What is the context?
Boaz invites Ruth to share the harvesters’ meal. She eats bread and roasted grain, has enough, and saves what remains. Afterward he directs the workers to let her gather among the sheaves and even leave stalks from the bundles for her. They are not to insult or rebuke her.
She works until evening, beats out the grain, and brings about an ephah of barley home. Naomi sees the result and also receives the food Ruth saved from the meal. Her question about where Ruth worked leads to the name she recognizes: Boaz.
Naomi blesses him and speaks of kindness continuing to the living and the dead. She then identifies him as one of their kinsman-redeemers. The word גֹּאֵל, goel (goh-EL), describes a relative acting to redeem or restore what belongs to the family. Brown–Driver–Briggs lists Ruth 2:20 alongside responsibilities such as redeeming family land and freeing a relative from bondage; Leviticus 25:25–28, 47–55 gives those responsibilities.
This family connection opens a possibility beyond food for the day. For now, Ruth continues with Boaz’s young women through the barley and wheat harvests and lives with Naomi. The household is receiving provision while the question of its longer future remains.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Wesley and Henry emphasize Ruth’s continued work, her sharing with Naomi, and her willingness to accept guidance about where to glean. Gill explains the kindness to the living and dead through care for the surviving women and respect for their deceased family. Their readings connect the present provision with the family ties Naomi has recognized.
Boaz’s welcome at the meal has also prompted readings beyond the immediate event. In the Jewish collection Ruth Rabbah 5:6, one reading connects the bread with the Messiah’s kingship and the vinegar with suffering, citing Isaiah 53:5. The same passage offers several other readings, including the actual harvesters’ meal. This is a Jewish explanation looking toward the Messiah; it does not itself identify Jesus or declare that Boaz performed a Christian ceremony.
The story is also preparing the reader for the responsibilities of a redeemer. Calling Boaz one of them identifies a family relationship and a possible source of help. It does not yet report a completed redemption or a marriage agreement; those questions develop in the following chapters.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
The responsibility of a relative to act for family provides a useful comparison with Christ’s rescue. Hebrews 2:11–18 says Jesus shares the humanity of those He saves, calls them His brothers, and becomes a merciful and faithful high priest. Through His death He breaks the power of the devil and releases people from slavery to the fear of death.
Galatians 4:4–7 gives the purpose of His coming in terms of redemption and family: God sends His Son to redeem, so that people receive adoption and become heirs. Boaz’s family role introduces a rescue still to unfold in Ruth. The New Testament states the greater rescue through the Son who brings His people into God’s household.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.