Notice that Boaz took the initiative and spoke to Ruth. He addressed her as "my daughter," indicating that she was perhaps younger than Boaz. He immediately sought to help her by inviting her to glean in his fields and in his alone. As the men harvested the crops, the servant girls followed along behind tying the grain into bundles; Thus, Boaz was showing very special favor to Ruth. He was inviting Ruth to follow along behind the servant girls picking up whatever grain they had missed.
But this was not all that Boaz did for Ruth: he also promised to protect and provide for her (2:9). He informed her that he had instructed his men not to touch her and that she could drink water from the very jars provided for his workers. My friend, Boaz's treatment of Ruth is a striking picture of the concern and care of Christ for us. Boaz spotted Ruth working in his fields. So the LORD sees us and knows exactly where we are and what our needs are; Nothing is hid from God, He sees every need we have. Just as Boaz promised to protect and provide for Ruth, so the LORD protects and provides for us.
Ruth's response to Boaz was one of humility and gratitude. Let's look at Ruth 2:10 "So she fell on her face, bowed down to the ground, and said to him, "Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?" Falling down or bowing before
another person was a common ancient gesture of honor, respect, gratitude or submission.
Boaz knew Ruth's story, for it didn't take long for news to travel in a little town like Bethlehem. We will continue this tender moment in our next post as we look at Ruth 2:11-16.
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