Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Now, listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Boaz’s instruction for Ruth to "keep close to my young women" isn't just about her safety, but a deliberate placement. By keeping her near the female workers, he’s ensuring her respect and protection from his male reapers, showing a profound understanding of social boundaries and a desire to prevent any "occasion of sin or matter of scandal." This strategic kindness highlights his care for her reputation as much as her immediate needs.
Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Now, listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Boaz inquires about Ruth, he directly addresses her, offering her a place to glean within his own fields. He encourages her to stay close to the women working for him, ensuring her safety and providing a sense of belonging. This personal instruction marks a significant moment where Boaz extends explicit protection and favor to Ruth.
Boaz doesn't just offer Ruth permission to glean; he offers her a place. Notice the subtle but powerful shift in his instructions.
Boaz's command to Ruth – "do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women" – is more than just practical advice. It's an invitation to security and belonging.
From Stranger to Staple
Instead of allowing Ruth to wander between different fields and owners, Boaz anchors her to his own workers. This isn't just about efficiency; it’s about safety and social integration. By keeping her close to his female workers, he shields her from potential harassment and ensures she's part of a recognized, albeit humble, group within his operation.
A Fatherly Provision
The term "my daughter" reveals Boaz’s fatherly concern. He sees her vulnerability and acts to protect her. This echoes God's own protective care for His people, ensuring they are not left exposed and alone.
Boaz's instructions are rooted in a deep concern for Ruth's well-being, both physically and morally. What can we learn from his thoughtful approach?
Boaz’s command for Ruth to stay near the young women, rather than the young men, highlights a wise consideration for her purity and safety.
Avoiding Occasion for Sin
His instruction is a proactive measure. By keeping her with the women, Boaz prevents situations that could lead to temptation or scandal for Ruth, and perhaps for his own workers as well. This reflects a mature understanding of human nature and the importance of creating environments that foster godliness.
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A Model for Stewardship
Boaz’s actions demonstrate responsible leadership. He cares not only for the productivity of his fields but also for the moral atmosphere and the vulnerable individuals within his care. This is a powerful example of how those in positions of authority are called to protect and guide those under them.
This scene unfolds within the specific agricultural practices and social customs of ancient Israel, particularly the provision for the poor and foreigners through gleaning laws, highlighting Boaz's kindness and adherence to these traditions.
c. 11th Century BC
Period of the Judges
The book of Ruth is set during the period of the Judges, a time of tribal confederation and often turmoil in Israel after the conquest of Canaan. Social structures and laws, like those concerning gleaning for the poor, were in place.
c. 11th Century BC
Boaz's Land in Bethlehem
Boaz, a wealthy landowner in Bethlehem, is harvesting his barley fields. His land is part of the agricultural landscape of Judea during this era.
c. 11th Century BC— this verse
Ruth Gleans in Boaz's Field
Ruth, a Moabite widow recently arrived in Bethlehem with her mother-in-law Naomi, goes to glean in the fields to support them. This practice was a legal right for the poor and foreigners.
c. 11th Century BC
Boaz Observes and Intervenes
Boaz notices Ruth gleaning and, after speaking with his overseer, approaches her directly. He instructs her to stay in his field and close to his female workers for her safety and benefit.
This passage establishes the law of gleaning, creating the legal framework for Ruth's actions and Boaz's kindness. It highlights God's concern for the vulnerable, including foreigners, widows, and orphans.
Leviticus 19:9-10These verses are part of the Holiness Code, emphasizing care for the poor and sojourners during harvest, which directly relates to Boaz's protective instructions to Ruth.
Matthew 13:31-32The parable of the mustard seed speaks of something small growing into something large, mirroring how Ruth's humble act of gleaning, protected by Boaz, leads to a significant lineage.
1 Corinthians 1:27This verse speaks to God choosing the weak and humble to shame the strong, echoing how Boaz, a man of standing, shows favor to Ruth, a humble foreigner.
Proverbs 3:5-6Boaz's actions demonstrate trust in the Lord, and his instructions to Ruth encourage her to trust in his protection, aligning with the principle of leaning on God for guidance.
henryRuth 2:4-16: "And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee."
2:4-16 The pious and kind language between Boaz and his reapers shows that there were godly persons in Israel. Such language as this is seldom heard in our field; too often, on the contrary, what is immoral and corrupt. A stranger would form a very different opinion of our land, from that which Ruth would form of Israel from the converse and conduct…
clarkeRuth 2:8: "Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens:"
Abide here fast by my maidens - These were probably employed in making bands, and laying on them enough to form a sheaf, which the binders would tie and form into shocks or thraves. When the maidens had gathered up the scattered handfuls thrown down by the reapers, Ruth picked up any straggling heads or ears which they had left.
Boaz’s instruction for Ruth to "keep close to my young women" isn't just about her safety, but a deliberate placement. By keeping her near the female workers, he’s ensuring her respect and protection from his male reapers, showing a profound understanding of social boundaries and a desire to prevent any "occasion of sin or matter of scandal." This strategic kindness highlights his care for her reputation as much as her immediate needs.
After Boaz inquires about Ruth, he directly addresses her, offering her a place to glean within his own fields. He encourages her to stay close to the women working for him, ensuring her safety and providing a sense of belonging. This personal instruction marks a significant moment where Boaz extends explicit protection and favor to Ruth.
After Boaz inquires about Ruth, he directly addresses her, offering her a place to glean within his own fields. He encourages her to stay close to the women working for him, ensuring her safety and providing a sense of belonging. This personal instruction marks a significant moment where Boaz extends explicit protection and favor to Ruth.
"Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Now, listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women." — Boaz’s instruction for Ruth to "keep close to my young women" isn't just about her safety, but a deliberate placement. By keeping her near the female workers, he’s ensuring her respect and protection…
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Last reviewed October 2026