Judges, Ruth: Revised Edition (The NIV Application Commentary)

by K. Lawson Younger

Boaz’s reply is the high point of the scene (vv. 11–12).38 In a concise and straightforward manner, permeated with praise and admiration, he affirms what Ruth has solemnly vowed to Naomi in her stirring words of commitment in Moab (1:16–17): “You left [‘azab, abandoned] your father and mother and your homeland [moledet] and came to live with a people you did not know before” (2:11).39 Boaz then wishes that Yahweh will “repay” (shlm) Ruth for her actions and prays that she may “be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge” (v. 12). Boaz specifies that Yahweh is the God “under whose wings” (kenapim) Ruth has sought refuge/asylum. The word kanap can mean “wing” or “corner of a garment.” In 2:12 it connotes the image of a bird tenderly protecting its young. Like a defenseless starling, Ruth sits securely under Yahweh’s mighty wings.40