Ruth 2:20

"Her mother-in-law said to her, “Where have you gleaned today? Where have you worked? Blessed be he who noticed you.” She told her mother-in-law with whom she had worked, “The man’s name with whom I worked today is Boaz.”"

Key Reflection

In Ruth 2:20, Naomi inquires about her daughter-in-law Ruth's day of work and expresses gratitude to the man who took notice of her. This scene highlights the social context where women often gleaned in fields for a living, and their earnings directly supported their families. The original audience would have understood that Ruth's encounter with Boaz was significant, as it promised potential security and support through his kindness, aligning with broader themes of divine provision and redemption in the book of Ruth.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Blessed be he of the Lord ... -We may gather from Naomi’s allusion to the dead that both her husband and son had been faithful servants of Jehovah, the God of Israel. His kindness to the dead consisted in raising up (as Naomi hoped) an heir to perpetuate the name; and, in general, in His care for their widows. One of our next kinsmen -The word here isגאלgā'al, the redeemer, who had the right: (1) of redeeming the inheritance of the person; (2) of marrying the widow; (3) of avenging the death.

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