Ruth 3:3
Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Naomi's instruction for Ruth to "put on your cloak" is more than just dressing up; it means she should wear her finest clothes, signifying her readiness for marriage and her transition out of mourning. This detail highlights how the ancient customs, while seemingly indirect to us, were deeply symbolic and focused on presenting oneself with honor and dignity for a significant life event.
Naomi has just devised a bold plan for Ruth to approach Boaz on his threshing floor after he's finished celebrating. Following Naomi's instructions, Ruth is to prepare herself, making herself as presentable and attractive as possible. The strategy is for Ruth to wait until the feasting and work are done, then reveal herself to Boaz in a subtle way, aiming to secure his commitment as a kinsman-redeemer according to ancient custom.
Naomi tells Ruth to prepare herself as if for a wedding. Why go to such lengths when the meeting is at night and in a place of work?
The Art of Presentation
Naomi's instructions to Ruth – to wash, anoint, and dress in her best – weren't just about looking good. This was strategic preparation.
Why did Naomi insist Ruth wait until Boaz had finished eating and drinking? This wasn't just about politeness; it was a calculated move.
Strategic Patience
Naomi's instruction for Ruth to remain hidden until Boaz had eaten and drunk was a masterstroke of strategy, rooted in understanding human nature and cultural norms.
Understand the original words
rachats / suwk · Hebrew Verb
To 'wash' and 'anoint' was a common preparatory act in the ancient Near East, symbolizing cleanliness, refreshment, and sometimes preparation for a special occasion or a formal meeting. It signals a shift from the state of mourning or labor to one of intentional presentation.
simlah · Hebrew Noun
A cloak or garment was a vital piece of clothing that provided shelter, identification, and a covering. Symbolically, a garment can represent identity, protection, or the offer of covenantal covering and intimacy.
Naomi's plan for Ruth to approach Boaz is rooted in ancient Israelite levirate marriage customs, where a kinsman was expected to marry a widow to preserve her deceased husband's family line. Ruth's careful preparation and approach on the threshing floor were meant to fulfill this legal and social obligation within the context of the agrarian harvest season.
~1100 BC
Period of the Judges
This era in Israel's history was marked by a lack of centralized leadership, leading to periods of both faithfulness and significant spiritual decline, often resulting in oppression by surrounding nations.
c. 1100-1070 BC
Boaz lives in Bethlehem
Boaz, a prosperous landowner in Bethlehem, lives during this period. He is known for his kindness, adherence to God's law, and generosity towards the poor.
c. 1100-1070 BC
Ruth gleans in Boaz's field
Ruth, a Moabite widow, gleans barley in the fields of Boaz to support herself and her mother-in-law, Naomi. This act of diligence and vulnerability brings her to Boaz's attention.
c. 1100-1070 BC— this verse
Naomi devises a plan for Ruth
After Boaz shows kindness, Naomi, recognizing the custom of kinsman-redeemers and possibly unaware of a closer relative, hatches a plan for Ruth to approach Boaz on the threshing floor.
This passage lays out the ancient Israelite law of the kinsman-redeemer, which is the legal framework behind Naomi's surprising plan for Ruth and Boaz.
Esther 2:12This verse describes the ritual purification and beautification process that women underwent before presenting themselves to the king, mirroring Ruth's preparation to appear before Boaz.
Song of Solomon 1:13The imagery of anointing with oil and the desire to be pleasing to one's beloved resonates with Ruth's preparation and the romantic undertones of her encounter with Boaz.
Genesis 24:64Rebekah's covering herself with a veil upon seeing Isaac is a parallel instance of a woman strategically concealing and then revealing herself in a significant encounter concerning marriage.
clarkeRuth 3:3: "Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking."
Wash thyself, therefore - She made Ruth put on her best dress, that Boaz might, in the course of the day, be the more attracted by her person, and be the better disposed to receive her as Naomi wished.
henryRuth 3:1-5: "Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?"
3:1-5 The married state should be a rest, as much as any thing upon earth can be so, as it ought to fix the affections and form a connexion for life. Therefore it should be engaged in with great seriousness, with earnest prayers for direction, for the blessing of God, and with regard to his precepts. Parents should carefully advise their children in this importan…
Naomi's instruction for Ruth to "put on your cloak" is more than just dressing up; it means she should wear her finest clothes, signifying her readiness for marriage and her transition out of mourning. This detail highlights how the ancient customs, while seemingly indirect to us, were deeply symbolic and focused on presenting oneself with honor and dignity for a significant life event.
Naomi has just devised a bold plan for Ruth to approach Boaz on his threshing floor after he's finished celebrating. Following Naomi's instructions, Ruth is to prepare herself, making herself as presentable and attractive as possible. The strategy is for Ruth to wait until the feasting and work are done, then reveal herself to Boaz in a subtle way, aiming to secure his commitment as a kinsman-redeemer according to ancient custom.
Naomi has just devised a bold plan for Ruth to approach Boaz on his threshing floor after he's finished celebrating. Following Naomi's instructions, Ruth is to prepare herself, making herself as presentable and attractive as possible. The strategy is for Ruth to wait until the feasting and work are done, then reveal herself to Boaz in a subtle way, aiming to secure his commitment as a kinsman-redeemer according to ancient custom.
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c. 1100-1070 BC
Ruth approaches Boaz
Following Naomi's instructions, Ruth presents herself to Boaz on the threshing floor after his feast, seeking his protection and the fulfillment of the kinsman-redeemer role.
c. 1070 BC
Boaz redeems Ruth and marries her
Boaz acts as kinsman-redeemer, marrying Ruth and restoring Naomi's family line and property according to Israelite custom, fulfilling God's plan.
c. 1070 BC
Birth of Obed
Ruth and Boaz have a son named Obed, who becomes the father of Jesse and the grandfather of King David, placing Ruth in the lineage of the Messiah.
"Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking." — Naomi's instruction for Ruth to "put on your cloak" is more than just dressing up; it means she should wear her finest clothes, signifying her readiness for marriage and her transition out of mournin…
