And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich. (Ruth 3:10)
Boaz responded by complimenting Ruth for choosing her family’s well-being as a priority over romantic interest. Boaz pronounced a blessing on her for this action. Boaz interpreted her action in seeking marriage with him as a better kindness to Naomi than her gleaning in the fields.
Boaz specifically recognized that Ruth put Naomi’s interests above seeking a younger man than he. By adding the phrase “whether poor or rich,” Boaz acknowledged that he knew that there were younger men than he who were also rich like he was. Ruth was probably very attractive and could have had the option of seeking and gaining the interest of many other men besides Boaz, despite her nationality.
And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman. (3:11)
Boaz immediately accepted Ruth’s proposal. His reaction makes it likely that Boaz had already thought about marrying Ruth. The fact that he was awakened in the middle of the night but was still able to come up with a plan of action seems to indicate that he’d thought about this before that moment.
It is a testament to Boaz’s character that he first thought to comfort Ruth. He recognized that she was in a vulnerable position and sought to reassure her. He then promises to do exactly as she asked. Boaz added something else as well: his reason for granting the request—Ruth’s character. Not only did Boaz think highly of Ruth, but he knew that the whole city did also. He had obviously been inquiring about her.
And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I. (3:12)
However, there was one catch. Boaz was a near kinsman, but he was not the nearest kinsman. According to the kinsman redeemer custom, the closest relative had the first privilege or obligation of redemption. Since both Ruth’s husband, as well as Naomi’s only other son, had died in Moab, no other brother existed to act as a redeemer. So now, they must go down the family line.
Again, we see that Boaz must have already been thinking about this situation because he immediately knew that someone else was closer in line than he was to marry Ruth.
Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman’s part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning. (3:13)
Again, Boaz saw to Ruth’s comfort first in instructing her to simply rest. Then he told her to leave everything to him. He assured Ruth that he would contact the other relative and negotiate with him for her redemption. Boaz promised Ruth that, whether by him or by this other relative, she would be redeemed.
And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor. (3:14)
Ruth submitted herself to Boaz’s care and did exactly as he had instructed her. She was wise enough to know that it would be better for her to leave the threshing floor before anyone else awoke. Doing so would allow her to leave the area without anyone noticing her.
We see also that Boaz instructions to his servants not to tell anyone that a woman had been there. News travels fast in a small town or city; Boaz wanted to protect Ruth’s reputation.
Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city. (3:15)
Boaz again showed his care and concern for Ruth by not letting her leave empty-handed. We can easily look at this as proof of Boaz’s commitment to doing right by Ruth. Ruth must have been greatly relieved at knowing that Boaz had not rejected her.
And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her. And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law. Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day. (3:16-18)
Ruth returned to Naomi and gave her a report of all that had taken place with Boaz. Naomi encouraged Ruth to simply be still and wait for Boaz to work out the situation.