Ruth and Boaz at the Threshing Floor. So he said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth your maid. Spread the hem of your garment over me, for you are a close relative and redeemer.” Then he said, “May you be blessed by the LORD, my daughter. You have made your last kindness better than the first; for youhave not gone after young men, whether poor or rich. Rth 3:9-10
The Origin of the House of David
INTRODUCTION
This exquisite idyll is united as a supplement to the book of Judges by the word translated “now,” with which it opens. It was evidently written after the monarchy was established. It has been ascribed to the prophet Samuel, and it is easy to understand the special interest with which he would narrate the origin of the family of the youth whom he had anointed as future king.
It is clear, however, from the need of explaining a custom which had become obsolete, that the events narrated took place in the early settlement of Israel in the Land of Promise, and probably before the judgeship of Gideon. The story gives a graphic and admirable picture of the simplicity and beauty of the home life of those early years; and it teaches us that we need never despair of our life, for in ways we know not of, God is bringing good out of evil, and sunshine from the dark and cloudy sky.
4.Ruth Makes Herself Known to Her Kinsman, Rth_3:1-18
5. What was the Hebrew custom in the remarriage of a widow?
RUTH AND BOAZ AT THE THRESHING FLOOR
Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to Ruth, “My daughter, shall I not look for security and a home for you, so that it may be well with you?
Now Boaz, with whose maids you were [working], is he not our relative? See now, he is winnowing barley at the threshing floor tonight.
So wash and anoint yourself [with olive oil], then put on your [best] clothes, and go down to the threshing floor; but stay out of the man’s sight until he has finished eating and drinking.
When he lies down, notice the place where he is lying, and go and uncover his feet and lie down. Then he will tell you what to do.”
Ruth answered her, “I will do everything that you say.”
So she went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in-law had told her.
When Boaz had eaten and drunk and his heart was happy, he went to lie down at the end of the stack of grain. Then Ruth came secretly, and uncovered his feet and lay down.
In the middle of the night the man was startled and he turned over, and found a woman lying at his feet.
So he said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth your maid. Spread the hem of your garment over me, for you are a close relative and redeemer.”
Then he said, “May you be blessed by the LORD, my daughter. You have made your last kindness better than the first; for you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich.
Now, my daughter, do not be afraid. I will do for you whatever you ask, since all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence.
It is true that I am your close relative and redeemer; however, there is a relative closer [to you] than I.
Spend the night [here], and in the morning if he will redeem you, fine; let him do it. But if he does not wish to redeem you, then, as the LORD lives, I will redeem you. Lie down until the morning.”
So she lay at his feet until the morning, but got up before anyone could recognize another; Boaz said, “Do not let it be known that the woman came to the threshing floor [last night].”
He also said, “Give me the shawl you are wearing and hold it out.” So Ruth held it and he measured out six measures of barley [into it] and placed it on her. And she went into the city.
When she came home, her mother-in-law said, “How did it go, my daughter?” And Ruth told her everything that the man had done for her.
She said, “He gave me these six measures of barley, and he said to me, ‘Do not go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.'”
Then Naomi said, “Sit and wait, my daughter, until you learn how this matter turns out; for the man will not rest until he has settled it today.”
Comments by
F.B.Meyer
OnRuth 3:1-18
THE PART OF A KINSMAN
According to the old Hebrew law, Ruth was already married to Boaz, on the supposition that he was next of kin. Naomi apparently had no knowledge of a nearer kinsman than he. Compare Rth_2:20, R.V., 3:12; Deu_25:5-10. There was therefore no immodesty in Naomi’s proposals, though they are foreign to our modern practice. But clearly Boaz acted with admirable self-restraint. His earnest concern was for the good name of the young girl who had thrown herself on his protection, Rth_2:11; Rth_2:14. Next to God’s grace, the one thought which helps us in the hour of testing is to put the interests of another before our own. Love to our neighbor is ultimately love to ourselves.
What confidence these two helpless women reposed in Boaz! The words with which Naomi closed their conversation suggest a character of absolute reliableness. His word was his bond. He was prompt, decisive and instant in carrying out any measure to which he felt himself pledged. Dilatoriness will wear out the heart of those who trust us. Let us finish promptly what we undertake! “Diligent in business, fervent in spirit!” Remember that when you trust Christ with anything, He also will not rest till He has finished it.
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