Redemption

While the passage doesn’t explicitly state the time frame, it is most likely several weeks have elapsed between chapter 2 and chapter 3.

If we were to look at the book of Ruth as a play it would consist of 4 Acts and an epilogue.

Act 1 (Chapter 1:1-21) - The Crisis for the Royal Line [4 Scenes]

Act 2 (Chapter 1:22- Chapter 2:23 - The Ray of Hope for the Royal Line [4 Scenes]

Act 3 (Chapter 3) - The Complication for the Royal Line - and we will look at 3 Scenes

Scene 1 is the Scheme (3:1-5)

Maybe Naomi hope Boaz, after he showed interest in Ruth, would take the initiative to start a relationship that was more the landowner and alien scavenger.

We do not know what was going through Boaz’s mind, maybe he was just being nice because Ruth was faithful to her mother in law. Maybe Boaz was hesitant to pursue anything because Ruth was a recent widow and he was giving her time to grieve and heal.

What is obvious is that he was not making any moves so Naomi had to get things moving if this was going to happen.

Except for a few words, the majority of the first part is direct speech from Naomi. Her speech is directed at Ruth and breaks down into 3 parts - 1. A statement of the problem. 2. - A summary of the facts. 3. A detailed description of the procedure.

The problem…

Ruth 3 (CSB)

1 Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, “My daughter, shouldn’t I find rest for you, so that you will be taken care of?

Naomi affectionately addresses Ruth as “My daughter” - Ruth was not merely an in-law but Naomi loved her as if she were her own flesh and blood.

She poses a rhetorical question - Is it not up to her to secure Ruth’s future? Sounds like a mother right?

The idea of finding “rest” speaks of the security and peace that a woman in Israel longed for and expected to find in the home of a loving husband.

It is true that if Ruth found a husband then Naomi’s anxieties concerning the future and both their basic economic necessities of food, shelter and clothing would be taken care of. What is is even true is that Naomi declares her sole motivation in proposing the following scheme is the welfare of her daughter -in-law.

Now the summary of the facts…

2 Now isn’t Boaz our relative? Haven’t you been working with his female servants? This evening he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor.

Another rhetorical question - isn’t Boaz our relative? The most important part of this question is Naomi’s use of the word “our”. She is linking them together in what is essentially an Israelite custom - we must assume at some point Ruth was educated on Jewish customs.

Because Ruth had been working with the female servants she would know the timing of the harvest process and the location as well. This would also give her opportunity to be where the winnowing would take place.

The threshing floor involved rock outcrops on hilltops. The hard surface was needed to keep the grain free of dirt and to facilitate sweeping up the grains at the end of the day.

The hilltop location also take advantage of the wind that would blow away the chaff when the grain was tossed in the air. This would allow the heavier grains to fall to the floor.

Boaz chose to to do his winnowing at night - a couple of reasons - one is that harvest was done late May early June so night was cooler - a second possible reason is that the night breezes were more desirable than the gusty winds of the daytime.

And now, the prescription of the procedure…

3 Wash, put on perfumed oil, and wear your best clothes. Go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let the man know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. 4 When he lies down, notice the place where he’s lying, go in and uncover his feet, and lie down. Then he will explain to you what you should do.” 5 So Ruth said to her, “I will do everything you say.”

Naomi didn’t specifically tell Ruth she was trying to marry her off to Boaz but based on what she tells her to do it is somewhat obvious she is trying to attract him.

First, Naomi told her to take a bath - always a good tip if trying to attract someone cause few people find dirty and smelly appealing.

Second, put on some perfume. Of course back them the did not have Secret and Channel #5 so perfumed oil was a good way to combat body odor especially on those warmer days.

Finally, Naomi told Ruth to put on her dress or her best attire to be more specific. My Uncle John said he had one suit - he called it his marrying and burying suit. It is the one he wore for weddings and funeral (including his own). Not too long ago and for some still it would be their “Sunday best”. This is that one nice outfit that is kept for special occasions, not daily work.

