This verse, Ruth 2:21, from the Book of Ruth, reveals a crucial piece of information that Boaz, a wealthy landowner, gives to Ruth. Let's break it down:
"Ruth the Moabitess said, “Yes, he said to me..." This establishes that Ruth is reporting back to her mother-in-law, Naomi, after her first day gleaning in the fields. She is recounting a conversation she had with Boaz.
"...‘You shall stay close to my young men..." Boaz is instructing Ruth to remain near his male workers. In this agricultural society, fields were often worked by both men and women. By telling her to stay close to the men, Boaz is offering her a degree of protection and safety. It likely means she would be in a more secure part of the field, less vulnerable to harassment or theft, and potentially receive preferential treatment.
"...until they have finished all my harvest.’” This sets a timeframe for Boaz's offer of protection and provision. He is giving her permission to glean in his fields for the entire duration of the harvest season. This is a significant act of kindness and generosity, as it guarantees her a source of food for a considerable period.
In Summary:
The verse essentially means that Boaz granted Ruth permission to glean in his field for the entire harvest season, while staying near his male workers for protection and support. This is a sign of Boaz's kindness, concern for Ruth's well-being, and a foreshadowing of his more significant actions later in the story. It establishes him as a man of integrity and compassion. Furthermore, it provides Ruth and Naomi with a sustainable way to survive, showing God's provision through the kindness of Boaz.
This verse, Ruth 2:21, from the Book of Ruth, reveals a crucial piece of information that Boaz, a wealthy landowner, gives to Ruth. Let's break it down:
"Ruth the Moabitess said, “Yes, he said to me..." This establishes that Ruth is reporting back to her mother-in-law, Naomi, after her first day gleaning in the fields. She is recounting a conversation she had with Boaz.
"...‘You shall stay close to my young men..." Boaz is instructing Ruth to remain near his male workers. In this agricultural society, fields were often worked by both men and women. By telling her to stay close to the men, Boaz is offering her a degree of protection and safety. It likely means she would be in a more secure part of the field, less vulnerable to harassment or theft, and potentially receive preferential treatment.
"...until they have finished all my harvest.’” This sets a timeframe for Boaz's offer of protection and provision. He is giving her permission to glean in his fields for the entire duration of the harvest season. This is a significant act of kindness and generosity, as it guarantees her a source of food for a considerable period.
In Summary:
The verse essentially means that Boaz granted Ruth permission to glean in his field for the entire harvest season, while staying near his male workers for protection and support. This is a sign of Boaz's kindness, concern for Ruth's well-being, and a foreshadowing of his more significant actions later in the story. It establishes him as a man of integrity and compassion. Furthermore, it provides Ruth and Naomi with a sustainable way to survive, showing God's provision through the kindness of Boaz.
