Ruth Chapter 3: A Technical Commentary

Chapter 3: Naomi sends Ruth to Boaz in the field (3:1–18)

Seeking her welfare and future (Ruth 3:1)

Then Naomi, her mother-in-law, said to her: My daughter, did I not seek comfort for you, so that you may live comfortably? Naomi thought about Ruth's future. Better for her to get married. Finding a groom for a foreign, Moabite, poor, widowed Ruth is like climbing a steep mountain slope. However, this question was also a statement of faith. Naomi was not selfish in letting Ruth serve her as long as she lived.

Receives information (Ruth 3:2)

Ruth knew Boaz well by now as she worked during the wheat harvest. Naomi gathers information about cousin Boaz who can recover the native property and Ruth. Then Naomi said: Thou hast gathered with the handmaids of Boaz, is he not our relation? Behold, he will sow the wheat in the field this night. (Ruth 3:2)

The Hebrew word goel - translated as supporting freeman - has a special duty in family relationships.

First, he has the responsibility to redeem a fellow Israelite from slavery. (Leviticus 25:48)

Second, he takes responsibility as an 'avenger of blood' to ensure that the murderer of a family is punished. (Numbers 35:19)

Thirdly, he is responsible for repurchasing lost or taken family property. (Leviticus 25:25)

Fourth, he must marry a childless widow who does not preserve the family name. (Deuteronomy 25:5-10)

Naomi knew the law. Boaz is actually a supportive centurion. Therefore, it was Boaz's duty to marry Ruth. Kateruth had the right to marry him.

Special Instruction (Ruth 3:3-4)

“Wash yourself, anoint yourself with oil, put on your clothes, and go to the field; Do not meet the man's eyes until he has eaten and drunk. When he lies down, look at the place where he is lying, and lay aside the blanket that is over his feet; Then he will tell you what you have to do, she said. And she said: I will do as you tell me. (Ruth 3:3-5)

Ruth had to prepare herself as a submissive person. Ruth had to be careful to find out where Boaz would go to rest for the night. According to the culture in Israel, Ruth's laying down at Boaz's feet symbolized surrender and expressed her willingness to be a handmaid. Naomi did not prompt Ruth to claim her rights. Boaz was a good man and fulfilled what was required by the law. So, Naomi said, he will let you know what you should do. Ruth promised to follow those instructions exactly.

Ruth and Boaz in the Field (Ruth 3:6-15)

As instructed by Naomi, Ruth reached the field. Because of the fear of crops being stolen at night, farmers like Boaz would sleep in the fields to protect the crops. An example is in the book of Samuel. (I Samuel 23:1) Ruth went slowly and lay down at Boaz's feet. In the middle of the night, Boaz was startled or shocked to find a woman at his feet. In the dark, Boaz could not recognize Ruth. Ruth's wonderful request: Thou shalt spread thy mantle over thy servant. She also reminded Boaz that she was his savior. God, speaking through the prophet Ezekiel, used similar words: As I passed by you, I saw you; Behold, thy time was seasonable; Then I spread my garment over you, and covered your nakedness, and gave you an oath, and made a covenant with you, says the Lord God; Thus you are mine. (Ezekiel 16:8)

Boaz is older and doesn't think he's attractive to a young, beautiful woman like Ruth. He admired Ruth for her honesty, integrity, purity and dedication. All the people in Bethlehem knew Ruth as a virtuous woman.

Boaz said there was another form of relationship, and he had the first right. If she rejected the proposal, Boaz wanted to take Ruth as his wife.

Boaz told her not to tell anyone about this, and gifted her with nearly 120 liters of grain. He did not send her away empty-handed.

Naomi encourages Ruth

Ruth shares her experience with Naomi. Yes, it was a very stressful time for Ruth. Will she go? Or marry someone else? Then she said: My daughter, wait until you know how this matter will turn out; She said, That man will not rest until he has finished this day. (Ruth 3:18)