It is also possible that Naomi is speaking only of the outer garment - in Exodus 22:26

Exodus 22:26 CSB

26 “If you ever take your neighbor’s cloak as collateral, return it to him before sunset.

The outer garment or cloak was used as a blanket and since Ruth was a poor person going out to spend the night in the field she will have needed this blanket to keep warm.

I think there is more to it. I believe Naomi it telling Ruth to end her period of mourning and get on with her normal life. 2 Samuel 12:20

2 Samuel 12:20 CSB

20 Then David got up from the ground. He washed, anointed himself, changed his clothes, went to the Lord’s house, and worshiped. Then he went home and requested something to eat. So they served him food, and he ate.

It is possible Ruth had been wearing the clothes of widowhood even while working in the field and as mentioned before maybe this is why Boaz hesitated.

Next Ruth was instructed to go to the threshing floor but don’t let her presence be known until after Boaz has finished eating and drinking. Some think this alludes back to Lot and what his daughters did by getting him drunk and Ruth being a Moabite is a descendant of Lot.

Nothing in this passage indicates that Boaz would drink to drunkeness and Ruth had consistently been portrayed and the opposite of the typical Moabite. Reality is that after dinner and a drink Boaz would have been settled in and relaxed. He has already shown a desire to help Ruth when he served her at lunch - if he knew she was there he would have fussed over her and would not have been relaxed enough for the rest of the plan to work.

The uncovering of the feet and laying down is kinda iffy. Apparently, it was common for prostitutes to go out during the harvest when the men were sleeping at the threshing floor. Some believe this is Naomi’s intention by having Ruth all dolled up, going out after dinner and drinks, uncovering - uncovering was often associated with something sexual or inappropriate.

Naomi’s plan is a gamble but nothing in their history together would indicate Naomi would prostitute her daughter-in-law this way, or that Ruth would go along with that idea - there is even nothing to indicate Boaz would act favorably to some sexual advance.

The last part of her instructions are, “Then he will explain to you what you should do.” Naomi’s faith is strong and by this time she has confidence in Boaz’s integrity and in the hidden hand of God to govern Boaz’s reaction when he wakes.

Scene 2 - The Implementation of the Scheme (3.6-15)

6 She went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law had charged her to do. 7 After Boaz ate, drank, and was in good spirits, he went to lie down at the end of the pile of barley, and she came secretly, uncovered his feet, and lay down. 8 At midnight, Boaz was startled, turned over, and there lying at his feet was a woman! 9 So he asked, “Who are you?” “I am Ruth, your servant,” she replied. “Take me under your wing, for you are a family redeemer.” 10 Then he said, “May the Lord bless you, my daughter. You have shown more kindness now than before, because you have not pursued younger men, whether rich or poor. 11 Now don’t be afraid, my daughter. I will do for you whatever you say, since all the people in my town know that you are a woman of noble character. 12 Yes, it is true that I am a family redeemer, but there is a redeemer closer than I am. 13 Stay here tonight, and in the morning, if he wants to redeem you, that’s good. Let him redeem you. But if he doesn’t want to redeem you, as the Lord lives, I will. Now lie down until morning.”

Ruth did as Naomi instructed.

Boaz was tired and very relaxed and fell asleep. This is apparent because he didn’t notice Ruth uncovering his feet - the scripture says feet but keep in mind that in Jewish terms feet actually included the leg (at least to the knee).

Anyone ever gone to bed warm but woke up as the night cooled off and grabbed the covers - this is what happened to Boaz around midnight.

He was startled to find a woman laying there at his feet - some would have gladly accepted the advancement of this woman but not Boaz. Boaz asked who she was and in doing so he was also asking what she was doing there.

Ruth’s answer is amazing - the first part is not but when says “Take me under your wing, for you are a family redeemer.” is. For us it doesn’t mean much but to an Israelite there isn’t a question.

