And now, my daughter, don't be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character. Although it is true that I am a guardian-redeemer of our family, there is another who is more closely related than I. Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to do his duty as your guardian-redeemer, good; let him redeem you. But if he is not willing, as surely as the Lord lives I will do it. Lie here until morning." So she lay at his feet until morning, but got up before anyone could be recognized; and he said, "No one must know that a woman came to the threshing floor." He also said, "Bring me the shawl you are wearing and hold it out." When she did so, he poured into it six measures of barley and placed the bundle on her. Then he went back to town. (Ruth 3:11-15)
This passage has been and continues to be full of sexual overtones, and yet the words of and about Boaz and Ruth continue to declare that they are of "noble character." Nothing untoward has happened here on the threshing floor.
Not that it couldn't have. Every opportunity is given: "stay here," "lie here until morning." Boaz & Ruth are fully aware of the optics and opportunities: "no one must know that a woman came to the threshing floor."
It's also worth noting that a guardian-redeemer had no duty to marry a widow. The Old Testament provisions are mostly about securing property. As we discover when the guardian-redeemer in line ahead of Boaz decides to do nothing, Boaz likewise is under no obligation to say yes to Ruth's proposition of marriage.
This context highlights just how bold and risky was the plan of Naomi to secure a husband for Ruth. It relies on the fact that Boaz was a man of noble character who would not take advantage of Ruth despite every opportunity afforded to do so. But it also supposes Boaz to be more than this. Will he show God's own sort of mercy and kindness—the kind that goes beyond the expectation of "do no harm" and works a generous, costly redemption beyond hope?
The answer is not long in coming. Yes. He will do it, and quickly. It's not his to do—but he will pursue it this very morning.
He seals his intent with a gift—another abundant outpouring of grain. No one must know that a woman came to the threshing floor—but where precisely would've Ruth gotten all that grain otherwise in the wee hours of the morning? Boaz's generosity risks much, just like Ruth and Naomi's boldness has—but it's good. It's all good. Gifts, blessings, and a sign of nobility that shatters any fear of reproach.
This is what God's redemption is all about. Did God have a duty to redeem us? No, but he did it anyway. Does God have to pour generous provisions into our lap? No, but he does it anyway. God risks much, but with a nobility and purpose in mercy and hesed-kindness that no darkness can overcome. Boaz is a picture of this sort of work of God. It is a risky work of mercy and kindness all of us are called on to follow.
As you journey on, go with the blessing of God:
May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you : wherever he may send you.
May he guide you through the wilderness : protect you through the storm.
May he bring you home rejoicing : at the wonders he has shown you.
May he bring you home rejoicing : once again into our doors.
