Ruth 3:6-13
6 So she went down to the threshing floor and did according to all that her mother-in-law had commanded her.
7 When 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 secretly, and uncovered his feet and lay down.
8 And it happened in the middle of the night that the man was startled and bent forward; and behold, a woman was lying at his feet.
9 So he said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth your slave. Now spread your garment over your slave, for you are a redeemer.”
10 Then he said, “May you be blessed of the Lord, my daughter. You have shown your last kindness to be better than the first, by not going after young men, whether poor or rich.
11 So now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you whatever you say, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence.
12 But now, although it is true that I am a redeemer, yet there is also a redeemer more closely related than I.
13 Remain this night, and when morning comes, if he will redeem you, good; let him redeem you. But if he does not wish to redeem you, then I will redeem you, as the Lord lives. Lie down until morning.”
A Night at the Threshing Floor
Ruth’s faith
There is nothing immoral in what is written in today’s passage. Ruth is acting in accordance with the Law of Moses and her mother-in-law’s advice. Boaz also seeks to do things in the best direction in accordance with the Law. Let’s learn a lesson from the conversation of these two mature believers. (1) Ruth said to Boaz, “I am Ruth your slave. Now spread your garment over your slave, for you are a redeemer.” The word translated as “garment” refers to the “corner” of a garment and its literal translation is “wing.” Boaz had previously said to Ruth, “May the Lord reward your work, and may your wages be full from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge” (2:12). Ruth, who sought refuge under the wings of the God of Israel, now believed that Boaz was the refuge given by the Lord and sought shelter under his extended wings. (2) Even today, in Jewish wedding ceremonies, this custom is observed. The groom covers the bride’s head with the corner of his tallit (prayer shawl). It’s a symbolic act of the groom accepting the bride and vowing to protect her throughout their life together. (3) Ruth explained the reason for her arrival in the middle of the night, saying, “You are a close relative who has the right of redemption.” In other words, she appealed to the fact that this act was in accordance with the Law of Moses.
Boaz’ faith
(1) Boaz treats Ruth as a virtuous woman and understands that she is earnestly seeking redemption. (2) It seems neither Naomi nor Ruth knew of a closer relative with the right of redemption. Boaz reveals this information and plans for everything to be done openly and fairly. If the closer relative, who has priority, decides to redeem Ruth, she then will become his wife. Boaz entrusts everything to the Lord’s hand. This shows his faithfulness as a believer. (3) Boaz speaks kindly to Ruth and allows her to rest there until morning. On that night at the threshing floor, it wasn’t just Boaz and Ruth; the Lord was with them as well.
Today's prayer
O God of Israel, may only Your will be done in my life. I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.