II. NAOMI AND RUTH'S PLANS chs. 2--3

Chapter 1 in a sense prepares for chapters 2-4 that constitute the heart of the book. Chapter 1 presents a problem, but chapters 2-4 provide the solution. The key to the solution on the human level was the planning of Naomi and Ruth.

There are really two plans, one to obtain food, the immediate physical need of the two women (ch. 2), and one to obtain a male heir, the long range covenant-related need of the women's extended family (3:1-4:17).

 A. The plan to obtain food ch. 2

Chapter 2 has its own chiastic structure.⁴¹

ARuth and Naomi (2:2-3)

BBoaz and the reapers (2:4-7)

CBoaz and Ruth (2:8-15a)

B'Boaz and the reapers (2:15b-16)

A'Naomi and Ruth (2:19-22)

Boaz's conversation with Ruth is the focus of this section.

 B. The plan to obtain seed ch. 3

Having obtained food and safety the two women could look beyond their immediate physical needs to their greater need. Whereas Ruth took the initiative in proposing a plan to obtain food (2:2), Naomi now suggested a plan to get rest (security) for Ruth (3:1-5). As I pointed out, this second plan, that Naomi laid and Ruth agreed to, is at the structural center of the Book of Ruth. It is the decision to which chapters 1 and 2 lead up, and from which chapters 3 and 4 unfold.

Chapter 3, like chapter 2, revolves around a dialogue between Boaz and Ruth.

ANaomi and Ruth (vv. 1-5)

B Boaz and Ruth (vv. 6-15)

A'Naomi and Ruth (vv. 16-18)