Why did Boaz not want anyone to know Ruth was at the threshing floor?
Ruth 3:14
NKJV - 14 So she lay at his feet until morning, and she arose before one could recognize another. Then he said, "Do not let it be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.
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Asked August 29 2017
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Chasity Rosario
Supporter
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Tim Maas
Supporter
I would say that it would have been out of concern for Ruth's reputation and welfare (just as Boaz had also displayed earlier in Ruth 2:9 and Ruth 2:14-16) under the circumstances described. Since there was apparently another kinsman who was closer to Ruth than Boaz was, and who (under the custom of the time) would have had a "right of first refusal" with regard to marrying her (Ruth 3:12-13), it would not have been in the best interests of Ruth or Boaz (but especially for Ruth) to let it be known that she had been alone in Boaz's company on the threshing floor during the night (even though nothing unseemly had occurred),
venkatesan Iyer
Supporter
He did not want others to have a low opinion of Ruth and himself. The people will not know about the details of their conversation. They may spread false rumors. He wanted to pursue the matter of marriage with Ruth in a proper manner, so that both their honor would be preserved.
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