Ruth and Boaz on the Threshing Floor

Ruth at Boaz's feet

We've now come to the turning point of the story of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz. Naomi and Ruth are widows without support. Ruth has gleaned in the fields of Boaz in whose sight she has found favor.

Naomi now announces a plan to Ruth.  Naomi is about to be a matchmaker for Ruth and Boaz. Naomi instructs Ruth to prepare herself as a bride prepares herself for her husband. Ruth was to wash, to anoint herself, and put on special clothing. She was to not make herself known to Boaz but to observe where he would lie down. Naomi instructed that she should uncover his feet and lie down. It would be at this point that Boaz would tell Ruth what to do.

Ruth asks Boaz to spread his wings over his servant because he was a redeemer. Ruth was asking Boaz for marriage and the protection it afforded [Shepherd's Guide: Ruth and Esther]. The Hebrew word for wings is Kanaph, the outer garment men wrapped about themselves in the day and used as a blanket at night. A wife finds rest under the protective wing of her husband, just as Israel find rest under the protective wing of Yahweh [Lutheran Study Bible comments].

Ruth reputation probably made this an easy decision for Boaz. Her reputation was know throughout Bethlehem, She has shown great kindness, wisdom, and loyalty.  Boaz acknowledges that he indeed is  kinsman but there is one who is a closer relative. If this closer relative will not fulfill the Law as kinsman redeemer, than he would do so. He states it as an oath, "As the Lord lives, I will redeem you".

I love how The Lutheran Study Bible [TLSB] phrases the events in this chapter: These women do not take matters into their own hands. Their actions are based on the promises of God's Word, which sets a wonderful example for us. We can always approach our redeemer, Jesus.

How many times have I taken matters into my own hands? Often. Have things turned out for the better? Not always. Do I look to God for answers to a difficult circumstance?  Sometimes. I need to look to God's Word for direction rather than my own thoughts and ideas. I need to not rely on my own understanding, but in all my ways acknowledge Him, and He will make my paths straight [Proverbs 3:5,6].

A prayer from the TLSB - Lord Jesus, through Your Gospel promises, work in us so that we may follow the example of Naomi, Ruth, Boaz, and our father-in-faith Abraham, who waited patiently and received what was promised [Heb. 6:15]. Amen