Ruth 3:2

And now [is] not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.

And now is not Boaz {H1162} of our kindred {H4130}, with whose maidens {H5291} thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth {H2219} barley {H8184} to night {H3915} in the threshingfloor {H1637}.

Now there's Bo'az our relative -you were with his girls. He's going to be winnowing barley tonight at the threshing-floor.

Now is not Boaz, with whose servant girls you have been working, a relative of ours? In fact, tonight he is winnowing barley on the threshing floor.

And now is not Boaz our kinsman, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to-night in the threshing-floor.

Commentary

In Ruth 3:2, Naomi, Ruth's mother-in-law, initiates a bold and strategic plan to secure Ruth's future. This verse highlights Naomi's intimate knowledge of Boaz and his activities, setting the stage for one of the most pivotal moments in the Book of Ruth.

Context

This verse is part of Naomi's careful instruction to Ruth, following Ruth's faithful gleaning in Boaz's fields, a story detailed in Ruth chapter 2. Having observed Boaz's kindness and integrity, Naomi realizes that he is a prime candidate for Ruth's "resting place"—a secure home and husband. The mention of Boaz winnowing barley at the threshingfloor at night is crucial; it signifies a time of significant agricultural activity when landowners often stayed to guard their valuable harvest, making it an opportune moment for Naomi's plan to unfold.

Key Themes

  • Naomi's Strategic Wisdom: Naomi demonstrates deep care and shrewdness, actively guiding Ruth towards a secure future. Her plan is calculated, leveraging cultural customs surrounding marriage and family redemption.
  • Boaz's Diligence and Character: The fact that Boaz is personally involved in "winnowing barley to night" underscores his hands-on approach and dedication to his work, reinforcing his honorable character established earlier in the book.
  • The Threshingfloor as a Setting: Far from just a workplace, the threshingfloor was often a place of business, social interaction, and even significant encounters in ancient Israel. It's a liminal space, suitable for a decisive, private meeting.
  • Preparation for a Pivotal Moment: This verse sets the stage for Ruth's bold action in the verses that follow, demonstrating the importance of careful planning and timing in pursuing a divinely guided outcome, as seen in Ruth 3:9.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Boaz of our kindred" uses the Hebrew term moda'ath, meaning a close acquaintance or relative. While not explicitly using the term goel (kinsman-redeemer) here, the concept is central to Naomi's strategy, as Boaz is identified as one who has the right and responsibility to redeem the family line.

The act of "winnowing" (Hebrew: zarah) involves tossing the threshed grain into the air, allowing the wind to blow away the lighter chaff while the heavier grain falls back down. This was a common, arduous, and essential task during harvest season.

Practical Application

Ruth 3:2 offers lessons in wise counsel and discerning opportune moments. Just as Naomi acted decisively and strategically for Ruth's well-being, we are encouraged to seek and offer sound advice, and to be attentive to the right timing for important decisions. It also subtly highlights the dignity of labor, as Boaz, a wealthy landowner, is personally engaged in the hard work of harvest. This verse reminds us that God's providence often works through diligent human effort and careful planning, leading to a desired outcome.

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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 25:5 (11 votes)

    ¶ If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband's brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband's brother unto her.

  • Deuteronomy 25:10 (11 votes)

    And his name shall be called in Israel, The house of him that hath his shoe loosed.

  • Ruth 2:20 (5 votes)

    And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed [be] he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man [is] near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.

  • Ruth 2:23 (5 votes)

    So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law.

  • Ruth 2:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name [was] Boaz.

  • Ruth 2:8 (4 votes)

    Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens:

  • Hebrews 2:11 (2 votes)

    For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified [are] all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,