How to Get a Husband From House of Bread: The Story of Ruth by Todd Wallinger

In Bible times, a pious young woman gets some unexpected advice from her mother-in-law.

RUTH, young woman NAOMI, mother-in-law

RUTH: Mother, wake up! I have good news. NAOMI: (Sits up.) I'm awake! I'm awake! I was only looking for a coin I dropped. RUTH: We did not bring any coins from Moab. NAOMI: Uh, it was one I dropped fourteen years ago. What do you have in that sack? RUTH: (Hands the sack to NAOMI.) Oh, Mother! What a wonderful day I have had! See how much I have gleaned! NAOMI: That is an abundance! Where did you glean? RUTH: In the field of a man named Boaz. He even commanded his harvesters to pull up some of the stalks for me. NAOMI: Boaz! Are you sure his name was Boaz? RUTH: I am quite sure. After all, it isn't a name you hear every day. NAOMI: Well, then, may the Lord bless him. I can see that he remains as kind as ever. RUTH: What do you mean? Do you know him? NAOMI: Why, yes. He is one of our kinsman-redeemers. He is obligated to buy our land when I—(She stops, mortified that she almost gave away her secret.) RUTH: Mother! You're not thinking of selling our land, are you? NAOMI: Sell our land? Why would I want to sell our land? RUTH: You know you cannot keep secrets from me, Mother. Tell me the truth.

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NAOMI: I suppose you will find out anyway. Yes, Daughter, I am planning to sell our land. RUTH: But why? This land is the only property we own. And it is the only remaining link between Mahlon and me. NAOMI: I know how you must feel. After all, it is the place where Elimelech and I lived in blessedness and joy so many years ago. But look at us. We are but two penniless widows. We cannot work the land ourselves and we do not have the money to hire helpers. If we sell it, we will have plenty of money to live on. RUTH: Yes, but we will still be alone. Oh, how I wish— (She stops, mortified that she almost gave away her own secret.) NAOMI: Wish, my daughter? Wish what? RUTH: Nothing. Nothing at all. The Lord has been good to us here. I have no right to ask for anything more. NAOMI: (More firmly.) Wish what, my child? RUTH: Please do not misunderstand me, Mother. I love you dearly. But oh, how I ache to have a family of my own. This house is so quiet—and so dead. I want to wake to the soft coos of a baby and fall asleep to the gentle breaths of my husband. (NAOMI bursts out laughing.) Is my dream so foolish after all? NAOMI: If your husband were anything like Elimelech, it will not be gentle breaths you fall asleep to but thunderous snores! RUTH: I open my heart to you, and this is how you repay me? NAOMI: Forgive me, my child. I do not mean to mock you. But wait. There may just be a way. RUTH: What, Mother? None of your mysteries now. What is the way? NAOMI: Tell me, Daughter. What do you think of your Boaz? RUTH: Boaz? Why, he is kind enough and gracious enough— NAOMI: And handsome enough? RUTH: Mother, surely you're not thinking of—

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NAOMI: My daughter, should I not try to find a home for you, where you will be well provided for? RUTH: I suppose so... NAOMI: And is Boaz not our kinsman-redeemer? RUTH: Yes. NAOMI: Well, then, he has an obligation to marry you, so that you may have a child to carry on Mahlon's name. RUTH: Boaz is an honorable man, and I am sure he would make an honorable husband. But I do not want to compel him to marry me. And he certainly would not choose me on his own. NAOMI: Your beauty is your great attraction, my daughter. Unfortunately, your modesty is even greater. RUTH: What do you have in mind? NAOMI: It is harvest time. Tonight, Boaz will make his bed on the threshing floor in order to guard the grain. Wash and perfume yourself and put on your best clothes. Then make your way to the threshing floor. But don't let him know you are there. After he goes to sleep, go over and lie at his feet. RUTH: At his feet? But why, Mother? NAOMI: It is an ancient custom in this land. It is the way that a woman requests marriage. RUTH: Oh, no, Mother! Not that! NAOMI: You want a husband, don't you? RUTH: Yes, but— NAOMI: Well, then, you must do what it takes to get one. RUTH: But lie at his feet? What if he kicks me? NAOMI: Kick him back! RUTH: What if he rejects me? NAOMI: Kick him harder!

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RUTH: But what if he— NAOMI: Child, you have so many questions. You must learn to trust in the Lord. If this is to be, then it will be. Now hurry. It is getting dark. Boaz will be going to the threshing floor soon. (RUTH starts to leave.) Ruth! RUTH: Yes, Mother? NAOMI: I told you to put on your best clothes! RUTH: Yes, Mother. (Starts toward the other room. She stops.) But Mother, these are my only clothes! NAOMI: I suppose I can lend you something to wear. RUTH: Thank you, Mother! You are the kindest, most generous woman in all of Judah! NAOMI: And you are the most perceptive. Now go. Go!

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