Unfamiliar mating rituals aside, isn’t your heart just bursting??? I know lying at some man’s feet and giving yourself to an old dude to save your mother-in-law isn’t what most of us are accustomed to in this day and age, but when you consider the time, it’s the sweetest, most loving act, isn’t it? I mean, I get the feeling that there was some vavoom between Boaz and Ruth anyway, but he does make it clear that he is much older than she is, and we as readers might have a difficult time with understanding marriage for survival, rather than for love and romance. I think one of the most beautiful things about the Book of Ruth is that Ruth has the opportunity for both, and we’re seeing it unfold … one paragraph at a time.
Writing prompt: the other person
Have you ever had a crush or developed feelings for someone who was taken? This is where Boaz was at the end of Chapter 3. His action in telling the truth about another possible relative of Ruth’s just further adds to Boaz’ integrity. What would you have done in this instance? Write about a real experience you’ve had or elaborate on Ruth and Boaz’ bizarre-to-us courtship.
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