Naomi continues to advise Ruth and assures her of her concern for her safety and future, wanting the best for her.
Naomi refers to Boaz as ‘kinsman-redeemer’ (the Hebrew word is ‘goel’). It was important in Israel’s history. In Leviticus 25:48 the ‘goel’ was responsible to buy an Israelite out of slavery. He was responsible to buy back land which had been forfeited (v25) and to ensure the murderer of a family member faced the crime (Numbers 35:19) where he was known as the ‘avenger of blood’. In the context of this ‘story’ perhaps the most relevant was Deuteronomy 25:5-10 where he was responsible for carry on the family name by marrying a childless widow.
Ruth could, therefore, request Boaz to be her kinsman-redeemer and if he didn’t the family name would cease. To every man in Israel, it was a duty. Naomi advises Ruth the protocol in requesting Boaz to fulfil his responsibilities regarding a kinsman-redeemer. She states that she should wash and look her best and go to the threshing floor where Boaz will be working. “…. 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.” And she said to her, “All that you say to me I will do.”” (v3-5)
To us this seems a strange, even somewhat immoral action. In the world of today it might not be unusual.’do what comes naturally’ but to find this in the Bible might shock us. However, we need to consider the situation and reason behind it all. It was the culture signifying submission. A servant lay at his/her master’s feet ready for his command. This was an act of humility on Ruth’s part, it was a rightful claim. She wasn’t demanding but trusting that he will tell her what to do. He knew what was required of a kinsman-redeemer and he was a godly man. To Ruth this was new, but she was willing to obey Naomi and trust her as well as Boaz. He could have refused. He could have abused her.
Ruth obeys Naomi’s instructions (v6,7) “…. And after Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was cheerful, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain; and she came softly, uncovered his feet, and lay down.”
It wasn’t uncommon for the landowner to lie down by his crop as this was a security against thieves. I don’t think the fact that Boaz was ‘cheerful’ meant he was drunk. He clearly had his wits about him, but he was happy. Boaz awoke at midnight, startled as he turned in his sleep in the darkness to find someone at his feet. I assume it was dark and eventually he finds that a woman who he loves is lying at is feet (v8) and she waited to see what he would do. It would seem that he was afraid (startled). He asked who it was, and Ruth made herself known, ‘I am Ruth your maidservant, take me. under your wing for you are a close relative’ (v9). She shows great humility and by asking him to take her under his wing which was the cultural way of asking him to take her as his wife, claiming her rights.
We usually try to do something great or even with a fanfare, but throughout the Bible God often does things in a quiet way through people. “He has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, the weak to confound the mighty…. That no flesh should glory in His presence.”
Boaz really has several choices here. In today’s culture he could have taken advantage of the situation. You can imagine what could have happened, it was quiet, dark and no doubt inviting. Many would say today, ‘Here is your opportunity, be hanged with the guilt, purity, chastity and faithfulness.’ However, he shows his integrity, full of self-control and seeking righteousness. He is gentle with her, and they both show their virtue, and he said, “Blessed are you of the LORD, my daughter! For you have shown more kindness at the end than at the beginning, in that you did not go after young men, whether poor or rich. And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request, for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman.” (v10,11)
He had the right to force himself upon Ruth as her goel, but he did not. He was gentle and kind enough to not act
as goel towards Ruth unless she desired it.
The attraction was not on Boaz’ appearance but on his character and her respect for him. Although not always the basis in these days but a very good basis. Far more important than looks. I’m pretty sure that Ruth was very attractive to look at, but Boaz considered Ruth to be a beautiful character. Godliness should be evident in every part of our lives, including our ‘love life’.
However, there could be a problem. Boaz informs Ruth that there is a closer relative, and he fairly states the fact which shows his integrity. He asks Ruth to stay the night and next morning if the other relative will perform his duty, so be it. If he does not, he assures her that he will perform his God-given duty. (v12,13) again, it shows his integrity as, however much he would like to, he accepts that he cannot exercise his right if the nearer kinsman-redeemer will do it. Boaz wanted to do it right by The Lord and in a godly way.
Ruth “…. lay at his feet until morning, and she arose before one could recognize another. Then he said, “Do not let it be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.” Also, he said, “Bring the shawl that is on you and hold it.” And when she held it, he measured six ephahs of barley and laid it on her. Then she went into the city.” (v14-15)
Ruth got up early whilst still dark. Boaz was not hiding anything; they had done nothing wrong. It is thought that Boaz wanted to inform the nearer kinsman before doing anything. He generously gave her a present – a shawl full of barley. It says six ephahs, but that would be more than she could carry, the correct translation should probably be ‘handfuls’ or ‘measures.’
Ruth returned to Naomi and Naomi asked Ruth what happened. She told her mother-in-law what he had done and gave her the present (v16-18). Naomi tells Ruth to wait to see how it will turn out as she is sure Boaz will carry out his duty without delay. The issue was whom would Ruth marry.
