Ruth 3:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It is essential to highlight that during the harvest season, as she worked in the fields and gathered the grain, she preserved the harvest for her mother-in-law and chose not to pursue youthful admirers, but instead followed a righteous husband. For this noble choice, she received the commendation: You are a woman of excellence, and once again: Your final act of kindness surpasses all that you have done before. The latest acts of the Church, when united, exceed those of the past. We touch on this briefly here, having explored it in greater depth in the writings On Faith.

Your actions have demonstrated that your choice stems not from a desire for carnal pleasure; had it been otherwise, you would have sought out younger men, disregarding wealth or want, with only the pursuit of physical desire in mind. Instead, you have approached a mature man, who could be akin to a father figure. This is reflected in the term: dshchi. Even Boaz addressed her by this name on two occasions. "And now you need not fear; everything you ask of me, I will fulfill, for all my people’s kin will recognize you as a woman of valor, and I truly consider you as family." No one shall criticize me. You are esteemed by all, and my intention to wed is based on kinship, not on lust.