promise (in parallel to Ruth’s symbolic actions that previous evening). After remaining the night, Ruth arises early before anyone else, after which Boaz expresses the thought: “Don’t let it be known that a woman came to the threshing floor.” The writer is communicating the idea that both Boaz and Ruth now take the initiative in the progress toward resolution of what has become their common cause. Boaz’s symbolic action of promise (3:15) is parallel to his first act of generosity in 2:14–17. Asking