Ruth 3:12-13
12 “And now indeed it is true that I am a family guardian;
however, there is a family guardian closer than I.
13 “Remain tonight,
and when morning comes, if he will redeem you, good; let him redeem you.
But if he does not wish to redeem you, then I myself will redeem you, as YHWH lives.
Lie down until morning.”
Introduction
Our text this morning continues our study of the book of Ruth.
Now remember the story thus far: Naomi came up with a plan to secure her family’s wellbeing and Ruth has implemented that plan exactly. At its heart, the single objective of this plan is to formally request that Boaz would marry Ruth, the widow of his kinsman.
But how will Boaz respond? Well to Ruth’s great relief, Boaz does not reject her or run her off. Instead, he blesses her in the name of YHWH. Not only that, Boaz states his willingness to do all that Ruth has asked. Boaz says that all the elders of the town (who are the ones who have to certify this marriage of redemption) know of Ruth’s conversion, her character, and thus her marriage eligibility.
However, just as it seems that deliverance has come to Naomi and Ruth, we find that there is a problem (and it is a big one). In fact, unless this problem is resolved, the whole marriage to Boaz is off.
In our text this morning we turn to face the problem that threatens the entire account.
Verse 12
Notice at once, Boaz says that it is indeed true that he is a family guardian of Elimelech’s household. In other words, Boaz not only praises Ruth for her request and affirms his willingness to see it through, he also strengthens his assurance by acknowledging his family tie and thus his moral obligation to provide the family with such care FN#1. However, just as Ruth is about to dissolve under a wave of joy and relief, Boaz’s face grows somber and stern. And then Boaz utters the dreaded word but. And Ruth’s heart sinks. You see there is a problem.
Notice at once the problem: Boaz says there is another relative who is closer to the family than he is FN#2. Importance: according to Lev 25:25 the responsibility of redeeming a kinsman’s line goes to the closest relative. However, if he should refuse or is unable, the responsibility then passes to one of the other close relatives. Simply put, Boaz and Ruth cannot move forward until this closest relative has been given the right of first refusal. That said, notice the shocking detail: this unresolved legal matter is not news or a surprise to Ruth. In fact, the text has quietly made it clear all along that both Ruth and Naomi knew of this other closer relative and thus knew this matter would have to be resolved first FN#3. Importance: at once this raises a significant question: why did Naomi and Ruth start by pursuing Boaz instead of this more immediate relative. There are two main reasons that seem clear from the text: first by God’s providence, circumstances brought Ruth to Boaz’s field (long before Ruth had any notion of who Boaz was or his ties to their family). Not only that, it is Boaz’s kindness and willingness to help Naomi and Ruth in the most extraordinary way that brought Naomi to recognize God’s hand at work in their situation. Thus, it is God’s hand, God’s blessing, and God’s direction that the women chose to pursue.
The second reason has to do with visible character/grace. Over and again the text has stressed Boaz’s genuine faith and walk. Thus, we have seen Boaz’s kindness to his workers as well as the lavish help he gives to Naomi and Ruth. By contrast, we see the opposite of this from the closer relative. Notice then, while the whole town knows of Naomi’s return and her impoverishment, there is no offer of help or even contact made by this closest relative (to whom the responsibility of their wellbeing directly falls). Simply put, Boaz’s character/fruit has demonstrated that he is the instrument that God has enabled to bring about deliverance.
Notice the result: notice the picture that begins to emerge: even amid the desperation of their situation, Naomi and Ruth have not sought a quick fix to their problems. Instead, they have sought a right fix, even though the path they pursue is more complicated, less certain, and has far more moving parts. Think about it: Boaz could have easily dismissed Ruth’s request by deferring it to the closer relative with no skin off his back. Not only that, even though Boas has consented, they still must resolve this other legal matter. In other words, with everything on the line, Naomi and Ruth have pursued the path that God has set before them and the means that reflects God’s character. That is, amid crisis, they have prioritized faithfulness and character over expedience.
