Ruth 3

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Ruth 3:1

‘ And Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, shall I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you?” Harvest being over Naomi now decided that it was time to act. She had no doubt observed with interest Boaz’s continued generosity towards Ruth, and it had encouraged her to think that he might not be averse to marrying her. So she approached Ruth informing her that her intention was to ‘seek rest’ for her so that her future might be secure. She then gave instructions to Ruth... read more

Peter Pett

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Ruth 3:2

“ And now is not Boaz our kinsman, with whose maidens you were? See, he winnows barley tonight in the threshing-floor.” She reminds Ruth that the man who had been so kind to her was in fact their kinsman, knowing no doubt that Ruth would recognise the significance of that fact. Furthermore she knew where he would be that evening, for the harvest having been gathered in it would now be necessary for it to be threshed. Thus she knew that he would be in charge of the winnowing in the... read more

Peter Pett

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Ruth 3:3

“ Wash yourself therefore, and anoint yourself, and put your clothes on you, and get you down to the threshing-floor, but do not make yourself known to the man, until he has done eating and drinking.” Ruth was therefore to wash herself, and anoint herself with oil, and then dress and go down to the threshingfloor. There she must wait patiently and unobserved until Boaz had finished eating and drinking. As mentioned above this eating and drinking would probably be part of the celebrations... read more

Peter Pett

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Ruth 3:4

“ And it shall be, when he lies down, that you shall mark the place where he shall lie, and you will go in, and uncover his feet, and lay yourself down, and he will tell you what you shall do.” But once he laid himself down to sleep Ruth was to mark where he lay down (darkness would be approaching), and when the time was right she should go onto the threshingfloor, lift up his robe where it covered his feet (Boaz would be using his robe as a kind of bedcovering) and should then lay herself... read more

Peter Pett

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Ruth 3:5

‘ And she said to her, “All that you say I will do.” Obedient to here mother-in-law as always, Ruth consented to do what Naomi had asked. read more

Peter Pett

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Ruth 3:6

‘ And she went down to the threshing-floor, and did according to all that her mother-in-law bade her.’ Once again it is emphasised that Ruth did as she was bidden. The writer wants it to be clear that Ruth was not self-seeking. She was obedient to the customs of her new people. So she went down to the threshingfloor. read more

Peter Pett

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - 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, and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid herself down.’ There would be a good number of people present for the threshing, and all these would join in the feasting, and then seek out a place to sleep on the threshingfloor, probably a little merry from the wine. Boaz in his turn, once he had eaten and drunk also sought out a place to sleep, and he chose to lie down at... read more

Peter Pett

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Ruth 3:8

‘ And it came about at midnight, that the man was fearful, and turned himself, and, behold, a woman lay at his feet.’ By this time it would be quite dark, and thus when Boaz awoke, and was conscious of someone lying at his feet he was a little apprehensive. Turning he noted that it was a woman. Not being able to tell who the woman was in the dimness it seemed to him quite out of place. Possibly the thought sprang though his mind that someone was trying to compromise him. read more

Peter Pett

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Ruth 3:9

‘ And he said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth your handmaid. Spread therefore the edge of your robe over your handmaid, for you are a near kinsman.” So he asked, quite startled, ‘Who are you?’ And Ruth replied ‘I am Ruth your handmaid.’ As we have seen previously to call herself his handmaid was not to be taken literally, but merely indicated her maidenly modesty. She then requested him, acting as a near kinsman, to cover her with the corner or ‘wing’ of his robe (see Deuteronomy... read more

Peter Pett

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Ruth 3:10

‘ And he said, “Blessed be you of YHWH, my daughter. You have shown more kindness (love) in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as you did not follow young men, whether poor or rich.” Boaz was moved that such a presentable young woman should be willing to become his wife. It is apparent that he had to some extent fallen in love with her, for he felt only able to express his gratitude that she should have chosen him rather than a younger man, ‘whether rich or poor’. He for one... read more

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Ruth 3:1

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Ruth 3:2

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Ruth 3:3

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Ruth 3:4

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Ruth 3:5

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Ruth 3:6

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Ruth 3:7

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Ruth 3:8

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Ruth 3:9

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Ruth 3:10

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