by John O’Malley
“And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshing floor” (Ruth 3:2).
Chapter three of this inspired journal of God’s preservation of the Messianic line of Christ details for us Naomi’s pursuit of seeking rest for Ruth. Naomi saw Ruth as the wife of her deceased son, her traveling companion, and her sole convert from her sojourn in Moab. Ruth had unknowingly endeared herself to Naomi. The women of the community even recognized Ruth’s worth as they reminded Naomi that Ruth was worth more to her than seven sons (4:15).
Ruth’s commitment to fulfill a promise made in the desert reaped far more than she could have ever dreamed. She committed that day to be true to the heart of her mother-in-law, to the home of Israel, and to the hope of Israel. God honored and rewarded Ruth’s commitment; He gave Naomi a dispensation to look beyond her grief and become an instrument of His grace to bless Ruth’s life. Naomi’s mission was clear; she was to seek rest for Ruth.
She set out to fulfill this divine mission by taking knowledge of the activities of Boaz. Since the harvest was nearing completion, neighbors would be taking their turns at the community threshing floor. A threshing floor was a place where winnowing could take place. Winnowing was the process of taking out the chaff, the unwanted elements, from the grain. In the evening, the winds from the west would carry a steady, gentle sea breeze suitable for this task.
Naomi, aware of the winnowing schedule, Boaz’s activities, and the provision in the law of God for marital arrangement, began to fulfill her mission. Her mission would not be difficult since Ruth had already found Boaz’s heart to be a comfortable place. Ruth listened as Naomi spoke, “Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.”
Naomi knew the heart of Boaz; it was the harvest. He would winnow tonight; it would be the opportune time to arrange the meeting of kinsman-redeemer and the one who needed redemption. There was nothing illicit in this meeting; it would simply be a meeting to present herself for redemption. Her arrival, no matter the hour, would be welcomed.
What about you today? Have you presented yourself to our Eternal Boaz for redemption? He desires all men to come to Him for redemption. He will cast out no one who comes. Perhaps you know personally of the redemption of Boaz, yet would He say you share His heart for the harvest?