Reading for February 1st

 Read Ruth 3.1-18. In 3.1-18: At the threshing floor. In verses 2-3: At Naomi's initiative, Ruth washes and anoints herself and goes to the threshing floor, where grain is winnowed in the early morning breeze. An important man like Boaz might not personally winnow or protect the grain; some believe that he was performing religious responsibilities. In verse 4: Uncover his feet and lie down: The instruction of Naomi are provocative. The word for feet ("margelot") is related to the more common word "regel," which often in the Bible refers to sexual organs. In verses 6-11: Ruth requests not only that Boaz act as next-of-kin but also that he spread his cloak over her, suggesting marriage. In verses 12-13: Another kinsmen more related than I: The complication of a closer relative is often seen as referring to the practice of levirate marriage, in which the brother of a deceased man is expected to have sexual relations with is widow in order to sire an heir for the dead  man (Deut 25.5-10). he situation in Ruth does not fit the levirate marriage since Boaz was not brother to Mahlon or Chilion. Hence Boaz, speech may indicate that two issues are at stake in Ruth's proposition: marriage and the redemption of Elimelech's land. In verses 14-18: Ruth's visit must be kept secret until the encounter with the other relative, so she leaves in the darkness. Boaz gives her an unidentified six measures of barley. Ruth's report, unlike Boaz's speech, mentions Naomi. Comments or Questions...