TURNING POINT: meeting of Ruth and Boaz

Ruth and Boaz meet (Ruth 2)

David A. Dorsey, The Literary Structure of the Old Testament

1. a
   introduction: Ruth tells Naomi her plans to glean (an activity of the destitute)2:1–2
2. b
   Ruth goes out and gleans2:3without apparent plan or guidance of safety; she begins working in morning (cf. 2:7), happening upon Boaz's field
3. c
   Boaz arrives and hears about Ruth2:4–7"from morning until now she sat (yšḇ) only for a little" (presumably eating a little, by herself); time reference
4. d
   TURNING POINT: Boaz tells Ruth: Boaz's kindness and generosity to Ruth2:8–13
5. c′
   Boaz invites Ruth to join him and his harvesters for a bountiful meal2:14she sits (yšḇ) with them and eats, with food left over; time reference
6. b′
   Ruth arises and gleans again in Boaz's field2:15–17enjoys Boaz's full protection and assistance; she works until evening
7. a′
   conclusion: Ruth returns to Naomi and joyfully tells her all that has happened2:18–23