Book of Ruth - Chapter 2 - Verse 21

The verse "And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest" from the Book of Ruth, Chapter 2, Verse 21, depicts a conversation between Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi. In this verse, Ruth shares with Naomi the kind words of Boaz, a wealthy landowner who had shown favor to Ruth by allowing her to glean in his fields alongside his young men. Boaz had instructed Ruth to stay close to his servants until the end of the harvest, ensuring her safety and providing her with ample opportunity to collect grain for herself and Naomi. This gesture from Boaz reflects his kindness and generosity towards Ruth, a foreigner in the land of Israel. As a Moabitess, Ruth faced many challenges and hardships, yet Boaz's compassion towards her serves as a pivotal moment in the story, laying the foundation for the developing relationship between Ruth and Boaz.

One possible theological interpretation of Ruth 2:21, where Ruth recounts Boaz's instructions to stay close to his young men during the harvest, is that it reflects the providence and kindness of God towards Ruth. Boaz's kindness towards Ruth, a foreigner and widow, mirrors God's care for the marginalized and vulnerable in society. The word "fast" in this verse could also be explored in a word study to understand its deeper meaning. In this context, "fast" could imply not just physical proximity, but also a sense of security, protection, and provision for Ruth. This verse highlights the themes of loyalty, generosity, and faithfulness, as seen in Boaz's actions towards Ruth and Ruth's dedication to her mother-in-law, Naomi. This verse serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in providing for His people, and how He uses individuals like Boaz to bring about His plans and purposes.