Ruth’s Harvest

   

 When Ruth arrived home, Naomi had a thoughtful look on her face. She scarcely noticed the grain her daughter-in-law brought home, but instead was eyeing Ruth up and down with a speculative gaze.

     “What?” Ruth asked, raising a brow.

     “Boaz is a close relative of mine,” Naomi said.

     Ruth nodded slowly, confused. “Yes, you've told me.”

     Naomi came and set a hand on Ruth's arm. “You've been a daughter to me. The life of a widow is not what I want for you. In our country, when a woman is widowed without a son to care for her, a family member -like Boaz- takes the woman to be his wife, to raise up a child for the husband she    lost.”

     Ruth felt her mouth dry, and turned away in distress, sifting through her feelings. She felt respect and admiration for Boaz, yet she resisted. She remembered the whispers in the market, and bit her lip. How could she make a faithful Israelite a suitable wife?

Noami reached out a hand, and turned Ruth's eyes to her own. “I see your reluctance. Is it his age?”

    Ruth shook her head.

    “Do you dislike him?

     Again, she shook her head.

     Naomi's face relaxed. “I see what it is, my humble daughter. Ruth, the people here have seen how you have served me. They have seen that you believe in the God of Israel. All of Bethlehem speaks well of you.” Ruth ducked her head at the praise. Naomi reached out a finger to lift her chin. “You will not bring shame on Boaz as his wife, indeed, I think he would be overjoyed.”

     Ruth laughed dismissively. “Then why hasn't he asked me? Surely in his eyes I am only a poor widow gleaning in his field.”

     Naomi made a face. “I knew Boaz in my youth. He thinks too little of himself. He probably thinks himself to old for a pretty young woman like you.”

     Ruth lifted her hands. “Well, then what can we do?”

     “Oh don't worry,” Naomi grinned. “I've got it all worked out.

     Ruth was shocked when she heard Naomi's idea, but did as she was told.

     As the sun was setting Ruth went down to the threshing floor. She was freshly bathed, anointed with scented oil, and in her best clothing. Her heart fluttered wildly in her chest like a trapped butterfly.

     A large fire was burning, illuminating Boaz and his workers, celebrating the end of the harvest. She could hear laughter and jokes, but she stopped a little ways away and waited until night fell and the men lay down to sleep.

    The stars came out, and the air became sweet and cool. Ruth waited until she was sure everyone was asleep. Her entire reputation was on the line. If Boaz misunderstood her, or if he was angered by her boldness and exposed her, then she would never be welcomed in the community.

     Her pulse hammered in her ears as she crept forward, and her breath sounded like a raging wind as she tiptoed forward. She had watched to see where Boaz had laid down. She crept up to him and saw him wrapped in his mantle. His face in the starlight was peaceful, with a small smile toying on his lips. If tonight went well, she would have the chance to make that smile reappear again and again. The idea tugged on her heart, and she felt the first stirrings of affection.

     She went to his feet, and uncovered them. She laid down near them. If someone was to come upon her now, surely they would think her a harlot. She hoped fervently that Noami knew what she was doing.

     It was not long before his cool feet awakened Boaz. She heard his breathing change, and then heard him shift and sit up.

     “Who are you?” his voice was surprised.

     Ruth sat up as well, and felt her palms dampen with nervousness. “It is your close relative, Ruth. Spread your covering over me and shelter me.”

     There was a long moment of silence, where emotion tumbled over emotion until Ruth wanted to run into the night. When Boaz answered her at last, she heard his voice was thick with emotion.

“This is your greatest kindness yet, that you would chose me over the young men. I shall do as you ask, for everyone knows you are a woman of excellence. Yet,” he paused, and Ruth's throat constricted. “There is another relation closer than I that I must speak with first. If he does not wish to redeem you, then I shall.” Ruth was surprised to feel disappointment at the idea that another might claim her, but could think of nothing to say. “Lay down until morning,” Boaz said softly. She curled up on the hard ground, feeling uncertain about the morrow. The stars tracked across the sky long before she fell asleep. If she had been more aware, she would have noticed Boaz shifting in wakefulness as well.

     The next morning Boaz roused her while the sky was just beginning to pale. He gave her an portion of grain, and sent her home. She walked the cold road alone, feeling weary and unsure of the success of Naomi's plan. Noami was awake and waiting for her.

     “Well?” she asked at once.
     Ruth told her.
     Naomi laughed. “You will not need to wait long. I am sure the man will not rest until the matter is resolved, today if he can manage it!”

     Ruth poured the gifted grain with the rest. She ran her fingers through the earthenware jar, feeling the cool grains sliding between her fingers. All this bounty was the result of God's providence. Surely she could continue to trust that He would care for her?

     It was past midday when she heard a noise outside the door. She lifted her eyes to Naomi, her lips parting as if to speak, but she couldn't utter a word. Naomi went to the open doorway, called out a greeting, and stepped back. Boaz stepped through the doorway. He looked flushed, and his eyes were sparkling.

     “It is done,” he said, and Ruth rose slowly to her feet. What was her fate to be?

“I will prepare the feast, and then come back and take you for my wife.”

     Ruth felt a smile spreading on her cheeks, and Naomi clasped her hands together and beamed. 

     The day of the wedding came, and Ruth stood in her bridal array as torchlight flickered all around her.

     “May you be like Rachel and like Leah, who built the house of Israel!” The people cried to Ruth.

     To Boaz they exclaimed, “May you achieve wealth, and become famous in Bethlehem!”

     In due time, Ruth brought forth her firstborn. A son. He was named Obed.

Obed was the father of Jesse, and Jesse was the father of David, who became King.


Read this story for yourself in Ruth 3 and 4

My Thoughts: 

Ruth felt like an outsider, like she didn’t belong among God’s people, even though she believed. The Israelites were warned against intermarriage with foreigners, and indeed marrying men and women who followed idols led the people into scrapes over and over again. So why is there a whole book dedicated to a Moabite marrying a Israelite? This believing Moabite became the Great-Grandma of King David, the Great-great-Grandma of the Wise Solomon, and even in the family tree of Jesus himself. (Read the Geneology in Matthew 1). I think this book is included in scripture to show how Israel was supposed to treat foreign believers. We see Jesus treat believing foreigners with the same acceptance in the Gospels.

Your turn:

Who are the “outsiders” in your church? How can we make them feel welcome? Or, are you the outsider because of age, background, struggles or simply because you are a stranger in a new church? I suggest you hold Ruth as your example. Your faith will not go unnoticed if you love God and love your neighbor. God sees your faith and your struggles and loves you! Trust that He will help you find other believers to walk with you.