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3:1-18 Scene 3: Ruth, at the Threshing Floor, Asks Boaz to Marry Her. This scene depicts the second crucial encounter between Ruth and Boaz, framed by the recurrence of "my daughter" (vv. 1, 18). Several uses of "know" (Hb. yada‘ and related terms from the same root) are woven into this scene: "relative" (v. 2, lit., "one known"); "do not make yourself known" (v. 3); "observe [or, ‘know’] the place where he lies" (v. 4); "my . . . townsmen know . . . you are a worthy woman" (v. 11); "until you learn [or, ‘know’] how the matter turns out" (v. 18).

3:1 rest. See notes on 1:8-9 and 4:13. be well with you. By having children (cf. Deut. 6:3).

3:2 Is not . . . ? The rhetorical question connects Boaz our relative and "rest" (1:9; 3:1). winnowing . . . tonight. The winnowing took place during the breezes that begin after sundown (see note on 2:17-18). threshing floor. This was located to the east of the city so that the westerly wind carried away the chaff. (On threshing [or winnowing], see note on Ps. 1:4.) Ruth, leaving the city, goes "down to the threshing floor" (Ruth 3:3); Boaz, leaving the threshing floor, goes "up to the [city] gate" (4:1).

3:3 Wash . . . anoint . . . put on. Perhaps a sign that her mourning was over, as it was for David (2 Sam. 12:20). She must make herself attractive, like a betrothed woman (Ezek. 16:9-12), and meet Boaz at the right time: after he finished . . . drinking (see Ruth 3:7; Ps. 4:7; 104:15).

3:4 To uncover his feet and lie down there (vv. 8, 14) will demonstrate her dependence on him in view of her bold marriage proposal (v. 9). It is sometimes suggested that "his feet" (lit., "place of his feet," Hb. margelot) is a euphemism for sexual contact, but there is no evidence for this and it would be out of place in this story.

3:6-7 went down . . . uncovered . . . lay down. Ruth was true to her word (v. 5). softly. Ruth moved in stealth so as not to awaken Boaz (cf. Judg. 4:21; 1 Sam. 26:7).

3:9 Ruth, your servant. A maidservant (Hb. ’amah), unlike a slave-servant (see note on 2:13), enjoyed the privileges of an Israelite household (e.g., Ex. 20:10) and could give birth to an heir (see Gen. 30:3-4, 9). your wings. Although this is an expression for "the edge of your garment" (spread in order to claim her in marriage; see ESV footnote), here it evokes the mention of the Lord's "wings" in Ruth 2:12 and Boaz as an embodiment of the Lord's character. redeemer. See note on 3:12-13.

3:10 this last kindness. That is, Ruth claiming Boaz as her redeemer (v. 9). It was a greater act of kindness, given the implications of redemption. The first act of kindness was that shown earlier to Naomi (2:11). Boaz was impressed that Ruth was not merely seeking marriage with eligible young men.

3:11 worthy woman. See notes on 2:1; 4:11; cf. Prov. 31:10, "excellent wife," using the same Hebrew expression, ’eshet khayil.

3:12-13 redeemer nearer. The order of these relations is: brother, uncle, cousin, or close clan relative (Lev. 25:48-49; Num. 27:11; see Introduction: Key Themes, "Redemption"). The use of this term (Hb. ga’al) for "kinsman-redeemer" is separate from the way the same word is used for the Lord "redeeming" Israel (e.g., Ex. 6:6; 15:13; cf. NT usage of "redemption"). Boaz may only claim his right of redemption if the other redeemer is not willing (cf. Deut. 25:7-8). as the Lord lives. A solemn oath (cf. Judg. 8:19; 1 Kings 2:24).

3:14 Let it not be known. Boaz is concerned for propriety and for his and Ruth's good reputation.

3:15 six measures of barley. Boaz's ample supply would also confirm his intentions to Naomi (v. 17).

3:17 not . . . empty-handed. Lit., "with nothing," as in 1:21 (cf. Deut. 15:13). Boaz functions in the story as the channel of the Lord's recompense (Ruth 2:12) and kindness (2:20) to Naomi.

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