Charles Ellicott Commentary Ruth 3:3-5

"Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the threshing-floor, but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking. And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do. And she said unto her, All that thou sayest I will do." — Ruth 3:3-5 (ASV)

The plan Naomi suggested seems unusual, yet some considerations may offer a certain perspective on it.

1. Naomi seems to have believed that Boaz was the nearest relative, being unaware of the one who was even closer (Ruth 3:12). Consequently, according to Israelite law (Deuteronomy 25:5 and following), it would be Boaz's duty to marry Ruth to raise up seed to the dead.

2. The general portrayal of Naomi’s character in this book clearly shows her to be a God-fearing woman. Therefore, it is certain that, however unusual its outward appearance, nothing she advised here could genuinely be contrary to God’s law or shocking to a virtuous man like Boaz; otherwise, Naomi would simply have utterly frustrated her own purpose.

3. Her knowledge of Ruth’s character, gained through long and close acquaintance, and undoubtedly also her knowledge of Boaz’s character by reputation, would have enabled her to feel confident that no negative consequences would result.