Ruth is basically asking him to marry her. Here is a servant demanding that the boss marry her, a Moabite making the demand of an Israelite, a woman making the demand of a man, a poor person making the demand of a rich man. Was this an act of foreigner naïveté, or a daughter-in-law’s devotion to her mother-in-law, or another sign of the hidden hand of God?

Boaz has been impressed with Ruth and her actions here are no different. He is humbled that she would even want him to marry her because of their age difference.

Again, we get a look at how the people in this story display a complete reversal of how the people behaved in the book of Judges. As honored and willing Boaz was to marry Ruth he informs her there is someone who is closer in relation that we was and that he should be the one to redeem her.

This is not an indication Boaz doesn’t want to marry her, in fact it is the opposite. Boaz would love to marry Ruth but he wants to honor Jewish custom by making sure the proper kinsman redeemer fulfills his role. Plus, this also may give Ruth an out if she really doesn’t want to marry Boaz.

Boaz tells her to say there for the night (protecting her) and tomorrow he will make the inquiry for her and if the other person is will then he will step aside but if not he will redeem the family and marry her.

Here is something to hang on - The lives of genuinely good people are not governed by laws but character and a moral sense of right and wrong.

14 So she lay down at his feet until morning but got up while it was still dark. Then Boaz said, “Don’t let it be known that a woman came to the threshing floor.” 15 And he told Ruth, “Bring the shawl you’re wearing and hold it out.” When she held it out, he shoveled six measures of barley into her shawl, and she went into the town.

They probably didn’t sleep much the rest of the night. But before the sun was up so were they.

Boaz didn’t want people to know that Ruth had been there all night. He was concerned for her reputation. While nothing illicit happened you know people would talk.

He gave her six measures of barely - we are not sure what the actual measure is but the typical measures would be too heavy to carry or too much for a scarf to hold. The amount is most likely 6 handfuls or something similar.

Why did her give her the barely? It doesn’t say - maybe it was to give her a cover story if someone saw her. Maybe it was merely a gift. Possibly it was a sign or promise that Boaz would take care of her and Naomi.

Scene 3 - The Results of the Scheme (3.16-18)

16 She went to her mother-in-law, Naomi, who asked her, “What happened, my daughter?” Then Ruth told her everything the man had done for her. 17 She said, “He gave me these six measures of barley, because he said, ‘Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’ ” 18 Naomi said, “My daughter, wait until you find out how things go, for he won’t rest unless he resolves this today.”

I’m guessing Naomi did not sleep too much either.

You can picture Ruth walking in the door, Naomi pacing anxiously sees here come in and immediately asks, “What happened?”

Ruth told her everything. She even fills in a bit of information - Boaz gave her the barley so she didn’t go back empty handed to Naomi.

Several reasons - first, Boaz’s obligation as kinsman redeemer is actually to Naomi - second, he may have sent the gift for Naomi’s initiative in getting them together - third, he sent it as a sign of good faith much like what the groom would give at the time of betrothal as a promise to prepare for the wedding and a pledge for the good behavior of the groom toward the bride.

Naomi tells Ruth to sit back, relax and see what is about to happen - she has faith in God and Boaz.

Act 4 - The Rescue of the Royal Line - lets look at the 2 Scenes

Scene 1- The Legal Resolution (4.1-12)

Ruth 4 (CSB)

1 Boaz went to the gate of the town and sat down there. Soon the family redeemer Boaz had spoken about came by. Boaz said, “Come over here and sit down.” So he went over and sat down. 2 Then Boaz took ten men of the town’s elders and said, “Sit here.” And they sat down.

Instead of going home after the night at the threshing floor Boaz went straight to the gate and waited.

The other relative was either returning from a night at work like Boaz or was heading out to the fields to begin his day.

Not only did Boaz get the relative but he also brought men from the town, elders as witnesses to make sure everything was legal.

