This verse from Ruth 2:5 is a simple question that sets the stage for a significant interaction. Let's break down its meaning and implications:
"Then Boaz said to his servant who was set over the reapers..." This establishes the context. Boaz is a landowner, and he's speaking to his foreman or overseer, the person in charge of the harvest workers in his field.
"...“Whose young lady is this?”" This is the key part. Boaz is noticing Ruth, who is a stranger to him. He wants to know her identity. There are a few layers to what he's likely implying:
Curiosity: He's simply curious about who she is. She's new to his field, and he's taking an interest.
Concern: As a responsible landowner, Boaz might be concerned about whether she has permission to glean (collect leftover grain) in his field. Gleaning was a right extended to the poor and the needy.
Potential Interest: Boaz might be struck by her appearance or demeanor. This question starts a chain of events that eventually leads to their marriage. He's, in a sense, initiating a "getting to know you" process, albeit in a formal, ancient way.
Checking her status: Because Boaz said "young lady" it implied he was making sure she was not someones wife before getting to know her.
In essence, this verse is the starting point of Boaz's awareness of Ruth. It's a simple question that opens the door to a relationship based on kindness, respect, and ultimately, love and redemption.
It's important to remember the cultural context:
Gleaning: The law in Israel allowed the poor, widows, and foreigners to glean in the fields after the harvest. This was a form of social welfare.
Landowner Responsibility: A good landowner would oversee the work in his fields and ensure that those who were entitled to glean were treated fairly.
Importance of Family: Family lineage and reputation were very important in ancient Israel. Boaz is likely trying to understand Ruth's background.
The simplicity of the question belies the significance of the moment. It marks the beginning of Ruth's connection to Boaz and her eventual integration into his family, fulfilling the redemptive purpose of the story.
This verse from Ruth 2:5 is a simple question that sets the stage for a significant interaction. Let's break down its meaning and implications:
"Then Boaz said to his servant who was set over the reapers..." This establishes the context. Boaz is a landowner, and he's speaking to his foreman or overseer, the person in charge of the harvest workers in his field.
"...“Whose young lady is this?”" This is the key part. Boaz is noticing Ruth, who is a stranger to him. He wants to know her identity. There are a few layers to what he's likely implying:
Curiosity: He's simply curious about who she is. She's new to his field, and he's taking an interest.
Concern: As a responsible landowner, Boaz might be concerned about whether she has permission to glean (collect leftover grain) in his field. Gleaning was a right extended to the poor and the needy.
Potential Interest: Boaz might be struck by her appearance or demeanor. This question starts a chain of events that eventually leads to their marriage. He's, in a sense, initiating a "getting to know you" process, albeit in a formal, ancient way.
Checking her status: Because Boaz said "young lady" it implied he was making sure she was not someones wife before getting to know her.
In essence, this verse is the starting point of Boaz's awareness of Ruth. It's a simple question that opens the door to a relationship based on kindness, respect, and ultimately, love and redemption.
It's important to remember the cultural context:
Gleaning: The law in Israel allowed the poor, widows, and foreigners to glean in the fields after the harvest. This was a form of social welfare.
Landowner Responsibility: A good landowner would oversee the work in his fields and ensure that those who were entitled to glean were treated fairly.
Importance of Family: Family lineage and reputation were very important in ancient Israel. Boaz is likely trying to understand Ruth's background.
The simplicity of the question belies the significance of the moment. It marks the beginning of Ruth's connection to Boaz and her eventual integration into his family, fulfilling the redemptive purpose of the story.