From the barley harvest in April until the wheat harvest in June Ruth kept gleaning in the fields of Boaz. As the weeks passed, Naomi no doubt thought more about what she could do for her beloved daughter-in-law. Back in Moab, Naomi had been convinced that she could never help Ruth find another husband. (Ruth 1:11-13) Now, though she was beginning to think differently She approached Ruth and said: "My daughter, ought I not look for a resting-place for you? (Ruth 3:1) It was customary in those days for parents to find mates for their children, and Ruth had become a true daughter to Naomi. She wanted to find Ruth "a resting-place"-referring to the security and protection that a home and a husband might provide. But what could Naomi do?
When Ruth first mentioned Boaz, Naomi said: "The man is related to us. He is one of our repurchasers."(Ruth 2:20) What did that mean? God's Law to Israel included loving provisions for families who as a result of poverty or bereavement fell on hard times. If a woman was widowed while still childless, she was especially devastated because of her husband's name, his posterity, would be cut off, lost to future generations. However, God's Law allowed the man's brothers to marry the widow so that she could give birth to an heir who might carry on her deceased husband's name and care for family property. - DEUTERONOMY 25:5-7.
Next time: "He Is One of Our Repurchasers" -Conclusion
From the jw.org publications
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