Thoughts in Ruth Part 3

We are Continuing the Articles by Emily Anderson about Ruth

this is her third article and it will be split into two sections.

Section 1 - To say that the third chapter of Ruth is complicated to properly navigate

would be an understatement. This chapter is filled with various elements such as

uncommon and unexpected advice, an unscheduled yet strategically planned late

night rendezvous, a blessing of barley, and a solid vow solely contingent upon a

future conversation which held Ruth and Naomi’s future “precariously” in the

balance. However, one aspect of Ruth that rings throughout the chapter – that

many people may miss – is the element of profound trust that is present. Yes, Ruth

trusted Naomi – despite her unconventional and odd advice to surprise Boaz,

where he was sleeping, in the middle of the night, after he had been drinking – and

followed her advice. However, in this chapter of Ruth, Ruth’s high level of trust

arguably rests mainly with Boaz. This truth is clearly seen in the simple fact that

Ruth – who has been working in Boaz’s field and has observed firsthand his

generosity, kindness, thoughtfulness, care, and character – agrees to follow

Naomi’s questionable advice (without question) to the letter. If Ruth had observed

Boaz being a tyrant of an employer, a brute of a man who was unkind, rigid,

miserly, arrogant, and stingy with expressing praise and admiration, it is difficult to

imagine that she would agree to Naomi’s plan seemingly without hesitation,

reluctance, or trepidation. After Naomi discloses her carefully constructed plan,

Ruth’s only recorded reply is “All that you have said, I will do” (v. 5). Then, she

simply does everything that Naomi instructed her to do (v. 6)! I, honestly, do not

think that Ruth would have been able to respond with complete and immediate

obedience if she observed Boaz being anything other than the overwhelmingly

loving, thoughtful, compassionate, gracious, and attentive man of God that he

clearly was. The truth is that though Boaz was observing Ruth, Ruth was most

probably doing the same of Boaz. Just as Boaz knew of Ruth’s character – via

observation and her reputation proceeding her – Ruth knew of Boaz’ character

through similar means. Although it is not mentioned in Ruth and it is imperative to

never read into God’s Word what is not plainly there, I think that it is difficult to

imagine Boaz’ workers and the other women who gleaned in his field not freely

discussing the nature of Boaz’ character.