In chapter 3 of the Book of Ruth Naomi plays matchmaker with a crazy plan to get Boaz’s attention.
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Naomi is beginning to see some hope in Ruth’s growing relationship with Boaz. But after months of Ruth gleaning in Boaz’s field nothing has happened. So Naomi comes up with a plan of her own. She instructs Ruth to get dressed up and lay at Boaz’s feet while he is sleeping on the threshing floor. It was a dangerous move for Ruth, but she agreed willingly.
Boaz does not disappoint. He does not take advantage of Ruth, no way, he blesses her. Because Boaz does not Ruth’s behavior as promiscuous or entrapment. He sees her proposal to him as a kindness! He sees Ruth’s bold marriage proposal as loyalty, not lust. Boaz knows that as a younger woman, Ruth could have made herself available to younger men, but to honor her dead husband’s name, she is faithfully offering herself to him.
Naomi’s plan worked, and Boaz realized that he was the answer to his own prayer that God would reward Ruth for her love and loyalty to Naomi. Boaz will marry Ruth and provide for Ruth and Naomi. However, there is just one hitch, for Boaz to become the kinsman redeemer, the relative closer to Naomi than he, must decline to do the deed first.
Scene 1: Naomi Plays Matchmaker
Scene 2: What happens on the threshing floor, stays on the threshing floor
Scene 3: Naomi Knows Best
SHOWNOTES:
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