Page "Book of Ruth" Paragraph 35

2.

Loving-kindness living: Boaz and Ruth are models of an altruism for which the word " loving-kindness " has been coined ( approximately translating Hebrew hesed ).

They act in ways enjoined in both Jewish and Christian precepts, that promote the well-being of others.

It is also at the same time believably spontaneous and human that Ruth should want to stay with the mother-in-law for whom she had built up an affection, and offer to undertake the back-breaking and humble work of gleaning ( Leviticus 23: 22 ) to support them.

Boaz is also spontaneously kind in a way that is both humane and righteous.

He enables Ruth to obtain more from her gleaning without offering the embarrassment of direct donation.

Though no doubt also motivated by an affection towards Ruth, in marrying her he has to pay a cost in money and uncertainty.

The nearer kinsman does not rise to these qualities.