And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, "May he be blessed of the Lord who has not withdrawn his kindness to the living and to the dead." Again Naomi said to her, "The man is our relative, he is one of our closest relatives."
Message: Naomi Sees God's Kindness
Time: According to Jewish tradition, Samuel wrote the book of Ruth. The events of Ruth occurred sometime between 1160 BC and 1100 BC. This book stands as a ray of light, showing the power of the love between God and His faithful people, even during difficult times that were present. It is written from Naomi's point of view. Ruth is the gift God placed in Naomi's life.
What the Lord is Saying: Thus far, it is not clear what Boaz is feeling toward Ruth, based upon the comments. She referred her as a daughter (v. 8) so she is younger than he and also in verse 5 asked the reapers of the harvest, "Whose young woman is this?" At this point, they are in Bethlehem (Judah). Ruth has gone to the fields to glean with the reapers, leaving a portion for strangers or those in need. Boaz sees Ruth and wonders who she is and then proceeds to protect her and value her. Makes sure she is comfortable with the other women and places a great value on her. Gives her addition barley to take back to her mother-in-law. He knows about Ruth and how she came back with her mother-in-law.
In verse 19, Naomi remarks that the person that took care of her should be blessed and found out it was Boaz. Naomi is enamored by his kindness and mentions that and also that he is a close relative (v.20). Tabletalk reading today teaches me of Deuteronomy 25:5-10. Verse 5 says that when a brother dies, the other brother will marry the widow. The first born shall assume the name of the dead brother. The brother who refuses is called "him whose sandal is removed." The wife is not to simply find a husband from the lot of strangers, but from a kinsman. So Ruth mentions this now. Perhaps Boaz can fulfill a need to be a husband to Ruth. Naomi confirms to Ruth that it is good for her to be with the other maidens and work near them.
Naomi makes mention to Ruth that she should be doing her best to have Ruth be married. Ruth sets it up. In verse 2 she remarks, "he winnows barley at the threshing floor tonight." In Palestine a wind rises from the sea at about four o’clock in the afternoon, and lasts till half an hour before sunset. The winnowing process is to throw up the grain, after being trodden down, against the wind with a shovel. Boaz, most likely was a wealthy man and it was common for the farmer to remain all night in harvest-time on the threshing floor.
She tells Ruth to "Wash yourself...anoint yourself and put on your [best] clothes, and [go] down to the threshing floor." Then in verse 4, "When he lies down...go and uncover his feet and lie down; then he will tell you what you shall do." Ruth is basically to do the courting and be the one that makes the move towards him.
Ruth seems to arrange this, in order to possibly induce Boaz to take upon this responsibility as mentioned by the law. Boaz probably slept on a mat or skin and slept in the clothes he wore during the day, as Ruth did. Ruth would be lying down in sort of a cross to him, at the point of his feet. The uncovering of the feet is to awaken him.
And at this point, hopefully it would be compelling to Boaz to enter into marriage with Ruth. Boaz will tell her if he is indeed the kinsman to fulfill that role and duty.
Summary: Naomi plans a way for Boaz to hopefully see that he can fulfill the law to take Ruth for his wife.
Promise: God has covenant loyalty in our lives and his kindness radiates through other people as well.
Prayer: O God, it is your kindness that leads to repentance and I am amazed as well of the kindness that people show towards me. It is powerful in my life. Thank you for showing me that kindness in your word and in my life. I am very thankful for people and their kindness. Help me to be kind as well.
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