Ruth 3

CHAPTER 3

Ruth and Boaz at the Threshing Floor (3:1–18)

1–6 When Naomi saw that Boaz was favorably disposed toward Ruth, she devised a plan to test Boaz’s intentions. One day, after the grain had been harvested, she told Ruth to go down to the threshing floor¹⁹ where Boaz and his men were winnowing the harvested grain. In the evening, when Boaz was asleep, Ruth was to uncover his feet and lie down (verse 4). According to the custom of the time, that act signified that Ruth was asking Boaz to be her kinsman-redeemer. For Boaz, this would involve redeeming the land that had belonged to Naomi’s family and also acting as Ruth’s guardian and benefactor. One way Boaz could accomplish all this was by marrying Ruth, and this clearly was what Naomi had in mind.

7–9 Ruth followed Naomi’s instructions and went and lay down at the feet of Boaz. When Boaz awoke, Ruth said to him, “Spread the corner of your garment over me” (verse 9). At the very least, Ruth was asking Boaz to be her kinsman-redeemer, her protector.²⁰ But it is also possible that Ruth was consciously asking Boaz to marry her; in those days, covering a girl with the corner of one’s garment symbolized one’s intention to marry her.

10–11 Ruth had taken a big chance: supposing Boaz had rejected her request and exposed her to public shame. But Boaz immediately agreed to be Ruth’s kinsman-redeemer and also her husband. Indeed, he was honored that she had come to him rather than looking for a husband among the younger men (verse 10).

12–15 Only one matter remained: Naomi had a relative who was closer to her than Boaz. He must first be offered the chance to become the women’s kinsman-redeemer. Being a kinsman-redeemer was a privilege as well as a responsibility, and the nearest relative had to be given first choice. If he refused, then Boaz would be free to marry Ruth and become the family’s kinsman-redeemer.

Boaz told Ruth to leave in the morning before anyone discovered that a woman had come to the threshing floor (verse 14). He didn’t want people to misinterpret Ruth’s actions and bring shame upon her.

16–18 Ruth reported to Naomi all that had happened. A kinsman-redeemer was guaranteed; if it wasn’t to bethe closest relative, then it would be Boaz. Boaz had sworn an oath before God that he would perform that role (verse 13).Naomi was truly rethus her family would not become extinct. lieved; Ruth’s first son would carry on the Naomi’s days of “emptiness” were about to line of Naomi’s husband Elimelech, and become days of “fullness” once more.