I'm writing an interpretive commentary on Ruth, and I'm interested particularly in hearing opinions on Chapter 3 of the Book of Ruth. It's the scene with Ruth and Boaz on the threshing floor. Traditional conservative commentaries that I'm reading generally deny there was a seduction attempt or (*gasp*), any sexual act on the threshing floor. This is done in spite of significant issues with the language that heavily imply these things, and as far as I can tell generally because the traditional view is that if Ruth seduced Boaz then her noble and moral character are now called into question. I'm interested in evaluating specifically whether sexual ethics in the OT community (the broader context of all of Scripture) would condemn such behavior.
Of course, there are related issues like that fact that Boaz marrying a Moabite was against the given Mosaic law and in spite of this, their union was blessed by God, leading to the creation of the Davidic line of Jewish monarchy. Feel free to comment on whatever aspect of Ruth you're interested in, but I am focusing on whether the our view of OT sexual ethics are really that accurate.
Of course, there are related issues like that fact that Boaz marrying a Moabite was against the given Mosaic law and in spite of this, their union was blessed by God, leading to the creation of the Davidic line of Jewish monarchy. Feel free to comment on whatever aspect of Ruth you're interested in, but I am focusing on whether the our view of OT sexual ethics are really that accurate.
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