Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens: (Ruth 2:8)
Boaz recognized the special degree of responsibility to which his relationship to her bound him. No one else would grant her the favorable opportunity to glean that he gave her. Boaz’ “maidens,” or gleaners, followed immediately behind the reapers, gathering up what they may have missed. The gleaner who followed closest would naturally have the best opportunity.
My daughter.
From the viewpoint of his more advanced years (ch. 3:10) Boaz might appropriately address Ruth as “daughter.”