The answer is: She had looked after Naomi

Ruth 2:10-11

Boaz’s actions reveal a deeper understanding of community care and kindness. In the backdrop of a society often driven by rules, he recognizes Ruth's loyalty and compassion towards her mother-in-law, Naomi. This makes him stand out—not just as a wealthy landowner but as a man of honor and integrity.

Interestingly, gleaning in fields wasn’t just an act of charity; it was a provision set by the Law of Moses, specifically in Deuteronomy 24:19-22. These laws served to support the poor and marginalized, emphasizing that everyone deserves dignity and sustenance. Ruth, a Moabite and thus often viewed as an outsider, finds refuge in Boaz's generous interpretation of this law.

Boaz’s response to Ruth also highlighted an almost prophetic nod to inclusivity—wherever we’re from, we all share the same human experience. In the narrative’s context, Boaz functions not only as a caretaker but as a redeemer, also known as the "kinsman-redeemer," a role richly developed in stories throughout the Bible.

What's fun to note is that in Biblical genealogies, Ruth would later become an ancestor of King David. She’s depicted as a glowing thread in the tapestry of scripture, weaving themes of faith, loyalty, and redemption together. It’s a beautiful testament of how one individual's kindness influences generations!