This verse from Ruth 3:14 is a key part of the story where Ruth takes a bold step to secure her future. Let's break down what it means:
"She lay at his feet until the morning..." This refers to Ruth spending the night at Boaz's feet on the threshing floor. This was a vulnerable and unusual act on Ruth's part, showing her trust and respect for Boaz, as well as her desire for him to fulfill his obligation as a kinsman-redeemer.
"...then she rose up before one could discern another." This emphasizes that Ruth left before it was light enough for people to recognize each other. This was important for maintaining both her reputation and Boaz's. The threshing floor was a public place, and her presence there at night could have been misinterpreted.
"For he said, 'Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.'" This is Boaz's instruction to Ruth. He wants to protect her and himself from any scandal or negative rumors. He is a righteous man who cares about her well-being and his own reputation in the community. He will handle the situation properly, according to the law and custom, but he wants to avoid gossip or any suggestion of impropriety.
In essence, the verse conveys these points:
Discretion and Secrecy: The emphasis on leaving before dawn and Boaz's command highlights the need for discretion in their actions. They want to avoid any scandalous interpretations of Ruth's presence at the threshing floor.
Protection of Reputation: Boaz is concerned about protecting Ruth's reputation and potentially his own. By keeping their interaction private, he prevents gossip and maintains her honor.
Responsibility and Integrity: Boaz's actions suggest that he intends to handle the situation with integrity. He doesn't want to create a situation that would compromise Ruth or himself before he has a chance to act properly as her kinsman-redeemer.
Ruth's Trust: Ruth obeys Boaz's instruction. Which shows that she trusts him to act in her best interest.
The verse reflects the cultural context of the time, where a woman's reputation was highly valued and where social norms needed to be respected. Both Ruth and Boaz are acting in a way that is both bold and respectful within the constraints of their society.
This verse from Ruth 3:14 is a key part of the story where Ruth takes a bold step to secure her future. Let's break down what it means:
"She lay at his feet until the morning..." This refers to Ruth spending the night at Boaz's feet on the threshing floor. This was a vulnerable and unusual act on Ruth's part, showing her trust and respect for Boaz, as well as her desire for him to fulfill his obligation as a kinsman-redeemer.
"...then she rose up before one could discern another." This emphasizes that Ruth left before it was light enough for people to recognize each other. This was important for maintaining both her reputation and Boaz's. The threshing floor was a public place, and her presence there at night could have been misinterpreted.
"For he said, 'Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.'" This is Boaz's instruction to Ruth. He wants to protect her and himself from any scandal or negative rumors. He is a righteous man who cares about her well-being and his own reputation in the community. He will handle the situation properly, according to the law and custom, but he wants to avoid gossip or any suggestion of impropriety.
In essence, the verse conveys these points:
Discretion and Secrecy: The emphasis on leaving before dawn and Boaz's command highlights the need for discretion in their actions. They want to avoid any scandalous interpretations of Ruth's presence at the threshing floor.
Protection of Reputation: Boaz is concerned about protecting Ruth's reputation and potentially his own. By keeping their interaction private, he prevents gossip and maintains her honor.
Responsibility and Integrity: Boaz's actions suggest that he intends to handle the situation with integrity. He doesn't want to create a situation that would compromise Ruth or himself before he has a chance to act properly as her kinsman-redeemer.
Ruth's Trust: Ruth obeys Boaz's instruction. Which shows that she trusts him to act in her best interest.
The verse reflects the cultural context of the time, where a woman's reputation was highly valued and where social norms needed to be respected. Both Ruth and Boaz are acting in a way that is both bold and respectful within the constraints of their society.