11 And Boaz answered and said to her, “It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and have come to a people whom you did not know before. 12 The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.” 13 Then she said, “Let me find favor in your sight, my lord; for you have comforted me, and have spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not like one of your maidservants.”
Now we come to Boaz’s second speech to Ruth (2:11-12) and Ruth’s response (2:13).
2:11
And Boaz answered and said to her, “It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and have come to a people whom you did not know before.
News traveled rapidly about how Ruth cared for Naomi. As soon as his foreman told him who Ruth was, he offered her his help. Boaz took note of Ruth’s kindness to Naomi. Naomi had released Ruth from all legal and moral obligations toward her, but Ruth continued to serve her in grace. She also embraced the God of Israel as her Savior.
2:12
The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.”
Boaz petitioned the Lord, asking that He would repay Ruth’s efforts on behalf of Naomi.
The phrase “under whose wings you have come for refuge” refers to Ruth’s belief in the God of Israel. She had come to Him for protection.
2:13
Then she said, “Let me find favor in your sight, my lord; for you have comforted me, and have spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not like one of your maidservants.”
Ruth responded in humility to Boaz. She expressed gratitude for his grace, comfort, and kind words. She gave two reasons for her gratitude: (1) Boaz gave her comfort in her financial situation and (2) Boaz expressed kind words to her; that is, he was compassionate towards her.
Ruth deemed herself on the low rung in Israeli society. She was amazed about Boaz’s grace toward her.
PRINCIPLE:
For every action there is an equal reciprocal action.
APPLICATION:
God responds in grace to our grace towards others. God rewards us for acting in grace towards others.
