Ruth 2:21
“Ruth the Moabitess said, “Yes, he said to me, ‘You shall stay close to my young men, until they have finished all my harvest.’””
What does Ruth 2:21 mean?
Ruth is reporting back to her mother-in-law Naomi about her day in Boaz's fields, and she's sharing the kindness he showed her. Boaz essentially invited her to work alongside his laborers and glean from his harvest, which was an act of generosity and protection in a vulnerable time. For a foreign widow with nothing, this meant both practical provision and safety among people who would look out for her. Ruth's words reveal her gratitude and also hint at something deeper, since staying "close" to Boaz's workers meant she was under his care and attention, which sets the stage for the relationship that unfolds between them.