Na-o'mi was very happy when Ruth told her in whose field she had gleaned, and of the courtesy shown her by the owner. Bo'az had also been kind to E-lim'e-lech before the family had gone to Mo'ab, and Na-o'mi called this to mind with deep gratitude for God's continued goodness.
The law of Lev'i-rate Marriage was a custom of the Is'ra-el-ites which required the closest unmarried male relative of a man who died without children to purchase the family inheritance and to marry the widow. Na-o'mi knew of this law, but seems to have thought at first that it would not apply to Ruth, who belonged to a foreign nation. After Ruth was converted to the Jewish religion, however, and because the friendship with Bo'az seemed to be ordered by Divine Providence, Na-o'mi felt that the law should be carried out for the benefit of her son's widow. She therefore encouraged Ruth in her friendship with the noble and highly respected kinsman of her deceased husband, and the courtship which followed had her blessing.
It is evident that neither Na-o'mi nor Ruth resorted to any questionable designs on the heart of Bo'az. Na-o'mi did not direct Ruth in the choice of the field in which she gleaned, nor did Ruth know to whom the field belonged when she entered it. Her application was made to the steward in charge of the harvest. Bo'az himself took the first steps in their acquaintance and in the close friendship which grew among them. Ruth did not know of his relation to her deceased husband, nor did she know of the law of Lev'i-rate Marriage. The growth of their friendship was the natural result of the love and respect which they felt for one another.
In taking such an active part in guiding Ruth in her relations with Bo'az, Na-o'mi performed a solemn duty of both religion and friendship. Under the religious laws of her people her dead son Mah'lon had certain claims upon Bo'az, and she hastened to press these claims. In her deep love for Ruth she felt it her duty to make sure that adequate provision was taken for her future security and happiness.
Under the laws of Lev'i-rate Marriage it was customary for the woman to take the lead in presenting her claims. Although Bo'az had shown warm affection for Ruth, she must make the first move in offering to become his wife. She was modest and timid, so the customary procedure in this matter had to be arranged by her mother-in-law Na-o'mi. The method adopted by Na-o'mi was wholly proper under Oriental customs; though it might be frowned upon today, the purity and honor of the entire procedure is proved by its happy result.
Ruth modestly confessed the love and esteem which existed between them, asked for the guardianship and protection to which she was entitled from him, and sincerely renounced the claims of all others. In his reply Bo'az showed complete respect for the will and law of God, praised Ruth for her kindness and virtue, and promised to remove all obstacles to her early marriage.
