0 Ruth Introduction

Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking. 3:3

Trivia: Who bought Ruth for a wife?

Ruth for Skeptics

Most people when reading the book of Ruth must think something like this: "This is a nice story. What's it doing in the Bible?"

And it is a nice story. A young woman (Ruth) seduces an older, rich relative (Boaz) by sneaking into his bed while he slept. Her mother (Naomi) told her just how to do it, too. Wait until he is sufficiently drunk and then "uncover his feet." The scheme worked, Boaz married Ruth, and everyone lived happily ever after.

Here are the highlights.

  • Ruth lies down next to Boaz after "uncovering his feet." 3:7
  • She tells Boaz to spread his skirt over her. 3:9
  • She lies at "his feet" until morning. 3:14
  • She is "purchased" by Boaz for a wife. 4:10
  • Boaz "goes in unto" Ruth and she conceives a son (King David's grandfather). 4:13-17

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