| Scene 1 - At the threshing floor, the next morning Ruth has come to the threshing floor to meet Perez. She worries that she and Naomi have no money and that Naomi has been unable to find her kinsman. She greets Perez gratefully and he, mistaking her feelings, suddenly declares his love for her. Ruth is shocked but manages to avoid a confrontation. Perez concludes that Ruth is too shy too show her true feelings for him. They go off to the grain-fields. Scene 2 - At the threshing floor, noon the same day
At midday Ruth is resting. She has nothing to eat or drink. She longs for her dead husband. Boaz arrives and is surprised to find her, a woman, alone and hungry. He gives her food and water and asks about her, but at first she is hesitant. Eventually she speaks and,as he listens Boaz exclaims that he is Naomi’s kinsman. He is strongly drawn to her but, conscious of his age and station, refrains from sharing his feelings. He promises to help her. Perez enters and finds Ruth and Boaz talking closely. Boaz tells Perez to ensure that his workers leave behind extra grain for Ruth. Perez, jealous at this example of Boaz’s power and good fortune, angrily rushes off. Scene 3 - At Ruth and Naomi's house, that evening
Ruth has returned home with many sheaves of barley, accompanied by Perez. She introduces Perez to Naomi and explains how he has helped her today. She tells Naomi that Boaz is Naomi’s kinsman and that he has promised to help them. Naomi is relieved to have found her kinsman. She has heard in the city about Boaz’s wealth and power and speculates what Boaz’s friendship will mean. When she leaves the room to prepare dinner Perez again declares his love for Ruth but she gently rejects him. Angry at his failure he accuses Ruth of being interested in Boaz for his money and leaves. Ruth realises how alone and frightened she is. She wants to pray for guidance but wonders to whom she should pray. According to Naomi, the Hebrew God is vengeful how will He help Ruth? Is her life to be lonely, without purpose and full of suffering? Then she recalls her dream and gradually she becomes convinced that she is indeed part of the Hebrew God’s plan. | | |
