Book Of Ruth: Chapter Analysis

There are numerous chapters that we have covered in the Harper Collins Study Bible that spark my interest but my mind keeps traveling back to the book of Ruth. Although the book of Ruth only contains four chapters, which all flow together equally, chapter 3 intrigued me more than the rest.

The chapter opens with Naomi explaining how she needs to find security for Ruth, her daughter-in-law. Naomi begins to speak about her closest relative Boaz and persuades Ruth to “…wash and anoint yourself, and put on your best clothes…” (Ruth 3:3). This verse depicts that Naomi wants Ruth to make herself clean and sexually attractive to Boaz so that there is no way that he will turn her down. Naomi also tells Ruth her plan about getting that “security”.

Bathing was meant for specific and grand occasions, by Naomi telling Ruth to bathe, this means Naomi wanted her to be as appealing as possible for Boaz. By making herself appealing to Boaz, Ruth was instructed to go to Boaz when he was drunk and “uncover his feet” (v. 4). Jennifer Knust, the author of Unprotected Texts provides insight to what it means to uncover ones feet. She states, “By directing her to “uncover his feet,” which actually means “uncover his genitals,” Naomi seems to be recommending to Ruth that she openly proposition their relative Boaz.” (Knust, 36). According to Knust, Naomi wanted to Ruth to go to Boaz and expose his genitals when he was at the most comfort after his meal. This could mean that Naomi wanted Ruth to have sex with Boaz so he would be forced into marrying her. When Boaz was awaken he found Ruth near his lower half and was startled, but when he asked who she was Ruth told him to “…spread your cloak over your servant…” (v. 9). The Harper Collins Study Bible clarifies what this commandment means. It reads, “Spread your cloak. Ruth is asking for marriage; spreading a garment over a woman signifies acquiring her.” (Harper Collins Study Bible, 387). Knust also confirms what the Harper Collins Study Bible says by reassuring readers in her own words, saying “Identifying herself, Ruth request that he spread his cloak over her, a forthright request that he take her in marriage.” (Knust, 36). Usually if someone finds another person near his or her genitals and is being asked to take this person in marriage, someone ends up in jail. But instead Boaz praises Ruth for her loyalty and dignity! According the Harper Collins Study Bible, “Ruth is no longer to be perceived as a servant or a foreigner, but as an appropriate wife for Boaz.” (Harper Collins Study Bible, 387). This is not the reaction that we would expect from Boaz, especially because he praised her efforts and