Ruth 3: at the threshing floor
We now come to the most elusive scene in the Ruth story.
The first part is not too elusive. In Chapter 2 we learn that, as a relative of Naomi's family, Boaz is one of their 'Guardian Redeemers'. The background to this is found in Leviticus 25. In order to prevent anyone from falling into serious poverty, if anyone found themselves unable to support themselves, the nearest relative should buy or 'redeem' their land, until the year of Jubilee, when it would be returned to its original owner. It is a covering of debts and a provision of security, at a cost to the redeemer. Ruth and Naomi are in a vulnerable position, unable to support themselves independently within the context and customs of the time. The previously dejected and bitter Naomi seems to have gained a bit of Ruth's tenacity, and decides that it would be good for Ruth to pursue a marriage with Boaz. It seems a good opportunity - not only does he have a duty to Ruth and Naomi, but he also combines being a morally upstanding man with being a rich and powerful one - certainly a good prospect!
But, of course, these are different times. They can't go on a few dates and then start to talk about their future. Instead, Naomi instructs Ruth to go to Boaz as he sleeps guarding his grain ready to be threshed at the end of the harvest, uncover his feet and lie down at them! Commentators seem to have different ideas on exactly what the custom was that was being followed at the threshing floor. However, all agree on this: it seems very clear that this is either a marriage proposal or at least a request for one. It's all very romantic, yes?
The thing is, it is in marriage - and particularly marriage in this context - that God gives us a picture of something bigger. In both the Old Testament and New, the Bible is littered with parallels, allegories and allusions which compare God's relationship with his people to an ancient marriage - culminating in Revelation 21, when the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, [comes] down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband (Revelation 21:2).Ruth's words to Boaz are dripping with symbolism: ‘Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family’ (Ruth 3:9). The word translated as 'garment' (kānāp̄) is the same as that translated as 'wings' in Chapter 2:12 when Ruth is described as having taken refuge under the 'wings' of the God of Israel (the word plays on the similarity between wings and the outer layers or clothing or corner of a garment). This 'taking refuge' in Yahweh is played out in the practical - in taking refuge in the laws He had set out for his people, and more personally in relationship to the community that follows Him. It is as if Ruth's Abraham-like journey from Moab, in which she arguably risks everything, is played out in microcosm, as she risks her reputation for a security in which she trusts.
Many will, of course, feel uncomfortable that the woman takes the role of the one who 'needs rescuing', but if you are a man, remember that you are also "Ruth" in this story! Of course, one of the wonderful things about the Ruth story is that she is not passive. She is not a pawn in the game, but a person - tenacious and courageous. Boaz, too, sees her for what she is - not some alien note in a world of familiarity, but made in the image of God, with her own unique gifts. Yet she is in a position of insecurity, and humbly, but freely, seeks refuge.
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