethlehem) and integrate herself into a culture and community she was unfamiliar with. This was a brave and selfless act.
In essence, Boaz is recognizing Ruth's:
Loyalty: Her unwavering commitment to Naomi despite personal hardship.
Sacrifice: The considerable losses she endured by leaving her homeland and family.
Courage: Her willingness to embrace the unknown by integrating into a new culture.
Kindness: Her devotion to Naomi, even when she could have returned to her own people.
This verse sets the stage for the rest of the story, where Boaz's admiration for Ruth's character leads to him extending kindness and eventually fulfilling his role as a kinsman-redeemer. It also underscores the themes of loyalty, redemption, and the acceptance of outsiders in the Book of Ruth.
This verse, Ruth 2:11, from the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament, is Boaz acknowledging and praising Ruth's actions towards her mother-in-law, Naomi. Let's break down the meaning:
"Boaz answered her, “I have been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband...": This shows that Boaz is aware of Ruth's loyalty and devotion to Naomi. He's heard about her acts of kindness and care, especially since they both suffered the loss of their husbands. This emphasizes that Ruth's actions haven't gone unnoticed.
"...and how you have left your father and your mother, and the land of your birth...": Boaz is acknowledging the significant sacrifice Ruth made. Leaving her family and homeland meant abandoning her cultural roots, her security, and likely her social support system. She gave up everything to stay with Naomi.
"...and have come to a people that you didn’t know before.": This highlights the magnitude of Ruth's commitment. She chose to follow Naomi to a foreign land (Bethlehem) and integrate herself into a culture and community she was unfamiliar with. This was a brave and selfless act.
In essence, Boaz is recognizing Ruth's:
Loyalty: Her unwavering commitment to Naomi despite personal hardship.
Sacrifice: The considerable losses she endured by leaving her homeland and family.
Courage: Her willingness to embrace the unknown by integrating into a new culture.
Kindness: Her devotion to Naomi, even when she could have returned to her own people.
This verse sets the stage for the rest of the story, where Boaz's admiration for Ruth's character leads to him extending kindness and eventually fulfilling his role as a kinsman-redeemer. It also underscores the themes of loyalty, redemption, and the acceptance of outsiders in the Book of Ruth.