Thursday March 18, 2021

Close protection

“I am Ruth, your servant. Spread the hem of your coat over your maid, for you have the right of redemption." Ruth 3.9

My four year old granddaughter loves the turtle game. She goes to look for a blanket, symbolizing a protective shell. She sits on my knees, revealing only her head. I have to tell him an animal name. Depending on which, she takes refuge in this "shelter" and feels safe there.

The approach Ruth took to Boaz on the threshing floor is linked to a Jewish custom of the time (Deuteronomy 25: 5-10). In connection with a law allowing a widow to be married to the next of kin of the deceased's family. She is going to pull aside the coat that serves as a blanket and lie down at his feet, to let him know that she wants to become his wife. If he agrees to her request, he can spread the tail of his coat over her as a token of commitment and protection. What he is not going to be able to do immediately, since another, closer relative, takes precedence. However Boaz, who loves Ruth, will do everything to make her safe and happy.

The protection that Ruth seeks and that Boaz wants to offer her is an illustration of the love that God offers us in Christ, who has a right of redemption on us. And just like Ruth, it is possible for us to express to her, in our own words, our wish to be safe under her protection.

Guy Gentizon

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Proposed Reading : Book of Ruth, chapter 3.

Source (Live Today)