My fellow townsmen know that you are a woman of noble character. (Ruth 3:11)Just a short note today. Boaz refers to Ruth as a woman of noble character. This could also be translated a woman of valor, or a woman of excellence. This descriptor is used many times in the Bible, but almost exclusively of men... for instance, David's mighty men (2 Samuel 23). It's interesting how the same word can be translated differently depending on its context.
This is the point: in all of Scripture, the phrase is only used three times to describe women - in Proverbs 12:4; 31:10; and here in Ruth. The Proverbs 31 woman can prove intimidating because she seems to be a cross between Martha Stewart and Super Woman. She's obviously a woman of means. Ruth, on the other hand, is a poor, widowed foreigner. She lacks the standing of the Proverbs 31 woman, yet is called by the same name, a woman of excellence.
This just proves one doesn't need money and mad skills to be excellent. We'll talk about this more at a later date.
Well, calling her a Mighty Woman might have seemed a bit odd. ;-)
ReplyDeleteTo me it appears to be a focus on bravery and a skilled/wise response in the face of overwhelming odds, whether to man or woman. (beyond the Usual Bravery that so many people display in their lives) Good spotlight, thanks.