Take Two: Ruth 3, Proverbs 1

Chapter 3 is one of the more risque' chapter in the Scripture. Keep a couple of things in mind as you read. First, it is a narrative...meaning that its structure and language is intended to continue to draw the reader/hearer into the story. So, while it is intentionally ambiguous in parts...the meaning was clear in the minds of the reader/hearer. They were saying things without saying things. Second, allow the text to speak for itself. While this seems subdued compared to prime time television, and it may be that we default to a soap opera thought process, there is no reason to read more into the text than the original audience would. (Sometimes our interpretation is weighted in favor of our own predispositions).

The big picture in this chapter is the kinsmen redeemer. Whenever a woman, one of the most vulnerable people in society, was left as a widow, she was in danger of losing everything. She could not go find a job. She could not, as a rule, expect support from society. Her best hope was to remarry. Secondly, in the biblical period, the continuation of a "line" of descendents was very important. If a man died without an heir, his family line would cease to exist. So, God codified the kinsmen redeemer provision to address both of these issues.

If a man did not have a male heir and was killed, his closest relative, usually a brother, would take his widow as his own wife. He would give her a son and then provide for her as one of his own household. The first son that was born was to be considered the heir of the deceased first husband. This provided both for the wife and for the continuation of the line.

Now you may think, "I am not interested in marrying my brother-in-law." Understandably, we are removed somewhat from the circumstances in the text. Instead of seeing it as being forced to marry a brother-in-law, look at it as God's ongoing provision for your welfare. You are that important to God.

Naomi tells Ruth her intentions that Ruth would be cared for and that the kinsmen redeemer would be the best course for her (Ru 3:1-5). Naomi instructs Ruth to bathe, put on perfume and fresh clothes. This is typical of a woman preparing for marriage.

Ruth goes and finds Boaz at the threshing floor where he has been working to harvest the grain. Customarily, the men would sleep near their grain during this season to protect it from theives and animals. The circumstances have led many commentators to speculate that prostitution was probably a factor in this setting. This may explain why Boaz did not simply "kick" the woman at his feet when she was discovered.

Ru 3:4 gives the instruction to "uncover his feet." This would have caused the hearers to blush. Often times, this language carried with it a sexual overtone. It is likely in this case as well. However, Ruth was instructed not to force the matter with Boaz, but to uncover his feet and wait on instructions. Naomi had confidence that Boaz would do the right thing.

In the balance of the chapter, Boaz awakes and discovers Ruth. She asks him to redeem her (Ru 3:9). She could have said, "marry me and give me a child." (same meaning). Boaz compliments her on her excellence and then does something surprising...he tells her that she has a closer relative. This is not a put-off, but a statement to Boaz's integrity as well. He did not sleep with her and then say...Uh Oh. Had no idea that "Bubba" (the closer relative) was still in the picture. He promises her that he will approach the other kinsman and then, if he refuses, Boaz will redeem her. He then tells her to sleep there at his feet until early in the morning. He gives her some grain and she returns under cover of darkness to Naomi early in the morning.

Naomi tells her that Boaz will settle the matter that day (Ru 3:17). Almost hard to wait...isn't it?

Keep in mind the presentation of the character of both Ruth and Boaz...as well as that of Naomi. All are presented as having pure motives. As such, since they are honoring the covenant with God as His people (and a foreigner among His people), God will provide and demonstrate His faithfulness to the covenant with them.

Proverbs 1:33 is the takeaway. We never have to worry about the outcome when we determine in advance to stand with God. We are secure in our hope if we have chosen His plan for our lives. This is an ongoing process. To experience the fullness of hope and security of a believer, is to daily follow the counsel of God in all things.