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PROVIDENCE, CHOICES, AND FAMILY LIFE (7)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10
Ruth 3:6-13

Ecclesiastes 9:7-12

 

“…and he will tell thee what

thou shalt do.”

 

PROVIDENCE, CHOICES, AND FAMILY LIFE (7)
 
The place of parents in their children’s marriage arrangements is important. This is well illustrated in the Old Testament, even during the period of the Judges, by Samson who, despite his wilfulness, still went back to his parents asking them to “get her for me to wife” (Judg 14:2). This shows that it was not only the girl’s parents who sought rest for their daughter, but the young man’s parents also. Thus far in this chapter, Naomi had taken upon herself the responsibility to secure Ruth’s life and joy. Ruth responded with willingness and readiness to do what her mother-in-law asked of her. This second section of the chapter now turns to Boaz and his response to Ruth’s proposal.
 
“And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry…” (Ruth 3:7). Harvest was a testimony of God’s acceptance of Israel, and a reason for joy and feasting, especially in the context of a famine that the Book of Ruth began with, driving away Elimelech’s family. And Naomi and Ruth returning to the land after learning that God had visited His people by giving them bread. Yet, as the people made merry, eating and drinking joyfully, Boaz was presented as participating in this, but not without moderation. As the story unfolds, it is clear that he was not given to excess, as revealed by his behaviour. It was during seasons of feasting that the king’s heart was merry, that the king Ahasuerus called for Vashti and set in motion a series of events he would regret as he remembered Vashti after his anger was appeased (Esther 1:9-2:1). It was also during such feasting that Herod made a rash vow to the daughter of Herodias that ended up with the head of John the Baptist on a platter (Matt 14:6-11). Proverbs 23:33 warns against the effects of drunkenness: “thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.” Boaz’s words and actions showed that he still retained a right state of mind and integrity. This was necessary as (though unknown to him) he had before him a great responsibility to discharge and needed to exercise wisdom, discretion and judgment in very weighty matters. These were matters that would affect and change the lives of Ruth and Naomi, as well as fulfil God’s will.
 
THOUGHT: Being merry without moderation can lead me to sin.

PRAYER: (Use Proverbs 30:8-9.)

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