Boaz Protects Ruth
Boaz was a man of noble character. He is pictured for us as he goes forth among the reapers to oversee their work. His salutation to his men is one of kindness, “The Lord be with you;” and their answer is of welcome, “The Lord bless thee.”
The keen-eyed master at once noticed the strange woman in the field and questioned his head servant about her. When he heard that she was Ruth, the Moabite woman who had devoted herself to Naomi, his heart pitied her, and he addressed her in words of praise for her self-sacrifice.
The humble Ruth, surprised that this great lord should take such kindly notice of her, answered with deep gratitude; and Boaz, approving her gentleness and modesty, directed his servants to show her special favor. At the simple noon-tide meal in the field, he gave her bread and let her dip it in the liquid that he drank. Also he handed her parched corn from his own meal. He bade the reapers leave plenty of grain behind for her gleaning; and at the close of the day he extended his protection over her, saying, “Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest.”
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