Have you ever wondered: Should I take initiative, or should I wait on God? We can imagine that Naomi might have been asking this of the Lord. Some time had passed, and the harvest was finished. Yet, Naomi had seen no relational progress between Boaz and Ruth. No doubt she was impatient. She felt responsible for Ruth, knowing that the young woman would be even more vulnerable after her death. This concern motivated Naomi to act.

First, Naomi tells Ruth, “I must find a home for you, where you will be well provided for” (v. 1). The word translated “home” in the NIV means a tranquil place. It describes the security and rest that women in Israelite society found in marriage. Naomi also used this word when she said to Orpah and Ruth, “May the LORD grant that each of you will find rest in the home of another husband” (1:9).

Then, Naomi suggested a solution. Boaz was a “relative” (v. 2). She did not use go’el. But since he was a clan relative, the likelihood of Boaz becoming a go’el greatly increased. Finally, Naomi described a detailed plan. She explained that the opportunity was right. (Remember that timing is a theme throughout the book of Ruth.) That night Boaz would be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. This involved tossing the chaff and grain with a fork, allowing the chaff to blow away while the grain fell back onto the threshing floor. Boaz would sleep alone that night to protect the grain.

Naomi instructed Ruth to bathe, put on perfume, and wear her best clothes (v. 3). Ruth’s fresh attire likely signaled the end of her mourning and her readiness for marriage. Ruth was to uncover Boaz’s feet while he slept, lie down, and wait for his instruction. Ruth responded, “I will do whatever you say” (v. 5), showing her radical commitment to both Naomi and God.

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