“One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, “My daughter, I must find a home (Hebrew – find rest as is Ruth 1:9) for you, where you will be well provided for. Now Boaz, with whose women you have worked, is a relative of ours. Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.”
“I will do whatever you say,” Ruth answered. So she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law told her to do.” Ruth 3:1-6
“Naomi was faced with three issues. First, how could the name of Elimelech be maintained among the tribes of Israel since both her sons were now dead? Second, what steps should be taken to protect her inheritance, which Elimelech had left in Naomi’s trust? Third, how could she provide rest and security for her faithful daughter-in-law? A marriage between Ruth and Boaz would solve all three problems.” (Fruchtenbaum, A. G. Ariel’s Bible Commentary : The books of Judges and Ruth. Page 318. San Antonio, Tex.: Ariel Ministries)
“That it may be well with you – Recall that Naomi prayed for this very thing in Ruth 1:8-9 now she plays a role in answering her own prayer. This is an example of divine sovereignty and human responsibility being beautifully interwoven to bring about the purpose of God.” Preceptaustin.org
“The course Naomi advised appears strange to us; but it was according to the laws and usages of Israel. If the proposed measure had borne the appearance of evil, Naomi would not have advised it.” Matthew Henry
The author/authors of Cutting Corners bible.org do not have such a high opinion of Naomi. They say that Naomi’s purpose was to have Ruth seduce Boaz. She was doing what others did at that time:
“…everyone did as they saw fit.” Judges 17:6, 21:25
However, their arguments can be easily answered. I’ve mentioned some of their arguments (the ones that have any substance):
(1) Naomi proposes to solve a problem in secret that should have been dealt with in public… (2) Naomi’s proposition is God-less… (3) Naomi’s plan seeks to appeal to the baser instincts and impulses of Boaz, not his higher sense of duty…(4) Naomi’s plan does not call for thought and reflection, but rather for impulsive, irreversible action…(5) Naomi’s plan seems to deliberately bypass and exclude the nearest kin, giving preference to Boaz instead… (7) Naomi’s plan wrongly implied that Ruth needed to take the initiative in this matter of redemption and levirate marriage, as though Boaz would not have done so on his own. 9) Naomi’s plan only dealt with the matter of finding a husband for Ruth, and yet we shall see in chapter 4 that another pressing issue was the redemption of her property.
Arguments 1, 3 and 7 can be answered from these quotes:
“Naomi instructed Ruth 1) to put on her best appearance and 2) to propose marriage to Boaz by utilizing an ancient Near Eastern custom. Since Boaz is a generation older than Ruth, this overture would indicate Ruth’s desire to marry Boaz which the older, gracious Boaz would not have initiated with a younger woman.” Preceptaustin.org
Boaz respected and admired Ruth, but being a man of integrity, he would not have dwelled on the possibility of marriage if it had ever crossed his mind. He would not presume to ask Ruth to marry him, so she had to ask him, in a humble, godly way. She had to appear at her best in order to give both him and herself worth and show that this was a request of great value.
Ruth followed the ancient Near Eastern custom by asking Boaz when he was alone at night – how could she have asked him in front of witnesses? The following quote adds to the significance of this act:
“Uncover his feet, and lie down: At the appropriate time, Naomi instructs Ruth to go in, uncover his feet, and lie down. Some might think this was a provocative gesture, as if Ruth was told to provocatively offer herself sexually to Boaz. This was not how this gesture was understood in that day. In the culture of that day, this was understood as an act of total submission.
In that day, this was understood to be the role of a servant – to lay at their master’s feet and be ready for any command of the master. So, when Naomi told Ruth to lie down at Boaz’s feet, she told her to come to him in a totally humble, submissive way.
Don’t lose sight of the larger picture: Ruth came to claim a right. Boaz was her goel, her kinsman-redeemer, and she had the right to expect him to marry her and raise up a family to perpetuate the name of Elimelech. But Naomi wisely counseled Ruth to not come as a victim demanding her rights, but as a humble servant, trusting in the goodness of her kinsman-redeemer. She said to Boaz, “I respect you, I trust you, and I put my fate in your hands.”
