lie down at the side of the heap of winnowed grain to guard it against thieves who would otherwise steal it. And so Boaz after the meal lay down at the pile of grain. Naomi was fully familiar with this harvest and threshing routine, and so she instructed Ruth to wait until the lights were all out, and the floor was quiet, and then to steal softly to the place where Boaz was sleeping, uncover his feet and lie down. On the surface it sounds daring and bold, if not downright vulgar.