Thursday, September 10, 2015

Ruth 3: Something More Than Friendship

Ruth 3 escalates the relationship between Boaz and Ruth.  Whereas formerly the older gentleman was charitably looking out for a young widow who was a foreigner to his country, he is now surreptitiously approached by her at night on the threshing floor with deeper intentions.

Naomi sets things in motion by expressing her concern for Ruth's prospects.  "My daughter, I need to seek some security for you, so that it may be will with you" (vs. 1).   She instructs Ruth to wash and anoint herself and put on her best clothes.  Then she is to go to Boaz at the threshing floor where he is winnowing barley that evening.  After he eats and drinks and lies down, Naomi advises Ruth to uncover his feet and lie down.

Ruth follows Naomi's guidance.  When Boaz awakens in the middle of the night, startled to find a woman lying at his feet, Ruth identifies herself and propositions him with marriage: "Spread your cloak over your servant, for you are next-of-kin" (vs. 9).  Boaz responds favorably to this overture.  He replies that he will do as she asks, but must first ensure that a closer kin does not wish to act as her redeemer.

Ruth goes home early in the morning before she can be recognized in order to preserve her honor (vs. 14).  She reports everything back to Naomi, who must have been very pleased at the results of her efforts to play match-maker.  She knows that Boaz will not rest until he settles the matter.

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