The Threshing Floor
Overview
- Testament: Old
- Book: Ruth
- Chapters: Ruth 3
- Summary: Ruth approaches Boaz at the threshing floor and appeals for redemption.
Details
Following Naomi’s counsel, Ruth goes to Boaz after the barley winnowing and asks him to spread his skirt over her, a symbolic request for covenant covering and marriage. Boaz responds honorably, praises Ruth’s virtue, and promises to settle the matter with the closer kinsman.
Key People Involved
Key Places
- Bethlehem - Town connected to the threshing season
Important Verses
“Spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.” - Ruth 3:9
Cross-References
- Related events: Boaz’s Protection, The Kinsman-Redeemer
- Related books: Ruth
Notes
The threshing floor scene is bold but honorable. It is the turning point where kindness becomes an explicit appeal for covenant redemption.