Ruth 3:7-11RUTH 3:7 "And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down." This section of Ruth tells how Ruth carried out the instructions of Naomi, and how Boaz received her. Boaz is shown quietly handling the situation like a gentleman. He is neither an old fool nor a country bumpkin. He has dignity and restraint. He does not appear to be shocked, although he was startled to be awakened like this in the middle of the night. At harvest time people would camp out. Boaz would have had a place to himself, with his servants sleeping at other places in the vicinity. The word "softly" means "quietly". It was used of David when he stole in and cut a piece from Saul's robe (1 Samuel 24:4). The narrative does not say that she waited for a time before going close to Boaz, but she must have, because Boaz was asleep when she came. RUTH 3:8,9 "And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet. "And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman." Boaz was startled by something, so he turned, or bent over, and saw Ruth lying at his feet. In reply to Boaz' question, Ruth identifies herself as a maidservant, again taking a lowly position. She acts toward Boaz in humility. And she looks for Boaz to take action because of who she is. Ruth uses a very expressive metaphor here in asking him to spread his skirt over her. The word "skirt" here is in the plural, and in such a case it more often means "wings" than part of a garment. It may be that Ruth was saying "spread thy wings over thy handmaid", a very beautiful and delicate way for Ruth to express her wish. She calls Boaz GO-EL, "near kinsman". This makes her request a formal one, and she's looking to him to resolve the legal question of redemption. Keil and Delitzsch say that the word "skirt" refers to the corner of the counterpane, or blanket, which Boaz had over him. A man and wife sleeping together would share this blanket. Therefore, in those times, the act of covering Ruth with part of the blanket would have been symbolic of a proposal of marriage. However, Boaz did not take this action. As we see further on, there was a legal question to be resolved before Boaz could marry Ruth. But Boaz does begin the process here which eventually leads to their marriage. RUTH 3:10 "And he said, Blessed be thou of the Lord, my daughter: for thou hast showed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich." Boaz reply is immediate and positive. He calls down blessing on her; he thinks that Ruth has shown more kindness now than when she first came to the fields. The earlier kindness was that shown by Ruth in not leaving Naomi and in gleaning to provide for their needs. To this she has now added a further evidence of her regard for family relationships. Ruth has not followed natural inclinations but has shown a responsible attitude to the family in looking to her GO-EL for marriage. Boaz was certain she could have married some other eligible young man in Bethlehem; but she did not let these types of personal inclinations rule her. Comment: Headlong and headstrong decisions usually lead to sorrow. Single men and women are well advised to wait for God's definite leading in matters of marriage. There are Bible principles and mechanics which, when understood and used properly, will allow God to bring about His will in marriage. This passage illustrates very vividly and emphatically the benefits of following God's plan and waiting for God's leading. A thoughtful mother will tell her daughter, "Wait for the young man to call you!" Daughter: "But he won't call; then what will I do?" Mother: "Then you don't have a date. It's not God's will; God knows that either your not ready for him, or he's not God's choice for you right now." Daughter: "But, what if he doesn't call ... what if nobody calls?" Mother: "Then, you wait..." Daughter: "But God is too slow. I don't want to wait..." Mother: "If you don't wait for God's leading, you will suffer the consequences." Bill Gothard, "Institutes for Basic Youth Conflicts", says: "You are old enough to date when you have achieved the following three prerequisites: 1. When you are aware of both the benefits and the dangers of dating. 2. When you have personally worked out from Scripture a set of dating standards. 3. When you have purposed that you will not lower these standards, even if it means losing dates. Topic: PURITY in the Christian Life RUTH 3:11 "And now, my daughter, fear not: I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman." Boaz tells Ruth not to be afraid, or anxious about the future; for he will do all that she says. He gives as his reason that Ruth has an excellent reputation. She is well known to all the townspeople. The word "city" is literally "gate", the usual place of public assembly, the place for business, judgment, and receiving news. The word "virtuous" is the same as was translated "wealth" in Ruth 2:1 where Boaz was introduced. It denotes ability, reputation, courage, attainment, as well as integrity of character, or virtue. It is a word for comprehensive excellence. This word is used for the ideal woman of Proverbs 31 (31:10), and of her who is a "crown to her husband" (Prov. 12:4). These qualities in the Christian life are a product of a person's love for the Lord and willingness to wait for and follow God's leading. Topic: OCCUPATION WITH CHRIST Topic: SEPARATION |
|
|