Boaz pronounces blessing: 'The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust'. The phrase 'recompense thy work' (yeshalem YHWH pa'olekh) prays that Yahweh will repay Ruth's covenant loyalty. The word shalem means to make complete, pay fully, or restore—Boaz prays for comprehensive divine reward. The phrase 'full reward' (maskoret shlemah) emphasizes completeness—not partial payment but abundant recompense. The beautiful image 'under whose wings thou art come to trust' uses kena-payiv (wings), often translated as the wings of God providing shelter and protection (Psalm 17:8; 36:7; 57:1; 91:4). This bird imagery depicts God as mother hen protecting chicks—intimate, tender, fiercely protective. Ruth has fled to Yahweh's refuge, trusting His covenant protection.
Historical Context
The metaphor of God's 'wings' providing shelter appears throughout Scripture, particularly in Psalms. Ancient Near Eastern art sometimes depicted deities with wings symbolizing protection, though Israel's aniconic faith forbade divine images. The wings imagery connects to the cherubim's wings over the ark of the covenant, representing God's protective presence. Boaz's blessing invokes God's special care for those who trust Him, particularly vulnerable foreigners who abandon former gods to seek Yahweh's protection. This blessing proved prophetic—God's 'full reward' included not just physical provision but incorporation into the messianic line. Ruth's trust in Yahweh ultimately positioned her as great-grandmother of David and ancestress of Christ—a reward beyond imagination. The irony: Boaz prayed for God to reward Ruth, not knowing he would be the human instrument of that divine provision.
Questions for Reflection
How does the image of seeking refuge under God's wings provide comfort during seasons of vulnerability and uncertainty?
What does Ruth's example teach about trusting God's recompense even when immediate circumstances appear difficult?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Boaz pronounces blessing: 'The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust'. The phrase 'recompense thy work' (yeshalem YHWH pa'olekh) prays that Yahweh will repay Ruth's covenant loyalty. The word shalem means to make complete, pay fully, or restore—Boaz prays for comprehensive divine reward. The phrase 'full reward' (maskoret shlemah) emphasizes completeness—not partial payment but abundant recompense. The beautiful image 'under whose wings thou art come to trust' uses kena-payiv (wings), often translated as the wings of God providing shelter and protection (Psalm 17:8; 36:7; 57:1; 91:4). This bird imagery depicts God as mother hen protecting chicks—intimate, tender, fiercely protective. Ruth has fled to Yahweh's refuge, trusting His covenant protection.