“When I [Lord God] passed by you [Jerusalem] again and looked upon you, indeed your time was the time of love; so I spread My wing over you and covered your nakedness. Yes, I swore an oath to you and entered into a covenant with you, and you became Mine,” says the Lord God. (Ezekiel 16:8)
Lessons to Learn
From the previous chapter, we learned that Boaz and Ruth really "like" eachother, and that she has found "grace and favor in his sight". Now her mother-in-law, Naomi instructs her on how to make her intentions known to him: Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, shall I not seek security for you, that it may be well with you? Now Boaz, whose young women you were with, is he not our relative? In fact, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. Therefore wash yourself and anoint yourself, put on your best garment and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. Then it shall be, when he lies down, that you shall notice the place where he lies; and you shall go in, uncover his feet, and lie down; and he will tell you what you should do.” (Ruth 3:1-4) What does this mean?
This is an old ancient custom that is no longer practiced by the Jews, but Ruth was indicating that she was willing to serve Boaz (willing to be under his feet, Ruth 3:5-9). Boaz wouldn't hear of Ruth becoming a servant in his house. He was impressed that she had not chased after men as other women did (Ruth 3:10) and he realized that she had an excellent character (Ruth 3:11). Thus, Boaz realized that he wanted Ruth as a wife, not as a servant. Yet, Ruth had to give him a small push to make him realize that she was available and worthy to be his wife by offering to be his servant. Ruth made her desire known to Boaz, while still remaining a virtuous woman (Ruth 3:11). Women can let men know very directly if they are interested in them or not, but that does not mean we should disobey God's Word: Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. (Hebrews 13:4)
Well, Ruth and Boaz spent the whole night sleeping in the field (Ruth 3:14-15), and in the morning he sent her home with an "agreement" of six ephahs, or bushels of barley. Ruth explained to Naomi all that the man had done for her. And she said, “These six ephahs of barley he gave me; for he said to me, ‘Do not go empty-handed to your mother-in-law.’” (Ruth 3:16-17) Remember in the previous chapter, we learned that Jewish marriage laws required a brother or close relative of a widows deceased husband must marry her, with the hope of a son being born to continue the deceased husband's family name. But if he stands firm and says, ‘I do not want to take her,’ then his brother’s wife shall come to him in the presence of the elders, ... (Deuteronomy 25:8-9) Well Boaz confirmed this for Ruth by explaining, Now it is true that I am a close relative; however, there is a relative closer than I. Stay this night, and in the morning it shall be that if he will perform the duty of a close relative for you—good; let him do it. But if he does not want to perform the duty for you, then I will perform the duty for you, as the Lord lives! Lie down until morning.” (Ruth 3:12-13); Then [Naomi] said, “Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out; for the man will not rest until he has concluded the matter this day.” (Ruth 3:18)
Naomi was right, Boaz was determined to get this issue resolved immediately...
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