NOTES for Rut 3:1-18
A striking difference between what is described in the third chapter of Ruth and what we are accustomed to seeing in the world around us is that both Ruth and Boaz make their possible marital relationship dependent on God's will as expressed for them in the Mosaic law. Modern life tries to persuade us that erotic desires are irresistible—but no, this example shows us that this is not true. It is likewise customary to pretend that there is “nothing special” about erotic relations—but this too is a lie. The union of two people is a mysterious and exalted bond that can come about only by God's will, and only the gift of His grace makes such a union firm and life-giving. In this context, sexual relations themselves acquire an unexpected dignity and beauty.