Old Testament -> Ruth
“I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid.”—Ruth 3:9
Ruth for Skeptics
Most people when reading the book of Ruth must think something like this: “This is a nice story. What’s it doing in the Bible?”
Well, it is a nice story. A young woman (Ruth) seduces an older, rich relative (Boaz) by sneaking into his bed while he slept. Her mother (Naomi) told her just how to do it, too. Wait until he is sufficiently drunk and then “uncover his feet.” The scheme worked, Boaz married Ruth, and everyone lived happily ever after.
Here are the highlights.
• Naomi encourages Ruth to spend the night with Boaz. 3:3-4
• Ruth lies down next to Boaz after “uncovering his feet.” 3:7
• She tells Boaz to spread his skirt over her. 3:9
• She lies at “his feet” until morning. 3:14
• She is “purchased” by Boaz for a wife. 4:10
• Boaz “goes in unto” Ruth and she conceives a son (King David’s grandfather). 4:13
Slate Blogs the Bible by David Plotz
The Book of Ruth: Why It’s the Most Popular Book in the Bible
- The Bible:Ruth 1
- The Bible:Ruth 2
- The Bible:Ruth 3
- The Bible:Ruth 4