He will tell you what you should do: Of course, this was a situation that had the potential for disaster, if Boaz should mistreat Ruth in some way. But Naomi and Ruth had the chance to get to know Boaz, and they knew what kind of man he was – a good man, a godly man, one to whom Ruth could confidently submit.” Enduringword.com
“…had not Boaz been a person of extraordinary piety, prudence, and continence, this experiment might have been fatal to Ruth. We cannot easily account for this transaction, probably Naomi knew more than she revealed to her daughter-in-law. The experiment however was dangerous, and should in no sense be imitated.” Study.light.org
God does give directions that are not be imitated. Tamar used a secret plot to become pregnant by Judah because he had not done as was required in order to carry on the ancestral line of Jesus (Genesis 28). God can use whatever is necessary to enact His plans. He won’t go against His character, but He can make a situation conform to His character.
“…Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes…” Ruth 3:3
“Refers to a very general practice in the East. It originated from the relief from the effect of the sun that was experienced in rubbing the body with oil or grease. Among rude people the common vegetable or animal fat was used. As society advanced and refinement became a part of civilization, delicately perfumed ointments were used for this purpose. Other reasons soon obtained for this practice than that stated above. Persons were anointed for health (Mark 6:13), because of the widespread belief in the healing power of oil. It was often employed as a mark of hospitality (Luke 7:46); as a mark of special honor (John 11:3); in preparation for social occasions (Ruth 3:3; 2 Samuel 14:2; Isaiah 61:3).” Preceptaustin.org
“Put on your best: like Esther who risked her life going uninvited before King Ahasuerus put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace in front of the king’s rooms, and the king was sitting on his royal throne in the throne room, opposite the entrance to the palace. Esther 5:1
Certainly Ruth was not risking her life but it is nevertheless in Naomi’s eyes a crucial encounter and she is to look her best.” Preceptaustin.org
Answer to argument 2: It is not necessary to mention God when we are being directed by Him. The book of Esther does not mention God although He was obviously behind events that happen.
Answer to argument 4: Ruth understood what Naomi was purposing so they had obvious discussed it to some degree before. When Ruth carried out the plan it is clear that she understood what she was to do. It was not impulsive.
“A threshing floor is a hard flat surface made specifically for the purpose of threshing the grains during harvest. It’s usually made of rock or beaten down earth. It can be owned by a town or village or by a single family.” Yahoo Answers
“When Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits (heart was merry, to his heart’s content, feeling satisfied, heart was glad), he went over to lie down at the far end of the grain pile. Ruth approached quietly, uncovered his feet and lay down. In the middle of the night something startled the man; he turned—and there was a woman lying at his feet!” Ruth 3:7-8
“Having ate and drank freely, though not to excess; and innocent mirth was always allowed in the time of harvest, and of the vintage, and of gathering the fruits of the earth, see (Judges 9:27 Isaiah 9:3) or "his heart was good"; he was in a good frame and disposition of mind, praising God for his goodness to him, and to his people…” John Gill commentary
Noah and Lot knew God and got drunk, but Boaz seems to be more sensible. If what he drank had alcoholic content, he would not have drunk too much, being that the purpose of his staying at the threshing floor was to protect his grain, and as shown by his quick understanding, dignity and wisdom when he discovered Ruth.
“The farmer usually remained all night in harvest-time on the threshing-floor, not only for the protection of his valuable grain, but for the winnowing. That operation was performed in the evening to catch the breezes which blow after the close of a hot day, and which continue for the most part of the night. This duty at so important a season the master undertakes himself; and, accordingly, in the simplicity of ancient manners, Boaz, a person of considerable wealth and high rank, laid himself down to sleep on the barn floor, at the end of the heap of barley he had been winnowing.” Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
“Who are you?” he asked.
“I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a kinsman-redeemer of our family.”
“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 kinsman-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.” Ruth 3:7-13
“This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier”: Ruth was showing more devotion to Naomi than ever before because any children Boaz and Ruth had would legally be the child of Naomi’s son Mahlon and would give Naomi an heir.
