Ruth and Boaz at the Threshing Floor

Naomi wanted Ruth to find a place of rest and security, so she made a careful plan. She told Ruth that Boaz, their kinsman, would be winnowing barley that night at the threshing floor. Ruth was to wash, prepare herself, go there quietly, and wait until Boaz had finished eating and drinking and had lain down.

Naomi told Ruth to notice where Boaz lay, then uncover his feet and lie down there. She said that Boaz would tell Ruth what to do next. Ruth answered that she would do all Naomi said, and she went to the threshing floor and followed her mother-in-law’s instructions.

After Boaz had eaten and drunk and gone to lie down by the heap of grain, Ruth came softly, uncovered his feet, and lay down. At midnight Boaz was startled and found a woman at his feet. When he asked who she was, Ruth said she was his servant and asked him to spread the corner of his garment over her, because he was a near kinsman.

Boaz answered warmly. He said Ruth had shown great kindness and had not gone after younger men, whether poor or rich. He told her not to be afraid and said he would do what she asked, because the people of the town knew she was a worthy woman. Then he explained an important detail: although he was a near kinsman, there was another kinsman who was nearer.

Boaz promised that if the nearer kinsman would not do the kinsman’s duty, then he would. Ruth stayed at his feet until morning and rose before people could clearly recognise one another. Boaz told her to hold out her mantle, measured out six measures of barley, and sent her away. When Ruth told Naomi everything, Naomi said to wait, because Boaz would settle the matter that very day.