Ruth 2:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ruth 2:10
10 Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?
Chapter Context
Ruth 2 is a historical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of hope, grace, faith. Written during the period of the Judges (c. 1100 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: During the tribal confederacy period, local customs and family laws were paramount for survival.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-23: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Ruth and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Ruth 2:10
10 Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?
Analysis
Ruth's response demonstrates profound humility: 'Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground'—full prostration showing deepest respect and gratitude. Her question—'Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?'—uses the key term chen (grace/favor). She recognizes Boaz's kindness as unmerited favor, not earned rights. The Hebrew nokriyah (stranger/foreigner) emphasizes her outsider status, lacking rights or claims. Ruth marvels that Boaz would 'take knowledge of' (lehakkireni)—acknowledge, recognize, or pay attention to—someone with no social standing. Her amazement at grace received foreshadows the gospel: Gentiles marveling that God would adopt them into His family despite having 'no claim' on His favor. Grace by definition is undeserved; Ruth grasps this theological reality.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern social hierarchies rigidly separated classes and ethnic groups. Foreigners, particularly Moabites (historically Israel's enemies), typically received suspicion and contempt rather than kindness. Ruth's prostration reflected standard protocol when social inferiors addressed superiors, particularly wealthy landowners. Her question about 'finding grace' uses covenant language found throughout Scripture when the vulnerable appeal to the powerful for undeserved mercy. The concept of 'taking knowledge of' someone implied elevating them to attention and concern—the opposite of ignoring or dismissing them as beneath notice. Ruth correctly identified Boaz's treatment as exceptional, not standard protocol. Her humility here contrasts with modern entitlement mentality that demands rights rather than receives grace with gratitude.
Reflection
- How does Ruth's amazed gratitude for grace challenge contemporary attitudes of entitlement to God's blessings?
- What does her humble recognition of being a 'stranger' teach about approaching God without claims on His favor?
Word Studies
- Grace: חֵן (Chen) H2580 - Grace, favor
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Ruth 2:13, 1 Samuel 25:23, 2 Samuel 9:8, 19:28, Luke 1:43, 1:48