MPV Commentary

4. Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the reapers with a traditional blessing: "The Lord be with you." This warm greeting reflects the strong sense of religious feeling among Israel's rural population at that time. The patriarchal style of speaking was still prevalent in the East, where social relationships were characterized by simplicity and kindness.

5. Boaz had assigned one of his servants to oversee the reapers, responsible for managing the harvest operations, providing provisions, and paying the laborers at the end of each day.

7. Ruth asked if she could glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves. In the East, various methods were used to reap crops, including cutting them with a sickle or pulling them up by their roots. The grain was then gathered into loose sheaves for threshing. Field labor typically began early in the morning before the heat became oppressive.

Ruth tarried briefly in the field tent, where the laborers rested and refreshed themselves.

8-9. Boaz instructed Ruth to stay close to his female servants, who were responsible for gathering the grain. He not only granted her permission to glean but also provided for her personal comfort by offering her a drink from the water drawn by the young men.

9. The reapers' refreshments typically consisted of bread soaked in vinegar and a weak wine mixed with olive oil, which was cooling and refreshing during harvest time.

14. Boaz gave Ruth roasted grain, which she ate and found satisfying. She had some left over for her mother-in-law, Naomi.

16. Boaz instructed the reapers to intentionally drop handfuls of grain for Ruth as they worked, allowing her to gather a substantial amount. This generous act was motivated by his kindness and respect for Ruth's good character and devotion to her relative.

17. After gathering the grain, Ruth beat it out using a stick to separate the kernels from the chaff. The resulting quantity was equivalent to about a bushel.

20. Boaz explained that he was one of their next kinsmen, responsible for protecting them and marrying Ruth, the widow of his relative. Ruth acknowledged him as "one of our redeemers," recognizing his close relationship to her late husband.

21. Boaz offered to let Ruth gather grain from all his harvests, including both barley and wheat, which was typically harvested in May or June.

22. Naomi advised Ruth to accompany Boaz's female servants when they went out to gather grain, as this would demonstrate her appreciation for Boaz's kindness and avoid any potential misunderstandings.