Ruth 3:2-5
Ruth went to wash up and put on her best dress. Her head was spinning. It had only been three months since she arrived in Bethlehem, two months since she had her first encounter with Boaz. But Naomi's plan was risky. If she failed, her ability to glean in Boaz's fields was at jeopardy. Was this really worth the risk? Naomi's words rang in her ears...
"Our land must be redeemed. It cannot sit as a wasteland. So our laws lay out a process. Because we have relatives who are nearby, they get first option. They can redeem it buy purchasing it from me, but when they purchase it, you and I are a part of the sale price. They will be obligated through their purchase to let us stay in the house and to give you progeny."
With that, Ruth sat up straighter.
"What are you saying, Naomi? They would have to marry me?"
"Yes, that is part of the redemption process. They would be required to take you as a wife and give you a child. Then that child would inherit our family land. His other children would not have access to it. So that way the land would stay in our family with our family name."
Ruth felt herself scowl. "What if he has a wife? This is not a great process."
Naomi nodded. "Most wives aren't happy about this but sometimes the men do it to acquire the land. It might come with a wife but it brings in an income, as well and an automatic inheritance."
"I still don't think this sounds like any fun. To be a second wife for financial gain doesn't sound like a love-filled marriage."
"It may not be romantic but it gives you offspring and a future. You won't have to beg with the poor for droppings in the field and you won't have an empty house to come home to. But I am not finished. Boaz is a kinsman to my late husband. He would be the perfect kinsman redeemer! He's not married and has no children, and you yourself said he's kind and friendly with you!" Ruth felt her cheeks go flush.
Now she found herself standing in front of the mirror, dressed in her finest, and prepared to go to Boaz to ask him to redeem her. Her cheeks were still warm. It sounded so desperate. Then again, she was desperate. He could offer a future that she thought was lost. Naomi had said there were three requirements - he had to be related, he had to be able to pay the price and he had to be willing. She knew that the first two wouldn't be a problem, but would he want her?
Naomi had also said the day was today. The end of the harvest was at hand and her access to Boaz would soon end until the next harvest. Apparently she had been concocting this plan for a month now, but thought it was best to spring it on Ruth that day so she didn't have much time to think about it.
As Ruth walked to the threshing floor, she rehearsed what Naomi told her to do. Boaz will be staying on site until the harvest is done. After he falls alseep, uncover his feet and then lay down at his feet. With his feet uncovered, he will wake up and find you. Then just do it - just say it. And then pray.
This is the most ridiculous thing I've ever done, but desperate times call for desperate measures. He is a good man, fears the Lord, is kind to his servants. Why wouldn't he make a good husband? Then again, why isn't he a husband? Oh, dear...this is frightening...
Ruth quietly made her way through town and out towards the fields. Instead of worrying about the thousands of reasons not to do this, she talked to her God and asked for His will to be done. The thought of a real husband and children was too good to be true...hope was rising in her heart and she had to be careful not to let it overwhelm her...
"Our land must be redeemed. It cannot sit as a wasteland. So our laws lay out a process. Because we have relatives who are nearby, they get first option. They can redeem it buy purchasing it from me, but when they purchase it, you and I are a part of the sale price. They will be obligated through their purchase to let us stay in the house and to give you progeny."
With that, Ruth sat up straighter.
"What are you saying, Naomi? They would have to marry me?"
"Yes, that is part of the redemption process. They would be required to take you as a wife and give you a child. Then that child would inherit our family land. His other children would not have access to it. So that way the land would stay in our family with our family name."
Ruth felt herself scowl. "What if he has a wife? This is not a great process."
Naomi nodded. "Most wives aren't happy about this but sometimes the men do it to acquire the land. It might come with a wife but it brings in an income, as well and an automatic inheritance."
"I still don't think this sounds like any fun. To be a second wife for financial gain doesn't sound like a love-filled marriage."
"It may not be romantic but it gives you offspring and a future. You won't have to beg with the poor for droppings in the field and you won't have an empty house to come home to. But I am not finished. Boaz is a kinsman to my late husband. He would be the perfect kinsman redeemer! He's not married and has no children, and you yourself said he's kind and friendly with you!" Ruth felt her cheeks go flush.
Now she found herself standing in front of the mirror, dressed in her finest, and prepared to go to Boaz to ask him to redeem her. Her cheeks were still warm. It sounded so desperate. Then again, she was desperate. He could offer a future that she thought was lost. Naomi had said there were three requirements - he had to be related, he had to be able to pay the price and he had to be willing. She knew that the first two wouldn't be a problem, but would he want her?
Naomi had also said the day was today. The end of the harvest was at hand and her access to Boaz would soon end until the next harvest. Apparently she had been concocting this plan for a month now, but thought it was best to spring it on Ruth that day so she didn't have much time to think about it.
As Ruth walked to the threshing floor, she rehearsed what Naomi told her to do. Boaz will be staying on site until the harvest is done. After he falls alseep, uncover his feet and then lay down at his feet. With his feet uncovered, he will wake up and find you. Then just do it - just say it. And then pray.
This is the most ridiculous thing I've ever done, but desperate times call for desperate measures. He is a good man, fears the Lord, is kind to his servants. Why wouldn't he make a good husband? Then again, why isn't he a husband? Oh, dear...this is frightening...
Ruth quietly made her way through town and out towards the fields. Instead of worrying about the thousands of reasons not to do this, she talked to her God and asked for His will to be done. The thought of a real husband and children was too good to be true...hope was rising in her heart and she had to be careful not to let it overwhelm her...
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