Ruth 2: 8-10 AMPC Then Boaz said to Ruth, Listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but stay here close by my maidens. Watch which field they reap, and follow them. Have I not charged the young men not to molest you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink what the young men have drawn. Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, Why have I found favour in your eyes that you should notice me, when I am a foreigner?

The powerful Boaz arrived in his property that day and met the young and hard-working woman called Ruth. He had heard about her and now he was happily surprised to meet her in his own field. She was gathering some grain behind the reapers without being distracted by anything. He came closer to her and she was so surprised that she did not even dare to look up. He introduced himself as being the owner of the field where she was working, and at first, she felt intimidated and a little bit afraid. How was he going to treat her? She was a foreigner with a very bad reputation, and as such, she did not really expect much consideration among this very dignified Jewish man. Was this land owner who was now starring at her a kind of macho type of boss who had no consideration or feelings for strangers, especially when they were women? She kept looking down as he tried to look into her eyes. He noticed her discomfort and in a soft and appeasing voice, he started talking to her. He was carefully choosing his words because he wanted her to feel comfortable.

Boaz was able to find the right words to wipe off the anxiety of Ruth. He told her that she did not need to be afraid. As a matter of fact, she could feel perfectly at ease and at home in his field. Boaz spoke into her heart, allowing her to feel secure and confident. When she finally looked up to look at the man who was talking to her, she understood that this man was not just a man like any other. She could trust him. The simple fact that he was calling her “my daughter” was enough to chase all doubt about the integrity of this man. He was not her father in any way, but he was using that gentle and loving appellation to let her know that she was just at the right place in his property. He was telling her that he and his workers were going to respect her even though she was a stranger. Boaz asked Ruth not to go in any other field to gather some grain. He was giving her the guarantee that she would not suffer lack at all. She would always have enough to eat for herself and for her mother-in-law. She did not need to stress herself out going around the town in search of a favourable field where she could gather some grain for Naomi and herself. In other words, this gentle man was taking away her burden, the burden to have to go out every day in search of a field that could guarantee her daily sustenance.

Boaz asked Ruth to stay right there in his field. But not only that, he clearly informed her that he had given orders to his employees so that they would not disturb her in any way. She did not have to be afraid that someone could abuse or assault her in that field. Moreover, Ruth was informed that she could drink as much as she needed and move in the field without feeling constrained. Boaz had just given her his word for provision, for protection, for security and for liberty. What demonstration of goodness, favour and mercy! In a certain way, Boaz was taking Ruth under his protection just like a hen would cover its chicks under her warm wings. After losing her husband and leaving her country to go to a foreign land, she needed a pillar to hold on to, a pillar to regain confidence and find the strength to continue the fight of life. She needed to regain a sense of security, and Boaz offered her the whole package. What a surprise!

Boaz welcome address at this very moment could have been the most warm and lovely one that Ruth had received as a foreign woman ever since she arrived in Bethlehem. She did not expect so much gentleness, and surely not from such a powerful and influential man as Boaz. But then she learned that people must not be judged merely by their appearance but by their heart (1 Samuel 16:7). At this point Ruth had no other choice but to bow down to the ground as an expression of deep thankfulness. She was overwhelmed by so much understanding, care and support. Why would such a great man as Boaz decide to be her defender, her provider and her protector? Among all the women – among whom there were many Hebrews – that were working in his field, why had he decided to show her so much favour? The God that she had decided to serve unconditionally had started rewarding her faith and integrity, and this was just the beginning of a beautiful love story between Boaz and Ruth.

At this point we can draw another parallel between the Lord Jesus and Boaz. Boaz represents the Lord Jesus in His might. Jesus is the mighty One who welcomes us “strangers” in His immense field or kingdom. The Bible says that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). In our state of sinners, we are strangers to the things of God and we do not merit His goodness or mercy. But because of the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross God calls us His sons and daughters and has given us His Word of truth in which we find comfort. Jesus came down from glory and came close to us. As the Owner of all wealth, He gives us the assurance that He will provide for all our needs and care for us. We don’t need to be afraid because He has conquered death and the grave. In Christ Jesus we are free, we are no longer strangers but citizens of His glorious kingdom. He is our Defender, our Protector and our Provider. He is the Pillar of our lives and the Source of our daily strength. He fights for us when the enemy comes in like a flood and He whispers words of peace and kindness into our hearts. Our loving Father covers us under His protective wings where we find shelter in the times of storms and rest for our souls. In Him we have a glorious future and the assurance of life eternal. Even though we did not deserve it, He has given us the favour to be called His children and we have become the heirs of His glorious kingdom. We can rely on His Word and His grace is share in our lives in much abundance. md