BOAZ guessed Ruth’s mind, but to her dismay he did not clasp her to his bosom and call her wife. Modestly, he bade her slip away unseen. She had made an embarrassing mistake: for another man was closer in affinity than Boaz.

Next morning, however, Boaz contrived to meet this man in town, and told him that Naomi had a parcel of her late husband’s land to sell. They were about to close the deal when Boaz added casually that the widow Ruth’s rights must also be considered. This was not in the cousin’s plans: his family expectations left no room for marrying penniless widows, and he begged Boaz to take on this burden himself. In full view of the townsfolk Boaz drew off his shoe in lawful token of their bargain, and claimed Ruth as his wife.

Ruth and Boaz married, and the women of Bethlehem told Naomi (as if she needed reminding) that Ruth was of more worth than seven sons. Soon Ruth had a little boy, whom they named Obed, and Naomi nursed him. And Obed grew up, and had a son named Jesse; and Jesse was the father of David, who was king over Israel.