Ruth - Part 3

I swear, I will never have a normal sleeping schedule. I was exhausted after work today, and all I know is that it was light outside when I fell asleep, and woke up at 11pm. Needless to say, the odds of me getting a decent night's sleep tonight are slim to none. I'm almost tempted to have a cup of coffee and stay up all night to clean and organize.

Also, please pray for my grandmother (Nanny) because she is having surgery tomorrow.

Ruth Chapter 3

Synopsis: At this point in the story, Naomi can finally see the hope of a future for herself and Ruth. But this hope lies in Ruth's coming actions. She tells Ruth to seek Boaz out, and lie at his feet as he sleeps. When he awakes, she tells him that he is her kinsman redeemer. This awakens responsibility in Boaz's heart, though he knows that there is a kinsman redeemer. Short and sweet, he tells Ruth that he will find the closer kinsman redeemer and if the other man cannot fulfill his responsibilities as kinsman redeemer and marry Ruth, Boaz vows that he will. He also sends Ruth home with a shawl full of grain, so she would have something to bring home to Naomi. When Ruth returns home, Naomi is still filled with hope.

Going Deeper: There are a few things to clarify about this passage. The idea of going to lay at a man's feet as he sleeps is well, quite a strange thought in today's day and age. However, the intentions of Ruth, Naomi and Boaz, just to clarify, are completely pure in this situation. A lot of this passage is old Hebrew culture, such as when Ruth asks Boaz to cover her with the corner of his garment (verse 9). This was, and still is, a middle eastern request for marriage. It can also be translated as to protect someone under one's wings.

There is one verse that jumped out at me over the others. Sadly, this verse nearly gets lost in the passage, but it is the point where Boaz remarks that he is aware of how she is a "woman of noble character"(verse 11). I have now taken this as a challenge. I want to be the woman that someday my future husband could say to me; "I love you because you are a woman of Godly character."

Anyone want to join me in this challenge? Let me know!