10.30.07
At the Threshing Floor
As we dive into Ruth chapter 3, there is some new terminology as well as some cultural practices that may not make sense to us, so let's take a moment to explore those before we dig too much into the scripture itself.
Let's start with the threshing floor - what is the deal there? Well after the harvest, it was necessary to separate the grain from the stuff, so they had animals stomp on it. Then they tossed it in the air and used the breeze to separate the actual grain from the fluff. All of this was done on the threshing floor. And similar to the celebratory times we read about during Tamar's story, harvest was usually a happy time of congratulations. As this process was taking place, Boaz slept at the threshing floor near his grain to protect and watch over it.
We also have the term kinsmen-redeemer to figured out. Now with our study of Tamar we've already learned about the responsibility of a younger brother to step into place for an older brother should he die. The younger brother is to carry on the family name by inheriting the eldest's birthright, as well as his wife. As it turns out, if a brother is not available to fulfill the responsibility, it may be passed on to the next of kin. If that man wants to step in, he must purchase the inheritance, and thus the right to carry on the family name. So if we break down the word we get kin: a near relative and redeem: to buy back, thus a kinsmen redeemer is a near relative who buys back the right of inheritance. Pretty cool, huh?
Alright, next: what's with the whole uncovering the feet business? Well this one is a little bit tougher to break down, but the gist of it is that Ruth was essentially proposing marriage to Boaz. Now as bold as that sounds, think of it more as she was asking him to fulfill his right as a kinsmen-redeemer. Now, there isn't a whole lot of information available about the marriage process at this time, so it isn't clear as to the formalities that did or did not have to take place, but what we do know is that by uncovering Boaz's feet, Ruth was symbolically asking him to cover and protect her. Interestingly enough, the verb used in this chapter "to cover" is the same that Boaz uses in the previous chapter when he describes how Ruth has sought "cover" under the Lord's protection...which incidentally he is the instrument God is using to administer said protection. I particularly like how that all works together :)
Something Funny Is Going On...
As you may have noticed, after Ruth stays the night at Boaz's feet, in the morning (when it is so early she could not be recognized) he advises her to not let it be known she came to the threshing floor....there is a hint of something sketchy going on here, no? It seems that by sending her off so early, Boaz is trying to protect the reputation Ruth has as a woman of noble character. So while we do not know the specifics of the marriage proposal rite of passage during this time, we DO know that what has just transpired is not exactly the norm. So let's take a step back and rewind for a minute and examine why things panned out this way, if Boaz and Ruth are both of such noble character. The chapter begins with Naomi taking match-making matters into her own hands. She tells Ruth to get all dolled up (literally!) and to hide until Boaz has finished eating and drinking and is laying down. At first glance this doesn't seem so unusual, but after what we have learned about the proposal tradition so far...it doesn't make sense. Why does Naomi advise Ruth to hide? Why is she to wait until Boaz is "merry" or aka in bible talk, a little tipsy? It seems a little bit like Naomi was doing her best to ensure the situation would appeal to ALL of Boaz's senses, if you know what I mean ;) She sends her freshly cleaned and yummy smelling daughter-in-law to a man, after he is in bed, and feeling pretty happy on wine to propose a union between them. Hmmm - I'm not sure this was the best way to approach the subject. Fortunately, Boaz proves that he really is the good man of standing the bible claims he is and does not take advantage of Ruth (though it seems the situation would be quite tempting) and not only ensures that her reputation remains untainted, but also that she doesn't go home empty-handed. Does anyone else have a bit of a crush on Boaz, or is it just me? Anyone? Yeah, I thought so.
Another Lesson From Naomi
So as it would seem, we are again seeing Naomi in a less than flattering light. There is no doubt in my mind that everything she did, she was doing with good intentions for the good for her daughter-in-law and the good of her family, but it would appear that in taking matters into her own hands, she put Ruth and Boaz in a potentially dangerous situation. Have you ever done the same? It seems so clear to you as to what needs to be done that you take matters into your own hands? Is this a regular temptation for you? Why is this such a dangerous temptation?
In our discussion on Tuesday night, we reasoned that for one, we don't know the whole picture, so what may seem right to us, could be a step in the completely wrong direction. The only one with all the information is God and we're better off listening to his advice in every situation. Similarly, when we take matters into our own hands, we don't consider what God's will is. We effectively tell him, no - I don't need you, I can handle this one on my own. And lastly, when we try to exercise that kind of control over a situation, it builds a sense of pride within us, that we ARE in control, the plans we make ARE good, etc., instead of the humility that comes from sitting at Jesus' feet and saying as Ruth did, "I will do whatever you say."
A Lesson From Ruth
So what can we learn from Ruth herself this week? The clearest lesson she gives us is one in obedience. She demonstrates a clear willingness to do whatever her mother-in-law advises. To that kind of trust in another person is difficult to come by, but what a great picture of the kind of obedience I would like to have to Christ. No matter what he asks, my answer is yes. (*sigh*) A girl can have aspirations, right?
A Lesson From Boaz
In chapter 3 Boaz really demonstrates just what a man of standing he really is. What an excellent lesson for all of us: always take the high road. Not just some times, not just when we feel like it, but always. Boaz is an excellent example of loving your neighbor as yourself, clearly showing us how to treat others, while remaining truthful and without reproach. He's an all around good guy, I tell ya. He sets the bar pretty darn high! But the take home message here being, why not take the high road every time. What good reason do you have not to? God wants you to, so why not?