Ruth 3

Tyndale Open Study Notes

Verse 1

3:1 a permanent home (literally a resting place): Naomi used a related word in 1:9 when she prayed for Ruth and Orpah. Now she suggested a course of action that might encourage Boaz to act on Ruth’s behalf.

Verse 2

3:2 As a close relative, Boaz might act as a redeemer for Ruth and Naomi (see study notes on 2:20; 3:9). • The threshing floor was a flat surface of stone or hardened earth. The farmer spread sheaves of grain over its surface and beat them to separate the grain from the straw. Then the farmer would begin winnowing by throwing the mixed straw and grain into the air with a wooden fork or shovel. The breeze carried the lighter straw and chaff downwind, while the heavier grains fell to the threshing floor.

Verse 3

3:3 take a bath (literally wash yourself): Ruth probably bathed herself with a cloth dipped in water (only the wealthy had facilities for immersing themselves). Bathing was not an everyday expectation; this was a special occasion.

Verse 4

3:4 Ruth was to uncover Boaz’s feet to ensure that he would waken.

Verse 7

3:7 he lay down: The owner slept at the threshing floor to deter petty theft.

Verse 8

3:8 He was surprised (literally He was terrified): Boaz knew that a woman lay at his feet, but he did not know who she was or why she was there.

Verse 9

3:9 your servant: Ruth deliberately identified herself with the female workers. • Spread . . . your covering over me: This was a way of asking Boaz to marry her (cp. Ezek 16:8). • Ruth appealed to Boaz’s status as a family redeemer (Hebrew go’el) to persuade him to marry her (see Ruth 4:5; “The Family Redeemer” Theme Note).

Verse 10

3:10 You are showing even more family loyalty: Ruth was not obligated to come to Bethlehem with Naomi, nor did she have to marry within Elimelech’s family or provide them with an heir to the land (see 4:5).

Verse 11

3:11 what is necessary (literally what you are asking): Boaz agreed to act on Ruth’s behalf. Some interpreters understand Boaz’s statement as an unconditional agreement to marry Ruth (see also study note on 4:5); most take it to mean that Boaz would act to provide for Ruth and Naomi by presenting to the nearer kinsman the opportunity to act as family redeemer before taking the opportunity himself (4:1-12). By voluntarily taking on the role of the family redeemer for Ruth and Naomi, Boaz became a forerunner of Jesus.

Verse 12

3:12-13 Another man was more closely related to Elimelech than Boaz. He had the first right of refusal to act as family redeemer and (according to most interpreters) to marry Ruth.

Verse 15

3:15 six scoops: There were two scoop sizes. The smaller measure (the omer) was 1/10 of an ephah (about 2 quarts); the larger measure (the seah) was 1/3 of an ephah (about 6 2/3 quarts). The latter quantity is more likely and indicates a very generous gift, twice the amount that Ruth gleaned on her first day (2:17); it was a significant token of good faith.