With the maids

James Jordan points out that Boaz “adopts” Ruth into his household when he first meets her. The use of the Hebrew na’ar hints at this. Boaz speaks to his na’ar when he first arrives on the scene (2:5), and invites Ruth to drink water along with his na’arim (2:9). In his first conversation with Ruth he tells her to “stay among my maids” ( na’arot ). The Hebrew word can mean young man/young woman as well as servant. Boaz addresses Ruth as “daughter” and brings her into his household, ingrafting a Gentile who will become the means for the restoration of Naomi’s house.