“The LORD bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character. Although it is true that I am a guardian-redeemer of our family, there is another who is more closely related than I. Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to do his duty as your guardian-redeemer, good; let him redeem you. But if he is not willing, as surely as the LORD lives I will do it. Lie here until morning.”
So she lay at his feet until morning, but got up before anyone could be recognized; and he said, “No one must know that a woman came to the threshing floor.”
He also said, “Bring me the shawl you are wearing and hold it out.” When she did so, he poured into it six measures of barley and placed the bundle on her. Then he went back to town.
- Ruth 3:10-15
Understanding the context of this passage is essential for understanding its meaning. Before this, Naomi gave instructions to Ruth on what to do in her encounter with Boaz. Then Ruth does just what Naomi tells her, including making the official request to Boaz to be their guardian-redeemer. Now, Boaz is giving his response to Ruth’s request.
Boaz begins his response in verse 10 with a blessing. His use of “daughter” indicates not only his affection but also the cultural acknowledgment of an age difference between them. Ruth’s request—essentially a marriage proposal—would have been bold in that society, where women typically did not initiate such arrangements. However, rather than reacting with shock or disapproval, Boaz commends Ruth’s kindness (hesed), which extends beyond simple loyalty to Naomi.
By stating that Ruth did not pursue younger men, whether rich or poor, Boaz affirms her commitment to family duty over personal gain. This contrasts with the common assumption that young widows would seek remarriage for economic security. Instead, Ruth demonstrates covenantal faithfulness, seeking the well-being of Naomi’s household rather than merely her own interests.
Boaz assures Ruth that her boldness will not be a detriment to her in verse 11. He will take care of her, and he will make sure that her reputation is not tarnished from this incident since it was very counter-cultural at the time.
In verse 12, Boaz acknowledges his role as the guardian-redeemer, having the responsibility of ensuring that land and lineage remained within the family. However, Boaz points out that another relative holds a closer claim. This introduces an important legal principle: the process of redemption must follow the proper order.
Boaz’s integrity is evident in his commitment to follow the correct process. Instead of secretly marrying Ruth that night, he ensures that the closer relative has the first opportunity to act. This adherence to justice aligns with the cultural importance of maintaining fairness in property and marriage rights.
Boaz tells Ruth to stay until morning (verse 13), raising questions about propriety and protection. Some might view this as improper, but in the cultural context, this decision safeguarded Ruth from potential danger. The threshing floor was typically a place where men celebrated after the harvest, sometimes with excessive drinking. By keeping Ruth near him, Boaz likely ensured her safety from potential harm.
Moreover, Boaz’s command that no one should know a woman had come to the threshing floor highlights his concern for Ruth’s reputation. Ancient Israelite society placed immense value on a woman’s honor, and an unwed woman being seen at night with a man could lead to damaging rumors. Boaz’s discretion demonstrates his respect for Ruth’s character and his desire to protect her from societal judgment. Ruth did as he instructed and left before she was seen the next morning (verse 14).
In verse 15, as Ruth is leaving, Boaz gives her six measures of barley. While the exact weight of these “measures” is debated, the symbolic meaning is clear: provision and promise. This act serves as an assurance for Naomi that Boaz had good intentions to take care of them. This gift also shows that Boaz values Ruth, not simply dismissing her but taking an extra step to provide for her and Naomi. This gift could also be an affirmation of Ruth’s proposal, confirming that Boaz desires to fulfill his role as the guardian-redeemer.
Boaz’s response to Ruth shows his integrity, patience, and adherence to the law. His actions demonstrate key cultural values of legal faithfulness (following proper procedures for the culture), kindness, generosity, honor, and respect. This reveals that he is deeply rooted in faith, honor, and integrity.
While our culture today would handle situations like this much differently, those principles of faith, honor, and integrity should still be evident in our lives today. How do your actions with those around you reveal those principles in your life? Or do you need to make changes to ensure that you are living your life in a manner worthy of your calling as a follower of Jesus Christ, the ultimate redeemer?
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