Ruth 3:2 - Now isn’t Boaz our kinsman, with whose maidens you were? Behold, he will be winnowing barley tonight on the threshing floor.
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What does "Ruth 3:2" mean?
This verse from Ruth 3:2 is a crucial setup for Ruth's bold move to secure her future and potentially marry Boaz. Let's break down what it means:
"Now isn’t Boaz our kinsman, with whose maidens you were?" Naomi is speaking to Ruth and reminding her that Boaz is a close relative ("kinsman"). This is important because under Israelite law at the time, a kinsman had certain obligations to a widow without children, including the possibility of marrying her to continue her deceased husband's line and inherit his property. Naomi also reminds Ruth that she worked in Boaz's fields with his female servants ("maidens"), establishing a connection and familiarity.
"Behold, he will be winnowing barley tonight on the threshing floor." This provides the specific context and opportunity. "Winnowing" is the process of separating grain (barley in this case) from the chaff (the outer husk). It was typically done in the evening or at night when the wind was strong enough to blow the chaff away. The "threshing floor" was an open, often elevated area where grain was threshed and winnowed. Boaz being there at night, responsible for this important task, puts him in a vulnerable and accessible position.
In essence, Naomi is saying to Ruth:
"Remember Boaz, our relative, the one you've been working for? Well, tonight he'll be alone at the threshing floor, winnowing barley. This is your chance!"
Significance:
Opportunity: This verse highlights the opportunity that Naomi sees for Ruth to approach Boaz and potentially claim her right as a relative seeking redemption.
Strategic: Naomi is devising a plan, carefully choosing the time and place where Ruth can interact with Boaz in a way that allows her to make her intentions known.
Intrigue: The verse builds suspense, suggesting that something significant is about to happen at the threshing floor that night.
Cultural Context: The verse is deeply embedded in the cultural and legal customs of ancient Israel, particularly regarding kinship, land ownership, and the responsibility to care for widows.
In short, this verse is not just a statement of fact, but a call to action and a key moment in the unfolding story of Ruth and Boaz. It sets the stage for Ruth's daring act and the potential for a life-changing encounter.
Ruth 3:2 - Now isn’t Boaz our kinsman, with whose maidens you were? Behold, he will be winnowing barley tonight on the threshing floor.
What does "Ruth 3:2" mean?
This verse from Ruth 3:2 is a crucial setup for Ruth's bold move to secure her future and potentially marry Boaz. Let's break down what it means:
"Now isn’t Boaz our kinsman, with whose maidens you were?" Naomi is speaking to Ruth and reminding her that Boaz is a close relative ("kinsman"). This is important because under Israelite law at the time, a kinsman had certain obligations to a widow without children, including the possibility of marrying her to continue her deceased husband's line and inherit his property. Naomi also reminds Ruth that she worked in Boaz's fields with his female servants ("maidens"), establishing a connection and familiarity.
"Behold, he will be winnowing barley tonight on the threshing floor." This provides the specific context and opportunity. "Winnowing" is the process of separating grain (barley in this case) from the chaff (the outer husk). It was typically done in the evening or at night when the wind was strong enough to blow the chaff away. The "threshing floor" was an open, often elevated area where grain was threshed and winnowed. Boaz being there at night, responsible for this important task, puts him in a vulnerable and accessible position.
In essence, Naomi is saying to Ruth:
"Remember Boaz, our relative, the one you've been working for? Well, tonight he'll be alone at the threshing floor, winnowing barley. This is your chance!"
Significance:
Opportunity: This verse highlights the opportunity that Naomi sees for Ruth to approach Boaz and potentially claim her right as a relative seeking redemption.
Strategic: Naomi is devising a plan, carefully choosing the time and place where Ruth can interact with Boaz in a way that allows her to make her intentions known.
Intrigue: The verse builds suspense, suggesting that something significant is about to happen at the threshing floor that night.
Cultural Context: The verse is deeply embedded in the cultural and legal customs of ancient Israel, particularly regarding kinship, land ownership, and the responsibility to care for widows.
In short, this verse is not just a statement of fact, but a call to action and a key moment in the unfolding story of Ruth and Boaz. It sets the stage for Ruth's daring act and the potential for a life-changing encounter.