Ruth 3....The "Scent of a Woman"

Ruth chapter 3 is a somewhat famous chapter because of it's notoriety of the Ruth-Boaz relationship and it's "mirror" of how Christ Jesus redeemed us....
 In the Hebrew language, there is a word that has been much discussed through time, the word "GOEL". In English, this word is translated "Redeemer", or to "buy back again". An example of this would be if someone purchases an animal from you, and later you go and buy the same animal back, you were to have said to "redeem" or buy back the animal.

 Here in Ruth, Boaz was about to buy the land that had belonged to Naomi's husband, Elimilech. This land had been owned by Elimilech, and when he moved his family to Moab, the land was purchased by someone else.  By Jewish law at the time, when Naomi returned, Boaz, being a relative to the family of Elimilech, could purchase the land for the family and keep the family and its land in tact. Because Naomi was a widow with no surviving children, Boaz, in order to keep the family bloodline, had rights to also take care of Naomi and Ruth as well.
 Many Biblical scholars have written on this subject and how it is an example of Christ Jesus "buying each one of us back" through His work at the Cross. I will not elaborate on this simply because there are those who have written on the subject with much more skill than I possess.
If you would like to find out more about Boaz purchasing the land belonging to Elimilech, or simply the word "GOEL", there are numerous articles both on-line and in books that diagnose this marvelous act in great detail.

 I think for me, I am simply marveled on Ruth...her child-like and obedient faith...and how by her love for Naomi and for the God of Naomi, Ruth received much grace from the great God of Israel.  I think this chapter speaks to me as to what God  has for us....His love for each one of us....when we simply put our focus on...Him!
  Ruth gave "her life" to Naomi...making a decision to both love her and to learn and love the God of Naomi...and now Ruth has an opportunity to express her love in a different matter...giving love to Boaz  romantically. For just as Ruth had taken a "step of faith" to love Naomi, love Boaz, and love the God of Israel...she has received much love in return.

                                   Gleaning of Ruth, chapter 3

"One day Naomi, Ruth's mother-n-law, spoke to Ruth and said: "My dear daughter, you have been good to me...both in word and in your actions...yet, I cannot continue to just have you take care of me...with no future of your own. Because of what Boaz is doing for both of us, and he is our close relative, what are your thoughts on possibly making a life...with Boaz?
 Ok, listen to this idea! Tonight Boaz will be willowing out the barley at the threshing floor. This could be an excellent time for you to make a move towards him...particularly when he has shown great interests in you these last few weeks. So, what would you say to getting you all ready...for tonight's celebration at the threshing floor! Let's give you one of those hot "spa" baths, anoint you with some fragrant and exotic perfumes, do your hair...and nails...and send you out to see him tonight?!
 Here is how I would suggest you do this. When you are all "prepped" and ready, go to the threshing floor celebration...but don't make contact with Boaz, in fact don't let Boaz even see you...until he is ready to call it a night...after he has finished eating and drinking.
 Now, here is what you do at this point...watch him! See where he has chosen to lie down to get some sleep, and when he has chosen his place to rest, this is where you make your move! It is our custom that if you have made the decision to yield your life to a man you would want to be your husband, then, when you see the man you desire...like Boaz in this case, go to where he is at sleeping, gently lift the bottom of his robe, and lay down near his feet as is our custom. Then, when Boaz awakes and discovers you, he will understand the meaning of what you are doing...and will tell you what his thoughts are and the future of possibly having a life together."

 Ruth, hearing all this from Naomi...replied: " Naomi, all this time I have been with you, you have always given good and sound advice..and I like this idea of yours as well! I trust in the words you have spoken Naomi...and I put my trust in this God of Abraham...and with all the respect you have given me...and the respect Boaz has given me as well..I say: "Let's do this!"
 And that is exactly what they did. Ruth was given a full "beauty treatment", adorned in beautiful clothes...and went to the threshing floor celebration...with Naomi's instructions tucked away...in her heart!

 When Boaz had finished eating and drinking...feeling quite "merry" from the plentiful harvest and the taste of good wine, found a place near the end of the threshing floor that had a big pile of grain. It was here Boaz chose to rest...lied down and went to sleep.

 Enter...Ruth! Ruth quietly came to where Boaz had chosen his place to rest, lifted the end of Boaz's robe as Naomi had instructed, lied down...giving Boaz a clear "go" sign...that she was available...for marriage!
 And around midnight, Boaz awoke to turn over, and was totally surprised to find a woman lying near his feet! He then spoke up and asked:" Who are you?"
 Ruth responds: "Sir, I am Ruth, your maiden if you so choose. I ask that you take me under "your wing of protection". You are a close relative through marriage, and within the "Circle of the Covenant Redeemers"...and have the right to marry me."

 Boaz then spoke: "Ruth!...First, may I say the honor is mine! Certainly the Lord has blessed you, and your expression of love toward me speaks for itself...and your respect and loyalty to our family "speaks volumes" as well. I know you could have easily gone after a younger and handsome man, whether he be rich or poor, and made a life together. Yet, out of honor and respect to our family, and a love for me...you have chosen this path instead!
 Ruth, first, may I say you have no need to worry...about anything. I will do all things necessary to properly arrange things...and will only add to your virtuous and courageous qualities.
 One thing Ruth we will need to confront...together. It is true I am one of your relatives that is qualified to take care of you...and Naomi! Yet, there is one who lives here who is even a closer relative than I. So, let's do this. Remain here tonight, and in the morning I will find him and see if he wishes to exercise his customary right and responsibility as one within the "Circle of Covenant Redeemers"...for he has that right. But, if he chooses not to exercise this right...by the Grace of God...I will surely redeem you!"

 So Ruth did as Boaz suggested. Early in the morning, before the dawn had broke and it was easy for people to recognize one another, Ruth arose. Boaz had also said to Ruth that no one must know she had come to the threshing floor. Boaz then instructed Ruth to spread out her cape...and measured out 6 scoops of fresh barley and placed it in her cape. He then helped her to place it on her shoulders...and Boaz left for town.

 When Ruth returned home, Naomi was there to greet her and anxiously asked: " What happened my dear Ruth?" Ruth then explained to her everything that had went on, and said: " Look Naomi!...he gave me all this barley (6 scoops...almost 6 quarts) and said he would not allow me to come home empty-handed to my mother-n-law".
 Naomi then said to Ruth: " Ok, just sit back and relax Ruth...and wait for the results of what Boaz is about to do. I know this man...he isn't the kind to "fool around" or delay on things of this matter. He wants you Ruth! You can bet he will have all this settled...before this day even comes to an end!"