Na-o'mi was given a hearty and gracious welcome by her relatives and friends. She was glad to be back among them, but in her heart-broken state over the loss of her husband and two sons, she cried, "Do not call me Na-o'mi, but call me Ma'ra: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me." The name Na-o'mi means "pleasantness", while Ma'ra means "bitterness". Adding to these sorrows was the impoverished condition of the two widows. Since there was no one else to provide a livelihood for them, Ruth was obliged to look for some kind of work.
The hand of Providence directed Ruth to glean in one of the fields owned by Bo'az. She received permission from the steward in charge of the reapers to gather scattered barley behind the harvesters. In the hot, broiling sun she worked hard all day, not even taking time to return to her home for a brief rest. Toward evening Bo'az went out into the field to see what progress had been made by his reapers, and greetings were exchanged with all his workers. Attracted by the patient toil of a stranger among the women who were gleaning in the field, he asked of his steward. "Whose damsel is this, and what is her nationality?" He was told that she was the woman of Mo'ab who had returnt with Na-o'mi. He had heard many favorable comments concerning her, but up to this time had not been given an opportunity of meeting her.
Bo'az walked over to where Ruth was gleaning, but she was so busy that she did not hear him when he first spoke to her. Then he spoke again saying, "Hearest thou not, my daughter?" He told her to continue to glean in his field, and to avoid the fields of others. He then tenderly assured her that he had arranged for her protection, and kindly asked her to take refreshment from the water brought into the fields for the harvest hands. Ruth courteously expressed her thanks for this favor, bowing her head to the ground in the custom which prevailed in those days.
Then followed in the harvest field a romantic conversion which is unrivaled in all other stories. The words of Bo'az were thoughtful, respectful, and deeply religious.
With great tenderness Bo'az asked Ruth to share his hospitality in the meal which he had brought to the field. He also tactfully ordered his reapers to see that enough grain was purposely left behind them to give Ruth an abundance of food when she returnt in the evening to the home of her moth-in-law.
Ruth continued to glean in the fields of Bo'az throughout the harvest season. The admiration of Bo'az for the charm and virtue of this woman of Mo'ab soon developed into deep affection. Ruth, moreover, soon fell deeply in love with Bo'az, not merely because he had been kind to her, but because she had found him worthy of her heart.
