Ruth's appeal at the threshing floor and her return to Bethlehem in fullness and hope

Ruth proposes to Boaz (Ruth 3)

David A. Dorsey, The Literary Structure of the Old Testament

1. a
   Naomi's instructions to Ruth at their home3:1–5tension level: suspense introduced
2. b
   Ruth leaves Naomi and goes to the threshing floor; there she follows Naomi's instructions3:6–7tension level: suspense grows
3. c
   Boaz awakens and finds Ruth lying at his feet; her proposal3:8–9tension level: suspense reaches zenith
4. d
   CLIMAX: Boaz accepts her proposal!3:10–13
5. c′
   Boaz and Ruth awaken in the morning, with Ruth still lying at his feet; his gift3:14–15ctension level: tranquillity
6. b′
   Ruth leaves the threshing floor and goes back to Naomi; there she reports what happened3:15d–17tension level: tranquillity (cf. BHS)
7. a′
   Naomi's optimistic instructions to Ruth at their home3:18tension level: tranquillity