"Naomi said to Ruth, 'I must find a husband for you, so that you will have a home of your own. Remember that this man Boaz … is our relative. Now listen. This evening he will be threshing the barley. So wash yourself, put on some perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go where he is threshing, but don't let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. Be sure to notice where he lies down, and after he falls asleep, go and lift the covers and lie down at his feet …  When Boaz had finished eating and drinking, he was in a good mood … and lay down to sleep. Ruth slipped over quietly, lifted the covers and lay down at his feet. During the night he woke up suddenly, turned over, and was surprised to find a woman lying at his feet. 'Who are you?' he asked. 'It's Ruth, sir,' she answered. 'Because you are a close relative, you are responsible for taking care of me. So please marry me. 'The Lord bless you,' he said. 'You might have gone looking for a young man, either rich or poor, but you haven't. Now don't worry, Ruth. I will do everything you ask … It is true that I am a close relative … but there is a man who is closer … Stay here the rest of the night, and in the morning we will find out whether or not he will take responsibility for you. If so, well and good; if not, then I swear by the living Lord that I will take the responsibility'".

There is nothing improper here, as this was the custom in such circumstances, but Ruth was certainly not backward in coming forward and Boaz responded enthusiastically! I think it is beautiful, sweet and very romantic. The three main characters of the book (Naomi, Ruth and Boaz) are displayed as being of excellent character, of a trusting, transparent and unselfish nature, and as those who feared the Lord and knew he would do the best for them. They all took a bit of a risk, but expected the best reactions and were willing for God's will to be done no matter what that might be. They were all concerned to do the right thing. It is all so refreshing and heart-warming, especially when contrasted with the grossly sordid times in which they lived. May that be true of us as well.