THEOSISTheodoret of Cyrus
In the discussion surrounding Noemmin and Ruth, criticism arises towards Noemmin for her suggestion and towards Ruth for her compliance, particularly in the act of lying at Boaz's feet. Upon hearing her mother-in-law declare, “That man is our husband, and is of our husband's husband,” Ruth recalled Boaz’s kindness. She speculated that Boaz, being a relative of her deceased husband, might be inclined by custom to marry her in order to honor the memory of the departed.
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This intention is further illustrated in the narrative; it is mentioned that “Ruth shall speak to her mother-in-law, saying, ‘And to me also she will say, “Come to my children, until they finish all the harvest that is mine.”’” In response to these words, Noemmin encourages her to lie at Boaz's feet, advising her not to squander her beauty. This counsel is underscored by her words: “That thou mayest come in, and open thyself at his feet, and lie down: and he shall tell thee what thou canst do” (Ruth 3:4).
Furthermore, the mother-in-law wisely expressed her gratitude toward the benefactor who was absent, offering blessings. She remarked: “Blessed be he who received thee for having satiated an empty soul by doing this to one who worked for him.” She emphasized that “For he looked,” she said, “not at thy poverty, but at the Lawgiver, who commanded that all care should be shown to widows.”