Matchmaker Mother In Law

O. T. # 566  "Matchmaker Mother In Law"
July 28, 2015
Ruth 3
Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee? And now...   Ruth 3:1-2a

LET IT GLOW

Here comes the third change of scenery. There was Moab, the fields of Bethlehem, and now the threshing floor of Boaz. We don't know how much time lapsed between chapters 2 and 3.

Did Naomi see it her duty as Ruth's mother in law, taking on the role of her mother, to seek a long-term security for this faithful Moabite girl?
In verse 1, the term rest seems to be equivalent to marriage, indicating that if Ruth were to marry Boaz she could cease from her labors as a poor gleaner in the fields. (Falwell)

Keep in mind that in that culture, arranged marriages were the norm. This meant Naomi had her work cut out for her, arranging a marriage between Ruth and Boaz. It is suggested that Boaz was an older eligible bachelor that qualified as Ruth's kinsman-redeemer, a near relative of Naomi's deseased husband Elimelech.

At any rate, Naomi has a talk with Ruth, revealing her plan to make sure she is well provided for and a  home:

• Boaz would be winnowing (throwing the whole grain in the air and allowing the wind to carry away the chaff, a method of separating the usable grain, usually in the late afternoon when Mediterranean winds were stronger, so sifting and bagging grain lasted into the night) barley that night in the threshingfloor (a large open area of hard ground or stone).
• Ruth had to get ready quickly because Naomi indicated that tonight is the night (to find out if Boaz was interested in Ruth).
• Specific instructions given were for Ruth to wash herself, anoint herself with perfume (so she didn't smell like a sweaty worker from the field and the hot sun), put on her best clothes.
• Then quietly get herself down to the threshingfloor, waiting inconspicuously until Boaz had eaten and drank (a refreshed man with a full stomach is more likely to listen to a woman's request).
• When he lies down, note the place where Boaz is lying (so she doesn't go to the wrong man).
• Uncover his feet, slightly pull back the edge of Boaz's robe (normal attire), then request him to spread the robe (literally wing) over her. This act implied that Ruth was proposing marriage to Boaz, asking that she be taken into his family as his wife, coming under his protection.

Every indication in the story certainly emphasizes that there was nothing immodest or questionable about this practice, since the character of both Ruth and Boaz is above reproach throughout the entire account. (Falwell)

The scheme did not involve any real unrighteousness or indecency. Naomi would not have asked Ruth to compromise her virtue or relinquish godly modesty. (MacArthur)

Ruth's obedience was risky. Boaz could have rejected Ruth's offer.

Are the things we do above reproach? Do we consider how an action may be perceived by an onlooker?


LET IT GROW

So Ruth heeded Naomi's plan. After the preparation of herself, Ruth went to the place where she would find Boaz had worked into the night. Ruth came softly, uncovered his feet, and lay down. (verse 7) Boaz must have been so worn out from the work that he did not notice her until he awakened at midnight and was startled to find a woman lying at his feet.

Ruth removed her mourning clothes and put on her morning clothes. She left behind the hopelessness and moved toward hope.

Boaz asked who she was, to which Ruth replied  and requested Boaz to take her under his wing, spread his garment over her, since he was her kinsman-redeemer. This was a marriage proposal. We will discuss the outcome next time.

Jesus Christ came to earth to redeem us from our sins. He purchased us as His own possession (1Peter 1:18-19). This guarantees our eternity with Him in heaven.

You may not be up to a midnight walk to a threshing floor, remember, what Paul said in his second letter to the Corinthian church, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has past, the new has come!

LET IT GO

Keep my integrity when dealing with people.

Let go of the past and look to the future.

Share my Kinsman-Redeemer's love and wealth with others.