Ruth3

Naomi instructs Ruth to approach Boaz at the threshingfloor, discreetly lying at his feet to seek his protection as a kinsman-redeemer. Ruth obeys, and when Boaz discovers her, she requests him to spread his skirt over her. Boaz commends her virtue and agrees to act as redeemer, but notes a nearer kinsman has the first right. He sends Ruth home with a gift of barley, promising to settle the matter swiftly.

Naomi Instructs Ruth's Bold Action

1
Na'omi her mother-in-law said to her, "My daughter, I should be seeking security for you; so that things will go well with you. ​
2
Now there's Bo'az our relative -you were with his girls. He's going to be winnowing barley tonight at the threshing-floor. ​
3
So bathe, anoint yourself, put on your good clothes, and go down to the threshing-floor; but don't reveal your presence to the man until he's finished eating and drinking. ​
4
Then, when he lies down, take note of where he's lying; later, go in, uncover his feet, and lie down. He will tell you what to do." ​
5
She responded, "I will do everything you tell me."

The Encounter at the Threshing Floor

6
She went down to the threshing-floor and did everything as her mother-in-law had instructed her.
7
After Bo'az was through eating and drinking and was feeling good, he went to lie down at the end of the pile of grain. She stole in, uncovered his feet and lay down. ​
8
In the middle of the night the man was startled and turned over, and - there was a woman lying at his feet!
9
He asked, "Who are you?" and she answered, "I'm your handmaid Rut. Spread your robe over your handmaid, because you are a redeeming kinsman." ​

Boaz Promises to Act as Kinsman Redeemer

10
He said, "May ADONAI bless you, my daughter. Your latest kindness is even greater than your first, in that you didn't go after the young men, neither the rich ones nor the poor. ​
11
And now, my daughter, don't be afraid. I will do for you everything you say, for all the city leaders among my people know that you are a woman of good character. ​
12
Now, it is true that I am a redeeming kinsman; but there is a redeemer who is a closer relative than I am. ​
13
Stay tonight. If, in the morning, he will redeem you, fine! - let him redeem you. But if he doesn't want to redeem you, then, as ADONAI lives, I will redeem you. Now, lie down until morning." ​

The Morning Departure and Naomi’s Assurance

14
She lay at his feet until morning; then, before [it was light enough that] people could recognize each other, she got up; because he said, "No one should know that the woman came to the threshing-floor." ​
15
He also said, "Bring the shawl you are wearing, and take hold of it." She held it while he put six measures of barley into it; then he went into the city. ​
16
When she came to her mother-in-law, she asked, "Who are you? My daughter?"She told her everything the man had done for her.
17
Then she added, "He gave me these six measures of barley; because he said to me, "You shouldn't return to your mother-in-law with nothing."
18
Na'omi said, "My daughter, just stay where you are, until you learn how the matter comes out; for the man won't rest unless he resolves the matter today." ​

Study Notes for Ruth 3

Verse 1

Naomi seeks 'rest' (*menuchah*) for Ruth, which biblically signifies security, stability, and the protection afforded by a stable household and marriage. This is Naomi’s last act of maternal provision.

Verse 2

The threshing floor was typically a raised, open-air area outside the city walls. Boaz winnowing grain at night was normal practice, utilizing the evening breeze, but it provided a secluded setting for Naomi’s plan.

Verse 3

Washing, anointing, and putting on her best clothes symbolized Ruth shedding the garb of mourning and widowhood, preparing herself for a new life and a serious proposition.

Verse 4

The action of uncovering the feet and lying down was a symbolic, vulnerable gesture, not inherently sexual, signaling to Boaz that she was seeking his protection and requesting him to perform the duty of the kinsman redeemer (*go'el*).

Verse 7

The phrase 'his heart was merry' indicates a sense of contentment and satisfaction after a good harvest meal, setting the stage for the midnight awakening and subsequent conversation.

Verse 9

Ruth’s request, 'spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid,' is a formal plea for marriage and protection. The 'skirt' (or 'wing') metaphor echoes Boaz’s blessing in 2:12, linking his human protection to God’s divine provision.

Verse 10

Boaz praises Ruth for showing 'more kindness in the latter end' (to Naomi and the deceased family line) by seeking marriage with an older relative like him, rather than pursuing younger men for personal gain.

Verse 11

The phrase 'virtuous woman' (Hebrew: *'ishshah chayil*) is the highest compliment, denoting strength, capability, and moral excellence. This public acknowledgment validates Ruth’s character and removes any suspicion about her actions that night.

Verse 12

Boaz immediately acknowledges the requirement of the law of the *go'el* (kinsman redeemer), which obligated the closest relative to buy back land and marry the widow to perpetuate the deceased’s family name.

Verse 13

Boaz’s oath, 'as the LORD liveth,' guarantees his commitment. He respects the legal priority of the nearer kinsman but guarantees his own action if the first kinsman declines the duty.

Verse 14

The secrecy was crucial to protect Ruth’s reputation from scandal and to maintain the integrity of the legal process Boaz was about to initiate concerning the nearer kinsman.

Verse 15

The six measures of barley serve as both a substantial provision for Naomi and Ruth, and a tangible token of Boaz’s promise, assuring Naomi that the matter has been dealt with decisively.

Verse 18

Naomi’s final words display absolute trust in Boaz’s character. She understands that a man of his integrity, having made a commitment, will not rest until the legal and familial matter is completely settled that day.

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