Ruth 3:2

What does Ruth 3:2 mean?

Naomi is offering Ruth a real opportunity here, wrapped in practical wisdom. She's noticed that Boaz, a relative with both means and character, has been kind to Ruth while she gleaned in his fields, and now Naomi is suggesting Ruth approach him during the harvest work when he'll be at the threshing floor. There's nothing improper about what Naomi proposes, though it requires courage from Ruth, since she's asking her daughter-in-law to make her interest in Boaz known in a culturally appropriate way. What makes this moment touching is that Naomi, who arrived back in Bethlehem bitter and empty, is now thinking ahead and fighting for Ruth's security and future. Sometimes the people who love us see possibilities we can't see for ourselves, especially when we're exhausted or discouraged.