Charles Ellicott Commentary Ruth 2:8

"Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither pass from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens." — Ruth 2:8 (ASV)

My daughter. —This address suggests that Boaz was no longer a young man; clearly the account he had heard of Ruth, both from his servant and from general report, as well as her appearance and behaviour and doubtless a feeling of pity for her condition, had disposed him favorably toward her.

Abide her fast by my maidens. —Literally, cleave to (Genesis 2:24). The true courtesy of Boaz’s character shows itself in the mention of the maidens. He will not have the stranger even run the chance of rudeness, by being away from the company of her own sex. As the next verse shows, he had already given orders to his men on the subject.