Verse 13
Notice at once, Boaz tells Ruth to remain at the threshing floor for the night. In other words, just as Naomi anticipated back in 3:4, Boaz tells Ruth what to do. Importance: in a book that is all about legal transactions, we see Ruth already transitioning from Naomi’s authority/house to that of Boaz. Not only that, we also see Boaz mapping the way forward with Ruth’s best interest in mind. Think about it: Naomi’s plan has admittedly created a delicate situation that could easily be misconstrued to the harm of Ruth’s reputation. In addition, it is not safe for a young woman to be traveling alone at night. Therefore, the first step of Boaz’s instruction is to look after Ruth’s wellbeing. As such, she is to remain at the threshing floor for the night in safety and under the cover of darkness.
Next, Boaz tells Ruth that as soon as morning comes, he will find out if this closer relative will redeem Ruth by marring her FN#4. Not only that Boaz goes on to say that if he will marry/redeem Ruth, then good, let him marry/redeem her. Importance: remember the book of Ruth is not a romance motivated by passion. As such, if this other kinsman wishes to exercise his right and duty, then Boaz is satisfied that proper care and provision have been met. Therefore, his concern for Ruth will end. Notice the result: it is clear that Boaz’s motivation here is not passion or romance. Instead, it is faithfulness and this central theme of lovingkindness. That is, unlike transient passion, Boaz’s motive is not based on self or the self’s interests. Instead, it is based on the ongoing value of the other both to God and thus to God’s people. As such, it is a love that is profound/deep enough to commit. Such then reflects God’s own committed love for His people and serves as the very heart of the book. FN#5
Next, Boaz tells Ruth that if this closer relative will not redeem her then Boaz himself will do it. Importance: remember by Old Testament law, this closest relative is not required to redeem Ruth and may legally opt out if he so desires FN#6. However, that said, to turn ones back on a family member in need and to abandon their line/future is a negative moral reflection on that person (as we shall see). Regardless, Boaz says that if this other kinsman will not redeem Ruth, then he himself will marry her FN#7. Not only that, Boaz concludes his pledge by saying “as YHWH lives”. Importance: notice the strength of Boaz’s pledge: the phrase, “as YHWH lives” is a technical oath formula used throughout the Old Testament FN#8. That is, the speaker is making his pledge to and before YHWH. As such, it invokes YHWH to witness that the deed is done and so hold the speaker accountable for the fullness of his oath. Notice the result: in a book that is all about legal transactions, and at the moment upon which the entire book hinges, Boaz, formally obligates himself (all that he is, all that he has, the whole of his life going forward) with a binding oath of commitment. Simply put: there is no stronger assurance that Boaz could have given Ruth. Boaz, the strength and instrument of YHWH is all in. Thus, one way or another, Boaz will see Naomi and Ruth provided for.
Finally, Boaz tells Ruth to lie down until morning. Importance: remember Boaz has already told Ruth to remain there with him until the morning. However, Boaz is not being repetitive or pedantic here. Instead, notice the delightful and all too human contrast with which this passage ends: think about it: Ruth’s entire world has just changed. All the weight that has been on her shoulders has been lifted. Thus, with all that has happened, and being female, you know she has questions. You know she wants to talk through the details. How does Boaz feel about being her husband? Is he rooting for it or is he hoping the other guy comes through? And never mind all of that, one way or another, she has a wedding to plan. Boaz on the other hand (bless his heart), has a plan in place. He knows what he is going to do next. Therefore, in his mind the matter is as resolved as it can be at this point. As such, all he wants to do is go back to sleep. Thus, in a humorous, oh so typical, and extremely anticlimactic scene, just as Ruth is about to respond, Boaz lies back down satisfied and tells Ruth to go to sleep until morning. And just like that, the night, Naomi’s carefully detailed plan, and all Ruth’s efforts and emotions are over. Thus, once again, Ruth stares at the night sky unable to sleep FN#9. That said, notice the result: at once verse 13 reminds me that then, just as now, big theology (the working of God’s hand) takes place amid the small details of real life lived out by real people.
Footnotes
1] Notice then the tally thus far: between verses 10-12 Boaz has responded to Ruth’s request by: blessing both her and it; by praising her for making it; by expressing his willingness to do all that she is asking; by telling her it has the elder’s public recognition of its propriety; and finally by acknowledging that it rests upon the legal foundation of Boaz’s role as a family redeemer. Simply put, Boaz has responded to Ruth’s request by placing it on the firmest possible foundation. And yet with all of that, the matter is by no means certain or settled.