3 He said to the redeemer, “Naomi, who has returned from the territory of Moab, is selling the portion of the field that belonged to our brother Elimelech. 4 I thought I should inform you: Buy it back in the presence of those seated here and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you want to redeem it, do it. But if you do not want to redeem it, tell me so that I will know, because there isn’t anyone other than you to redeem it, and I am next after you.” “I want to redeem it,” he answered. 5 Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the field from Naomi, you will acquire Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the deceased man, to perpetuate the man’s name on his property.” 6 The redeemer replied, “I can’t redeem it myself, or I will ruin my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption, because I can’t redeem it.” 7 At an earlier period in Israel, a man removed his sandal and gave it to the other party in order to make any matter legally binding concerning the right of redemption or the exchange of property. This was the method of legally binding a transaction in Israel. 8 So the redeemer removed his sandal and said to Boaz, “Buy back the property yourself.”

Boaz informs the proposed redeemer of the opportunity at hand. Naomi really could not have sold any land but any land would have gone to the next relative.

Of course if when they left there was a debt owed on the property the redeemer would have to take care of that prior to possessing the land.

The relative is willing to take the land - it was then Boaz informed him of the second part of the inheritance - Ruth and Naomi.

It was then he probably added upt the cost of redeeming the property, plus the cost of maintaining the widow Naomi, plus the cost of marrying Ruth that he realized it may not be a fiscally sound move thus putting any current wealth he may have in jeopardy.

Now aren’t you glad we no longer have to remove a give a shoe to seal a deal?

The buck has officially been passed to Boaz.

9 Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses today that I am buying from Naomi everything that belonged to Elimelech, Chilion, and Mahlon. 10 I have also acquired Ruth the Moabitess, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, to perpetuate the deceased man’s name on his property, so that his name will not disappear among his relatives or from the gate of his hometown. You are witnesses today.”

Court has concluded, the witnesses can testify - Boaz gave the opportunity fairly and the other man refused so he will redeem it all.

11 All the people who were at the city gate, including the elders, said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman who is entering your house like Rachel and Leah, who together built the house of Israel. May you be powerful in Ephrathah and your name well known in Bethlehem. 12 May your house become like the house of Perez, the son Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring the Lord will give you by this young woman.”

They accepted their role in this legal preceding .

Their prayer to God is that Yahweh would grant this foreign woman a place among the matriarchs - with Rachel and Leah.

The second part is that Boaz become prosperous - in name, offspring and wealth.

Scene 2 - The Genealogical Resolution - (4.13-17)

13 Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. He slept with her, and the Lord granted conception to her, and she gave birth to a son.

Boaz followed through on his promise and married Ruth. As you do on the honeymoon they consummated the marriage.

Glory is given to God for the conception of a child - remember Ruth had been married around 10 years of Mahlon and did not have a child - this child was a gift from God.

They had a son.

14 The women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you without a family redeemer today. May his name become well known in Israel. 15 He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. Indeed, your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.”

The women of town respond with a blessing of praise.

This is a twist from when Naomi returned to town - the women all saw and were like “hey is that Naomi” - Naomi said call me Mara because I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty.

The realized that God has taken what was full then empty is now full again - thanks to God.

16 Naomi took the child, placed him on her lap, and became a mother to him.

Naomi takes the child and does what any loving grandma would do - love the baby, helps watch and raise the child and teaches the child what it needs to know.

17 The neighbor women said, “A son has been born to Naomi,” and they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.

Epilogue - The Genealogy of the Royal Line

18 Now these are the family records of Perez: Perez fathered Hezron, 19 Hezron fathered Ram, Ram fathered Amminadab, 20 Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon, 21 Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed, 22 Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered David.

The point of this genealogy is found in verse 22 - Obed fathered Jesse and Jesse fathered David…

If we keep going - Jesus

The book of Ruth begins with - “During the time of the judges…” So it was in the dark days of the judges the foundation is laid for the line that would produce the Savior, the Messiah, the Redeemer of a lost and destitute humanity.