Ruth 3:10
And he said, “May you be blessed by the LORD, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Boaz recognizes Ruth's choice to pursue marrying him, an older man, as a greater act of devotion than her initial commitment to Naomi and her deceased husband. This is because she deliberately avoided seeking a younger husband, rich or poor, demonstrating that her deepest motivation was fulfilling her duty and honoring her late husband's lineage, not personal gain or youthful desire.
Ruth has just revealed herself to Boaz on the threshing floor, following Naomi's bold plan to seek him as her kinsman-redeemer. Boaz is deeply moved by her actions, recognizing her loyalty not only to her deceased husband's family but also her integrity in not pursuing younger men. He immediately blesses her and promises to fulfill his duty as her kinsman, though he acknowledges there's a closer relative who must be given the first opportunity.
Boaz praises Ruth for a kindness that surpasses her earlier acts. What made this 'latter kindness' so exceptional?
Boaz is struck by Ruth's motivation. Her earlier kindnesses (leaving her homeland, caring for Naomi) were born out of love and loyalty. However, her current act of proposing marriage to Boaz, an older man, goes a step further.
A Higher Purpose
This 'latter kindness' is rooted in fulfilling the law of the kinsman-redeemer, ensuring her deceased husband's name and lineage would continue in Israel. She wasn't seeking a new life for herself or a more comfortable situation; she was prioritizing legacy and obedience to God's commands.
Boaz highlights this by noting she did not 'go after young men, whether poor or rich.' This wasn't just about avoiding impropriety; it was about consciously setting aside the possibility of personal preference or easier relationships to fulfill a difficult, selfless duty.
Instead of suspicion or offense, Boaz blesses Ruth. What does his reaction reveal about his character and his view of her actions?
Boaz's immediate response is one of deep respect and blessing. He doesn't see Ruth's bold move as immodest or opportunistic, but as a profound act of loyalty and piety.
Recognizing True Motive
He understands that Ruth's initiative is not driven by youthful passion or a desire for personal advantage. Her willingness to marry an older man, potentially her father-in-law's contemporary, demonstrates a commitment that transcends superficial attraction. This selfless intention earns her his highest admiration.
Boaz's words, 'May you be blessed by the LORD,' show that he recognizes her actions as pleasing to God. He sees her not as a desperate foreigner, but as a virtuous woman acting with integrity according to the laws and customs of Israel, particularly concerning family legacy.
Understand the original words
barak · Hebrew Verb
Divine favor, approval, or protection granted by God; it is the invocation of God’s goodness upon a person, often acknowledging His sovereignty in providing benefits or prosperity.
chesed · Hebrew Noun
A profound Hebrew term denoting loyal love, mercy, steadfast faithfulness, and covenantal devotion; it describes God's unwavering commitment to His people and the corresponding duty to treat others with similar covenant-based kindness.
Boaz's words highlight Ruth's exceptional character, emphasizing that her loyalty to her late husband's family, demonstrated by seeking marriage with an older kinsman-redeemer (Boaz) rather than pursuing younger men, surpassed even her initial kindness in following Naomi.
c. 1100 BC
Elimelech and Naomi Flee Famine
Elimelech, a man from Bethlehem in Judah, leaves his homeland with his wife Naomi and two sons due to a famine. They settle in Moab, a foreign land.
c. 1100 BC
Sons Marry Moabite Women
Elimelech's sons, Mahlon and Chilion, marry Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah. This period marks a time of significant hardship and displacement.
c. 1100 BC
Death of Elimelech and Sons
Tragedy strikes the family as first Elimelech and then his two sons die in Moab, leaving Naomi widowed and with her two Moabite daughters-in-law.
c. 1100 BC
Naomi Returns to Bethlehem
Naomi decides to return to her ancestral home in Bethlehem. Her daughter-in-law Ruth insists on accompanying her, demonstrating profound loyalty.
This passage highlights the foundational principle of marriage as leaving parents to become one flesh, which Ruth's commitment to Boaz's family upholds in a profound way.
Deuteronomy 25:5-10This passage outlines the law of the kinsman-redeemer and the obligation to continue a deceased brother's name, which is the very law Ruth is faithfully adhering to through her actions with Boaz.
Proverbs 31:10-31The description of the excellent wife in Proverbs 31 echoes Ruth's character of diligence, integrity, and devotion to her family, showing that such virtues were highly valued.
Matthew 1:5This verse directly mentions Ruth in the lineage of Jesus, underscoring the significance of her faithfulness and her inclusion in God's redemptive plan despite her foreign origin.
clarkeRuth 3:10: "And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich."
In the latter end than at the beginning - It is not easy to find out what Boaz means. Perhaps חסד chesed, which we translate kindness, means piety; as if he had said: Thou hast given great proof of thy piety in this latter instance, when thou hast avoided the young, and those of thy own a…
henryRuth 3:6-13: "And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her."
3:6-13 What in one age or nation would be improper, is not always so in another age or another nation. Being a judge of Israel, Boaz would tell Ruth what she should do; also whether he had the right of redemption, and what methods must be taken, and what rites used, in order to accomplishing her marriage with him or another person. The conduct of Boaz calls for the highest praise. He attem…
Boaz recognizes Ruth's choice to pursue marrying him, an older man, as a greater act of devotion than her initial commitment to Naomi and her deceased husband. This is because she deliberately avoided seeking a younger husband, rich or poor, demonstrating that her deepest motivation was fulfilling her duty and honoring her late husband's lineage, not personal gain or youthful desire.
Ruth has just revealed herself to Boaz on the threshing floor, following Naomi's bold plan to seek him as her kinsman-redeemer. Boaz is deeply moved by her actions, recognizing her loyalty not only to her deceased husband's family but also her integrity in not pursuing younger men. He immediately blesses her and promises to fulfill his duty as her kinsman, though he acknowledges there's a closer relative who must be given the first opportunity.
Ruth has just revealed herself to Boaz on the threshing floor, following Naomi's bold plan to seek him as her kinsman-redeemer. Boaz is deeply moved by her actions, recognizing her loyalty not only to her deceased husband's family but also her integrity in not pursuing younger men. He immediately blesses her and promises to fulfill his duty as her kinsman, though he acknowledges there's a closer relative who must be given the first opportunity.
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c. 1100 BC
Ruth Gleans in Boaz's Field
Ruth diligently gleans in the fields to support herself and Naomi. She happens upon the field of Boaz, a wealthy relative of Elimelech.
c. 1100 BC
Naomi's Plan for Ruth
Naomi devises a plan for Ruth to approach Boaz at the threshing floor, seeking his protection and fulfilling the duty of a kinsman-redeemer.
c. 1100 BC— this verse
Boaz Commends Ruth's Kindness
Boaz praises Ruth's loyalty and integrity, recognizing her selfless devotion to Naomi and her deceased husband's family by seeking a kinsman-redeemer rather than a younger man.
"And he said, “May you be blessed by the LORD, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich." — Boaz recognizes Ruth's choice to pursue marrying him, an older man, as a greater act of devotion than her initial commitment to Naomi and her deceased husband. This is because she deliberately avoide…