2] Remember, back in verse 11 when Boaz gives Ruth his pledge to do all she is asking, he uses a contingent imperfect verb tense. That is, Boaz says, “I am ready to do” instead of saying I will do. In other words, I am ready to do is not nearly as strong as the straight up I will do. So is Boaz hedging on his commitment? No. Instead, there is another legal factor that must first be resolved before this plan can be finalized. In verse 12 Boaz articulates this other legal factor.
3] It is clear that both Naomi and Ruth knew of this other relative and the unresolved legal challenge he presents to Naomi’s plan. Notice then in 2:20, on the very first day in Boaz’s field, when Ruth returns home and tells Naomi the landowner’s name, Naomi says this:
2:20 Then My Peasant One (Naomi) said to her young daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by YHWH because he (Baoz) has not abandoned his loyalty to the living or the dead.” And My Pleasant One (Naomi) said to her, “This man is our close relative, he is one of our family guardians.”
Again, in chapter 3:9 on the same night as our passage takes place and as a part of this same conversation, when Boaz discovers Ruth lying at his feet and asks who are you, Ruth responds:
3:9 And he said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Companion (Ruth) your maid. So spread your covering over your maid, for you are a family guardian.”
Simply put: both Ruth and Naomi were well aware of this dilemma
4] Notice the timing of Boaz’s plan: Boaz says when morning comes. In other words, Boaz is not going to leave Ruth hanging or the matter unresolved. Instead, he will get the matter settled as soon as possible. Such then shows both Boaz’s compassion for Ruth’s situation as well as the sincerity of his willingness.
5] Boaz is willing to redeem Ruth because such is the care that God calls His people to show. In turn, this is the very same loving commitment that is behind everything that God is doing in this book. God delivers Ruth, provides a king for His people, and a messiah for the world because God loves His people and is committed to their wellbeing. That said, this loving commitment is not sterile or heartless. Instead, it is rooted in the ongoing value of the other both to God and thus to God’s people. Simply put it is not passion that motivated Boaz. Instead, it is a love for God and family that are behind Boaz’s care/commitment. Bottom line: Kesed/lovingkindness is love real enough to commit and a commitment born out of true and lasting love.
6] According to Deuteronomy 25:5-10, the duty of the family guardian to redeem his kinsman’s line by marring the widow of his deceased kinsman’s house was mandatory for the brother of the deceased man. However, by the time we reach the book of Ruth this act was extended on a voluntary basis to the closest kinsman if there is no living brother. This extension was done on the basis of the principles laid out in Lev 25:5.
7] Importance: Boaz does not just agree to help Ruth by proctoring her redemption with this other relative (which in itself is a big big help). Instead, Boaz literally pledges himself (all that he is, all that he has, the whole of his life going forward) in order to secure her family’s place/line in the ongoing future of YHWH’s people. Notice the result: if kesed (committed love) is the heart and motive of the book, then future is the major goal and objective of the book. The Book of Ruth is a book all about the ongoing future of God’s people (a future born out of God’s committed love for His people).
8] Some examples of this specific oath formula may be found in places like: I Sam 19:6; I King 1:29; Jer 4:2; Hos 4:15
9] Notice the scene at the threshing floor ends just as it began. Remember, how the night started back in verse 8
It is the middle of the night and Boaz is asleep. Ruth lies at Boaz’s feet too focused and nervous to rest and not knowing what will happen or when. As she stares at the night sky and listens to the noises of the countryside around her, she rehearses and re-rehearses what she will do and what she will say and how it all will play out. Meanwhile, the night seems to creep on forever. Then suddenly after what has felt like an eternity, Boaz sits straight up, wide awake, and begins to feel around. There is no warning, no easing Ruth into the moment. Instead, the stillness of the night is suddenly shattered and- ready or not- it’s go time.
Notice then, just several minutes from that scene in verse 8 and after a whirlwind of emotions, Ruth finds herself once again lying in the grain and staring at the sky too wired to sleep. I fully believe the author intends us to laugh deeply from the belly as we delight in the way God’s hand works in our lives.