Ruth 3-4:12

* For some time, Ruth continued to work
But when the harvesting was done, questions lingered about her future
Naomi took the initiative to find provision for Ruth
--Ruth hadn't taken the initiative
--Boaz hadn't taken the initiative
--Perhaps both assumed the other wouldn't be interested

Cultural Symbol #1
1. Widow makes herself ready
2. Widow takes part of man's covering off
3. Widow waits to see if kinsman will cover her

Ruth took the risk
Boaz took charge

Why did Boaz accept?
1. Her noble character
2. Physical attraction

Problem: There was a closer kinsman with first rights

3:14 'Don't let it be known'
1. Had they done any wrong? No
2. Would some suspect? Maybe
* How does this fit with Romans 14:16 & 1 Thes. 5:22?

4:1-4 Boaz takes care of business

* What if the story ended at verse 13 :)

Why did the kinsman say no?
1. Maybe he wasn't wealthy enough to take on the additional household
2. Maybe he didn't want to marry Ruth
3. Whatever the case, he was worried about his own estate
Cultural Symbol #2 (Taking off shoe = Letting go of right to something)

4:11-12 Town's Blessing
* They were comparing Boaz's situation with that of Judah & Tamar (a gentile)
* They were wishing Boaz much fruitfulness just as the above union was fruitful