RUTH—NOTE ON RUTH 3:1 Scene 3: Ruth, at the Threshing Floor, Asks Boaz to Marry Her. This is the second crucial encounter between Ruth and Boaz. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
RUTH—NOTE ON RUTH 3:2 WINNOWING... TONIGHT. The winnowing took place during the breezes that begin after sundown (see note on 2:17–18). The THRESHING FLOOR would have been east of the city so that the westerly wind would carry the chaff away from the city. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByT... [ Continue Reading ]
RUTH—NOTE ON RUTH 3:3 WASH... ANOINT... PUT ON. She must make herself attractive and meet Boaz at the right time. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
RUTH—NOTE ON RUTH 3:4 To UNCOVER HIS FEET AND LIE DOWN there (vv. Ruth 3:8, Ruth 3:14) will demonstrate Ruth’s dependence on Boaz in view of her bold marriage proposal (v. Ruth 3:9). Some scholars believe that “uncover his feet” implies sexual contact, but there is no evidence for this, and it would... [ Continue Reading ]
RUTH—NOTE ON RUTH 3:9 RUTH, YOUR SERVANT. A maidservant was considered a full member of an Israelite household (e.g., Exodus 20:10) and could give birth to an heir (see Genesis 30:3, Genesis 30:9). In Ruth 2:12, Boaz had expressed his hope that Ruth would find the refuge she was looking for, under t... [ Continue Reading ]
RUTH—NOTE ON RUTH 3:10 THIS LAST KINDNESS. That is, Ruth claiming Boaz as her redeemer (v. Ruth 3:9). Boaz was impressed that Ruth was not merely seeking marriage with eligible YOUNG MEN. Ruth’s FIRST act of kindness was her earlier acts of kindness to Naomi (Ruth 2:11). “This last kindness” was GRE... [ Continue Reading ]
RUTH—NOTE ON RUTH 3:11 WORTHY WOMAN. See note on 2:1; compare Proverbs 31:10, “excellent wife,” using the same Hebrew expression. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
RUTH—NOTE ON RUTH 3:12 REDEEMER NEARER. The order of these relations is: brother, uncle, cousin, or other close relative (Leviticus 25:48; Numbers 27:11; see Introduction: Key Themes; “Redemption”). AS THE LORD LIVES. A solemn oath (compare Judges 8:19; 1 Kings 2:24).... [ Continue Reading ]
RUTH—NOTE ON RUTH 3:14 LET IT NOT BE KNOWN. Boaz is concerned for propriety and for his and Ruth’s good reputation. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
RUTH—NOTE ON RUTH 3:15 SIX MEASURES OF BARLEY. Boaz’s ample supply would also confirm his intentions to Naomi (v. Ruth 3:17). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]