Ruth 3:7
And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. Then she came softly and uncovered his feet and lay down.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "his heart was merry" is more than just Boaz feeling good after a meal; it suggests he was filled with gratitude and contentment, perhaps even a deep sense of God's provision and favor, which set the stage for the night's unfolding events. This inner state highlights that Ruth’s bold move wasn't into the presence of just any man, but a man whose heart was already disposed toward thankfulness and generosity.
After a harvest feast celebrating the bounty of the land, Boaz retires to sleep at the end of a grain heap on the threshing floor, a practice common in that era for security and convenience. Ruth, acting on her mother-in-law Naomi's bold plan, approaches him discreetly in the darkness and lies down at his feet. This act is intended to remind Boaz of his responsibility as a kinsman-redeemer to care for Ruth and secure her future, as per ancient customs.
Why did Ruth approach Boaz on the threshing floor after a feast? Discover the significance of the 'merry heart' in this ancient setting.
The scene in Ruth 3:7 unfolds during a harvest festival, a time of celebration and gratitude. Boaz has 'eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry.' This suggests a mood of contentment and thankfulness, possibly even a blessing of God for the bounty of the harvest.
This context is crucial because it highlights that Ruth's approach isn't a nighttime escapade in secrecy, but a bold move within a communal, albeit relaxed, setting. The 'heap of corn' where Boaz sleeps is not just a place of work, but a place of celebration. His 'merry heart' indicates he's in a good disposition, open and receptive, not caught off guard by malice or ill intent, but rather filled with the joy of a successful harvest and God's provision.
What did it mean for Ruth to 'uncover his feet and lie down'? This wasn't just a physical act, but a signal with deep cultural meaning.
Ruth's action of 'uncovering his feet and lying down' at the end of the grain heap is a poignant moment that needs understanding within its cultural context. It's not a gesture of romantic overture in the way we might think today. Instead, it was a symbolic act that invoked the laws of kinship and redemption, particularly the responsibility of a kinsman to protect and provide for a widow.
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Boaz is resting, perhaps on a simple mat or even just his cloak, with his outer garment covering his feet. Ruth's action is one of quiet respect and assertion. By lying at his feet, she is signaling her need for him to act as her 'goel' or redeemer. She is not demanding, but reminding him of his duty and the possibility of marriage under the law for the sake of his deceased kinsman, Elimelech. Boaz’s subsequent honorable response, and his acknowledgment of this custom, confirms its significance as a plea for protection and family continuity.
Ruth took a huge risk. How did Boaz, a man of integrity, react to this vulnerable, yet bold, approach?
The true test of Boaz's character comes not just in his position as a wealthy landowner, but in his reaction to Ruth's daring act. Instead of exploiting her vulnerable position, Boaz recognizes the gravity and cultural significance of her presence. His heart was 'merry' from the feast, but upon realizing who was there, his focus shifts immediately to duty and honor.
He doesn't dismiss her, nor does he take advantage of her. Instead, he acknowledges her noble intentions and her family loyalty: 'Do not be afraid, Ruth... I will do for you all that you ask, for all the town knows that you are a woman of excellence.' He prioritizes the 'goel' (kinsman-redeemer) law, understanding that while he is a kinsman, there might be one nearer. His promise is conditional, based on the law and the willingness of others. He sends her away with gifts and assurance before dawn, ensuring her reputation remains intact. This demonstrates immense integrity, showing that true godliness is not just about personal piety, but about righteous action, especially towards the vulnerable.
Understand the original words
lebab · Hebrew Noun
The inner person, encompassing the intellect, emotions, will, and conscience; it is viewed in Scripture as the center of human moral and spiritual life.
Ruth's bold move on the threshing floor occurs during the harvest festival, a time of feasting and rest. This setting highlights Boaz's relaxed but watchful state, making Ruth's approach both opportune and risky within the customs of ancient Israelite society.
c. 1100-1300 BC
Period of the Judges
Israel was a confederation of tribes, often without a central government, leading to periods of instability and localized leadership. Boaz, as a 'mighty man of wealth' and respected figure, likely held a position of local authority or prominence.
During the harvest season (likely barley harvest)— this verse
Harvest Festival and Threshing
The period of the story is set during the harvest, a time of celebration, feasting, and work. Boaz is at the threshing floor, a common place for landowners to stay overnight to guard the grain and supervise the process.
Late night, after the harvest feast
Ruth Approaches Boaz
After Boaz has eaten and is resting at the end of the grain heap, Ruth, following Naomi's daring plan, quietly comes to him and lies down at his feet.
Early morning following Ruth's approach
Boaz Acknowledges Ruth's Claim
Boaz wakes to find Ruth, and though initially surprised, he recognizes her request for protection and his duty as a kinsman-redeemer, promising to act.
Later that morning, at the city gate
Boaz Confronts the Nearer Kinsman
Boaz publicly addresses the nearer kinsman-redeemer at the city gate, offering him the right to redeem Naomi's land and marry Ruth according to custom.
Following the kinsman's refusal
Boaz Redeems Naomi's Property and Marries Ruth
The nearer kinsman forfeits his right, and Boaz publicly redeems the land and takes Ruth as his wife, fulfilling the obligations of a kinsman-redeemer.
clarkeRuth 3:7: "And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down."
When Boaz had eaten and drunk - The Targum adds, "He blessed the name of the Lord, who had heard his prayer, and removed famine from the land of Israel." Went to lie down - As the threshing-floors of the Eastern nations are in general in the open air, it is very likely that the owner or some confidential perso…
henryRuth 3:6-13: "And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her."
3:6-13 What in one age or nation would be improper, is not always so in another age or another nation. Being a judge of Israel, Boaz would tell Ruth what she should do; also whether he had the right of redemption, and what methods must be taken, and what rites used, in order to accomplishing her marriage with him or another person. The conduct of Boaz calls for the highest praise. He attem…
The phrase "his heart was merry" is more than just Boaz feeling good after a meal; it suggests he was filled with gratitude and contentment, perhaps even a deep sense of God's provision and favor, which set the stage for the night's unfolding events. This inner state highlights that Ruth’s bold move wasn't into the presence of just any man, but a man whose heart was already disposed toward thankfulness and generosity.
After a harvest feast celebrating the bounty of the land, Boaz retires to sleep at the end of a grain heap on the threshing floor, a practice common in that era for security and convenience. Ruth, acting on her mother-in-law Naomi's bold plan, approaches him discreetly in the darkness and lies down at his feet. This act is intended to remind Boaz of his responsibility as a kinsman-redeemer to care for Ruth and secure her future, as per ancient customs.
After a harvest feast celebrating the bounty of the land, Boaz retires to sleep at the end of a grain heap on the threshing floor, a practice common in that era for security and convenience. Ruth, acting on her mother-in-law Naomi's bold plan, approaches him discreetly in the darkness and lies down at his feet. This act is intended to remind Boaz of his responsibility as a kinsman-redeemer to care for Ruth and secure her future, as per ancient customs.
"And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. Then she came softly and uncovered his feet and lay down." — The phrase "his heart was merry" is more than just Boaz feeling good after a meal; it suggests he was filled with gratitude and contentment, perhaps even a deep sense of God's provision and favor, wh…
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