Previously Boaz had demonstrated kindness toward Ruth through his words—inquiring about her with his servant (Ruth 2:5–7), exhorting Ruth to glean in his field with his maidservants and to drink from the water drawn by his young men (Ruth 2:8, 9), and comforting her with words of kindness (Ruth 2:11, 12).

Now, at mealtime, Boaz shows favor to Ruth through not just his speech but his deeds. First, he invites her to share a meal with himself and his workers and provides her with enough food to satisfy both Ruth and her mother-in-law (Ruth 2:13, 14).

Second, he instructs his young men to allow her to glean freely in his field and admonishes them not to mistreat her (Ruth 2:15, 16). Boaz's kindness toward Ruth embodies Yahweh's abundant love and provision for a Moabite widow who fears and serves him.