Ruth 3:8 - At midnight, the man was startled and turned himself; and behold, a woman lay at his feet.
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What does "Ruth 3:8" mean?
This verse describes a pivotal moment in the story of Ruth. Let's break it down:
"At midnight, the man was startled and turned himself..." This refers to Boaz, a wealthy and respected landowner. He's been sleeping on the threshing floor, a common practice to protect the grain harvest. The fact that he's "startled" suggests he was deeply asleep and wasn't expecting anything. The "turned himself" implies he shifted in his sleep or was awakened by something subtle.
"...and behold, a woman lay at his feet." This is Ruth. She has secretly come to the threshing floor, following the instructions of her mother-in-law, Naomi. The phrase "at his feet" is significant. It's a posture of supplication, a sign of humility and a request for protection and provision.
Meaning and Significance
The verse is pregnant with meaning:
1. Ruth's Initiative: This is the climax of Ruth's bold and unconventional action. She has essentially proposed marriage to Boaz. In this culture, a woman lying at a man's feet was a way of signaling her desire for him to act as her kinsman-redeemer.
2. The Kinsman-Redeemer Role: Under the Law of Moses, the kinsman-redeemer (usually the closest male relative) had the responsibility to:
Redeem property that had been sold out of necessity.
Redeem a relative who had sold themselves into slavery.
Marry the widow of a deceased relative to continue his lineage and keep the family inheritance intact.
3. Testing Boaz's Character: Ruth is putting Boaz in a difficult position. By lying at his feet, she's asking him to fulfill his duty (if he is indeed the closest eligible relative) and to act with integrity and honor. She's unmarried, vulnerable, and asking for his protection. It tests his character and whether he will honor her request.
4. Surprise and Uncertainty: The shock Boaz experiences shows the unexpected nature of Ruth's actions. The scene is tense with anticipation. What will Boaz do? Will he be angry, take advantage of the situation, or act honorably as Ruth hopes?
In essence, this verse sets the stage for the rest of the chapter and reveals Ruth's courage, Naomi's strategic planning, and introduces the question of whether Boaz will step up to fulfill his role as a kinsman-redeemer. It is not a simple case of a woman sleeping near a man; it's a culturally loaded act of faith, courage, and hope for a better future.
Ruth 3:8 - At midnight, the man was startled and turned himself; and behold, a woman lay at his feet.
What does "Ruth 3:8" mean?
This verse describes a pivotal moment in the story of Ruth. Let's break it down:
"At midnight, the man was startled and turned himself..." This refers to Boaz, a wealthy and respected landowner. He's been sleeping on the threshing floor, a common practice to protect the grain harvest. The fact that he's "startled" suggests he was deeply asleep and wasn't expecting anything. The "turned himself" implies he shifted in his sleep or was awakened by something subtle.
"...and behold, a woman lay at his feet." This is Ruth. She has secretly come to the threshing floor, following the instructions of her mother-in-law, Naomi. The phrase "at his feet" is significant. It's a posture of supplication, a sign of humility and a request for protection and provision.
Meaning and Significance
The verse is pregnant with meaning:
1. Ruth's Initiative: This is the climax of Ruth's bold and unconventional action. She has essentially proposed marriage to Boaz. In this culture, a woman lying at a man's feet was a way of signaling her desire for him to act as her kinsman-redeemer.
2. The Kinsman-Redeemer Role: Under the Law of Moses, the kinsman-redeemer (usually the closest male relative) had the responsibility to:
Redeem property that had been sold out of necessity.
Redeem a relative who had sold themselves into slavery.
Marry the widow of a deceased relative to continue his lineage and keep the family inheritance intact.
3. Testing Boaz's Character: Ruth is putting Boaz in a difficult position. By lying at his feet, she's asking him to fulfill his duty (if he is indeed the closest eligible relative) and to act with integrity and honor. She's unmarried, vulnerable, and asking for his protection. It tests his character and whether he will honor her request.
4. Surprise and Uncertainty: The shock Boaz experiences shows the unexpected nature of Ruth's actions. The scene is tense with anticipation. What will Boaz do? Will he be angry, take advantage of the situation, or act honorably as Ruth hopes?
In essence, this verse sets the stage for the rest of the chapter and reveals Ruth's courage, Naomi's strategic planning, and introduces the question of whether Boaz will step up to fulfill his role as a kinsman-redeemer. It is not a simple case of a woman sleeping near a man; it's a culturally loaded act of faith, courage, and hope for a better future.