“You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor”: Being young, Ruth could easily have done this, which might appear to have been to her advantage and which a woman not following God would have chosen to do.
“All the people in my town know that you are a woman of noble character”: The righteousness of her proposal of marriage would not be questioned by anyone.
“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…” realtime.net
Boaz told Ruth that he would marry her if the one “more closely related than I” would not, and even confirmed it with an oath.
Answer to argument 5: Ruth did not seem to know about the kinsman-redeemer closer than Boaz. Probably Naomi did, but she could have reasoned that he would not accept the proposition so she was putting it in Boaz’s hands. Boaz had already shown he would care for Ruth and herself.
Naomi realized that God was providing for her in this situation:
“He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead.” Ruth 2:20
I think she was making a bold step directed by God. No one’s integrity seems to be in question, adding to the beauty of the story.
Ruth was showing even more courage. The wisdom she demonstrated in putting this plan into action is evidence she was directed by God. She knew exactly what she was doing, and she handled it with integrity as did Boaz. Both of them seem to have trusted Naomi’s motive as shown by Ruth’s quick submission and obedience to Naomi and by Boaz quick response to her proposal – “this kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier” – to provide an heir for Naomi.
“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 3:14-15
“Even though nothing immoral had gone on, Boaz was worried about gossip that would start if people saw that Ruth had spent the night on the threshing floor where he was.” Rondaniel.com
“Avoid every kind of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22 NIV 1984 “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV
An added emphasis in keeping her visit secret was the fact that Boaz did not know yet if he could marry her. It would have been very difficult if the other kinsman-redeemer had chosen to marry Ruth and someone had found that she had been at the threshing floor.
“When Ruth came to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked, “How did it go, my daughter?”
Then she told her everything Boaz had done for her and added, “He gave me these six measures of barley, saying, ‘Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’”
Then Naomi said, “Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today.” Ruth 3:16-18
He sent a gift back with Ruth for Naomi to show he would do what she wanted. The fact that Boaz gave Ruth so much barley, and told her especially not to “go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed” shows that the love and kindness Ruth was showing Naomi would also be the love and kindness he planned to show Naomi by doing all he could to marry Ruth. Naomi knew this – “the man will not rest until the matter is settled today”.
“Hebrew, "six seahs," a seah contained about two gallons and a half, six of which must have been rather a heavy load for a woman.” Biblestudytools.com This shows us that Ruth must have been a strong, healthy woman.
Answer to argument 9 is given in the following quote:
“Boaz gives Ruth six measures of barley to bring home with her, stating that he didn’t intend to have Naomi go empty-handed either. Upon seeing it, Naomi understood the message – he was not only going to marry Ruth, but also redeem Naomi’s land. And he would not rest until he had settled the matter that day.
How did she understand this from a simple gift of six measures of barley? Remember that the standard for the fellowship offering was set back in Genesis 18 by Abraham:
Gen. 18:6 …Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah, and said, "Quickly, prepare three measures of fine flour, knead {it,} and make bread cakes."
Three measures of meal became the standard fellowship offering. By giving them six measures, Boaz was letting Naomi know that his fellowship with Ruth was also with her.
She also knew that he would not rest until the matter was finished. I imagine that this was also because of the gift. Just as Boaz gave her six measures, God finished His work on the sixth day of creation, and rested on the seventh. He did not rest until everything was done, until his job was complete. I believe that’s what Naomi is thinking, because she says
Ruth 3:18 "…the man will not rest until he has settled it today."
And indeed, Boaz would not rest until he settled it that day.” Rondaniel.com
Although it was flattering to have a young woman ask to marry him, we do not know what inheritance rights Boaz or any other heir of his would have to give up to their child. Of course, we know that obedience to God always brings abundant blessing, and Boaz (as had Naomi and Ruth) would have seen God’s hand in this.
God does more than show His divine protection and care for His children, show an example of love and commitment and other endless lessons in the book of Ruth. He defines redemption. A kinsman-redeemer has to be a blood relative (God became a man), have the means to redeem (gave Himself – sinless) and be willing to marry (Christ married the Church). Christ gave all that He could for us.