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Ruth 3:1-5

THE PLAN

Naomi has come a long way from the attitude that she had when she left Moab. At that time she had basically told both of her daughters-in-law that their chances of finding a husband in her country were next to nothing—at best. Now Naomi is playing matchmaker for Ruth. Naomi thinks that the Lord has blessed her with someone who will not only buy her husband's land at a decent price after the wheat harvest but who may also marry her daughter-in-law so that a son from that marriage could one day reclaim the land for his deceased grandfather, Elimelech.

Her plan, at first glance, seems quite forward. Even today it is still traditional for the man to propose to the woman, not the other way around. But proposing to Boaz is exactly what Naomi is encouraging Ruth to do. Uncovering the feet of Boaz and lying next to the exposed parts of his body would say, "Will you marry me?" without Ruth ever having to say a word. These actions seem even more forward than a verbal proposal. Based on Ruth's character, however (character that Boaz has witnessed regularly), and based on Boaz's character (character that Naomi has witnessed regularly), Naomi trusts that Ruth will act modestly and that Boaz will respond respectably. (He wouldn't take advantage of her nor would he disgrace her.)

Ruth understood what her mother-in-law was asking her to do. There was danger involved, but she obeyed. Perhaps, however, Ruth had already developed enough of a relationship with Boaz that she knew what his answer would be. Most likely, Ruth and Naomi saw God's hand at work in their lives and they put their complete trust in him and in his will.