The quiet parting at the threshing floor marks a turning point, shifting a private promise into a public commitment. This transition is sealed with a gift of provisions that carries both immediate practical purpose and deep symbolic weight. Boaz asks Ruth to hold out the large shawl she is wearing [ביאור שטיינזלץ, רלב״ג]. Displaying remarkable modesty and physical strength, Ruth does not remove her head covering. Instead, she ties the fabric tightly around her waist like a man's belt. This creates a physical barrier, ensuring there is no accidental closeness between them as Boaz pours the grain, while also revealing her character as a woman of valor who girds herself with strength [תורה תמימה, אלשיך]. Adding to the discretion of the moment, Boaz deliberately addresses her in a way that would make any nearby strangers think he is speaking to a man [מנחת שי].
Boaz then measures out six units of barley. The primary approach among commentators is that this was a massive weight, typically too heavy for a woman to carry. Transporting it required either a miracle [צאינה וראינה] or extraordinary physical strength and agility on Ruth's part [אשכול הכופר]. Conversely, some suggest he gave her exactly six individual grains of barley [רש״י]. Others propose it was a much smaller measure that provided just enough food for Ruth and Naomi's morning meal. By giving them precisely this amount, Boaz hints that the redemption will be finalized that very day, making evening provisions unnecessary [מלבי״ם]. Alternatively, the grain serves as a practical stockpile just in case the legal proceedings take time, allowing Ruth to remain securely at home as a betrothed woman [אשכול הכופר].
Beyond the physical food, the number six carries a profound prophetic message. Boaz is signaling to Ruth that she is destined to produce six exceptionally righteous descendants, including figures like David, Hezekiah, Josiah, Hananiah, Mishael, Azariah, Daniel, and the Messiah. These descendants will be uniquely blessed with six spiritual strengths: wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of God.
As the night concludes, the journey back to the city begins. On a practical level, Boaz heads into town to arrange the legal matters of the redemption [ביאור שטיינזלץ, רלב״ג]. However, many commentators view his actions as a display of deep protection and care. Rather than letting Ruth walk back in the dark by herself, Boaz escorts her. He walks closely behind her all the way to the city gate, ensuring her safety and guarding her from anyone who might cause her harm along the road [תורה תמימה, צאינה וראינה, אשכול הכופר].