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When Boaz comes from the city to inspect his laborers, he notices the industrious young woman gleaning in his field. Upon inquiry he learns that she is the Moabitess recently returned with Naomi. The author reminds us of Ruth’s nationality six times, and it was obviously integral to his message.
Boaz addresses Ruth directly (v.8) and takes actions to provide for her safety and well-being during the workday. It is possible that his form of address (“my daughter”) reflects a disparity in their ages (Cundall and Morris, 274). He encourages her to remain close to the young women reaping in his field (v.9). This would provide her a more favorable position than any other gleaners and would insure her success. Upon her expression of gratitude and bewilderment that he should show such kindness, Boaz explains that he was aware of her personal sorrow and misfortune (vv.10-11). He concludes with a brief prayer that Yahweh would honor her faithfulness and sacrifice (v.12). Little did Boaz know that he would be Yahweh’s instrument in answering this prayer.
Ruth responds in deep humility and gratitude, acknowledging how much his kindness has comforted her (v.13). Her words “spoken kindly to” (lit. “spoken to the heart of”) portray a beautiful picture that is lost in English translation. His actions must have meant a great deal to her. “They represent the first cheerful thing recorded as happening to her since the death of her husband in Moab” (Cundall and Morris, 277). After widowhood, exile, and acute poverty, her encounter with Boaz was a turning point in her life.
But Boaz’s kindness did not stop here. At mealtime he gave her special attention and extra food (v.14). After lunch, he made provisions for Ruth to have more than the leftover sheaves; the harvesters were ordered to leave stalks behind intentionally for her to gather (vv.15-16). The result of her day’s work was an ephah (v.17), an impressive amount for a gleaner.