Bible Commentaries

The women went home to poverty, where the practical problems of life faced them. These were, of course, rendered the more difficult by the fact that Ruth was a Moabitess. Yet she it was who faced the fight and went forth as a gleaner to gather what would suffice for their present sustenance.

The human side of things is beautifully expressed in the words, "Her hap was to light on the portion of the field belonging unto Boaz." All the issues reveal the divine overruling.

In this story of Ruth gleaning the principal interest centers in Boaz. The lines of his picture are few, but they are strong and a man of fine quality is revealed. His greeting to his laborers, "Jehovah be with you," and their ready response, "Jehovah bless thee," reveal the happy relationship between him and those serving him and show him a man of strong and yet natural religious life. His presence in the field, overseeing the affairs of harvest, and his quick recognition of the strange girl gleaning show the man of business capacity. Then all the rest of the story evidences the graciousness of his temper and the greatness of his heart.

In all probability he knew a Moabite woman would not be very cordially welcomed among his people, and therefore he provided for her with assiduous care. His influence is at once seen in the absence of objection among the people and their readiness to cooperate with him.

In short, Boaz stands out as a man of the finest fiber, simple, and strongly living in a degenerate age.