DOUBLE ENTRÉE - One source observes playful naughtiness within the text. Shakab (used 8x in 3:4-14) can mean simply, "sleep," but it is frequently used to imply sexual intimacy (Gen. 19:33-35; 30:15-16; 38:26). Galah can be translated "uncover," but is frequently found in texts that prohibit incest (Lev. 18:6-19); regalim, "feet" (or "lower body"), is a common euphemism for the genitals (Deut. 28:57; Is. 7:20; Ez. 16:25); and "threshing floors," were traditionally associated with sex for hire (Hos. 9:1). Even if nothing more happened between Ruth and Boaz than the plain conversation recorded, her behavior fits the pattern of stories told in the Bible about the women who contributed to the line of David. [1]

REALITY CHECK - By our standards, Ruth is on the marginal edge of society; she is without security (3:1), has been widowed (1:9), has no property (2:23), protector, or occupation (2:2). Gleaning would have provided little more than subsistent living. But in our lesson a plan develops! Naomi is not unobservant to the romantic melodies beginning between Ruth and Boaz.

PARTNERSHIP - Who’s putting this little scenario? Naomi undoubtedly thinks she is! She takes matters into her own hands and makes sure Ruth dons fragrance and a knock down gorgeous dress; Naomi feels obligated to seek security for Ruth "that it may be well" with her (3:1). But on the other hand and though carefully avoided by overt description is God working in the larger arena paving the way for the Davidic dynasty. "God only helps those who help themselves," melds well with the Naomis of this world who think they are only working out their own destiny, yet in fact further God’s larger plan. [2]

Did your parents ever encourage you to date or even to marry someone?

If this love story were remade for afternoon TV viewers, what liberty with the original script might the director take to appeal to viewers?

What was the impact of this romance on Ruth? On Naomi? On Boaz? Israel?

I think I would amplify the double entrée embedded within the text and lift the efforts of Naomi to right a precarious situation brought on by famine, untimely death, and a general panoply of bad things happening to good people.

But on the other side of the story there is the sovereignty of God-God is working God’s purposes out through humanity and even through such romance as this! Draw from other examples-Abraham’s servant, Elieazar, who is sent to find a spouse for Isaac, and Joseph’s ups and downs of life that ultimately serves as links to a larger purpose of God.

I would finally suggest that God is in an active interplay within our own lives-that means that we do our best but can always know that "all things work together for good to those who love God" (Romans 8:28).

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[1] The New Interpreter’s Study Bible (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2003), page 388.
[2] The New Interpreter’s Bible II (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1998), page 931.