Discover Ruth 3 and how Ruth's boldness and Boaz's kindness reveal God's faithful provision as the kinsman-redeemer.
The barley and wheat harvests had come to an end. Ruth had worked diligently in the fields of Boaz for many weeks. The time had come for Naomi to take action on behalf of her devoted daughter-in-law. Naomi recognized that Ruth needed a home and a husband to secure her future. She devised a plan that would require boldness and faith from Ruth.
Naomi instructed Ruth to prepare herself and go to the threshing floor where Boaz would be winnowing barley. The plan was carefully crafted to give Ruth the opportunity to claim Boaz as her kinsman-redeemer. Naomi knew the customs and laws of Israel. She understood that Boaz was a relative who could fulfill the duty of redemption. Ruth followed Naomi's instructions with complete trust and obedience.
The encounter at the threshing floor was a pivotal moment in the story. Ruth approached Boaz at night and asked him to spread his covering over her. This was a culturally recognized request for marriage and protection. Boaz responded with honor and blessing. He praised Ruth for her kindness and character. He promised to settle the matter if the nearer kinsman would not fulfill his duty. The chapter demonstrates God's provision working through human boldness and covenant faithfulness.
Naomi's Plan for Ruth
The Desire for Rest
Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee? (Ruth 3:1). Naomi expressed her desire to secure a future for Ruth. The word rest meant a settled home and security in marriage. Naomi had previously prayed that Ruth would find rest in the house of a husband (Ruth 1:9). Now she was taking action to fulfill that prayer.
Naomi's concern for Ruth was rooted in love and gratitude. Ruth had shown extraordinary loyalty to Naomi. The older woman now sought to provide for her daughter-in-law. The question shall I not seek rest for thee carried the force of a commitment. Naomi was determined to act on Ruth's behalf. The plan demonstrated the wisdom and care of a loving mother-in-law.
The Identity of Boaz
And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? (Ruth 3:2). Naomi reminded Ruth that Boaz was a relative of their family. The relationship was the key to the plan. Boaz was eligible to act as a kinsman-redeemer under the law of Moses. The kinsman-redeemer could redeem land and marry a widow to preserve the family line.
Naomi also mentioned that Boaz would be winnowing barley that night at the threshing floor. The evening breeze was favorable for separating the grain from the chaff. The threshing floor was a flat area outside the city where the harvest was processed. Boaz would stay there overnight to guard his valuable grain. The location provided a private opportunity for Ruth to approach him.
The Instructions Given
Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor (Ruth 3:3). Naomi gave Ruth specific instructions for preparing herself. The washing and anointing were for cleanliness and presentation. Ruth was to put on her best garments. The preparation was a sign of respect and intention.
Naomi told Ruth not to make herself known until Boaz had finished eating and drinking. She was to wait for the right moment. Naomi instructed Ruth to go to the place where Boaz lay down, uncover his feet, and lie down. The action was a symbolic request for protection and marriage. Boaz would then tell Ruth what she should do.
Ruth's Obedience
The Response of Faith
And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do (Ruth 3:5). Ruth responded with complete obedience and trust. She did not question Naomi's plan. She submitted to the authority of her mother-in-law. Ruth's faith in Naomi was a reflection of her faith in God.
Ruth went down to the threshing floor and did according to all that her mother in law bade her (Ruth 3:6). The obedience of Ruth was the key to the success of the plan. She acted with boldness and courage. Ruth was willing to put herself in a vulnerable position for the sake of her future. The act of faith was rewarded by God's provision.
The Approach to Boaz
When Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down (Ruth 3:7). Ruth approached Boaz quietly in the darkness. The word softly suggests stealth and humility. She uncovered his feet and lay down at the place where his feet were covered.
The action was not seductive but symbolic. The uncovering of the feet was a gesture of humility and a request for protection. Boaz would awaken and discover Ruth at his feet. The act was a culturally recognized way for a woman to claim the protection of a kinsman. The plan required trust in the character of both Boaz and Ruth.
The Encounter with Boaz
The Awakening
And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet (Ruth 3:8). Boaz woke up startled in the middle of the night. The word afraid suggests surprise or alarm. He turned and discovered Ruth lying at his feet. The encounter was unexpected but not unwelcome.
Boaz asked: Who art thou? (Ruth 3:9). The question was a request for identification. Boaz knew he was speaking to a woman, but he did not know who she was. The question allowed Ruth to reveal her identity and her purpose. The encounter was a moment of truth.
The Request for Redemption
And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman (Ruth 3:9). Ruth identified herself as Boaz's servant. The word handmaid was a term of humility and respect. She then made her request: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid.
The phrase spread thy skirt was a request for marriage and protection. The image of a covering symbolized the protection of a husband. The request was based on Boaz's role as a near kinsman. Ruth was claiming the right of redemption under the law of Moses. The request was bold and direct.
The Response of Boaz
And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich (Ruth 3:10). Boaz responded with a blessing and praise. He called Ruth my daughter, a term of affection and respect. He commended her for her kindness and loyalty.
Boaz noted that Ruth had not pursued younger men. She had remained loyal to Naomi and the family. The kindness of Ruth was a reflection of her character. Boaz declared that all the city knew that Ruth was a virtuous woman. The praise was a testimony to Ruth's reputation.
The Promise of Boaz
And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest (Ruth 3:11). Boaz gave Ruth a promise of action. He would do all that she asked. The promise was a commitment to fulfill the role of kinsman-redeemer. Boaz was willing to marry Ruth and provide for her.
Boaz also revealed a complication: There is a kinsman nearer than I (Ruth 3:12). The nearer kinsman had the first right of redemption. Boaz could not act until the nearer kinsman had declined. The law required that the closest relative be given the opportunity. Boaz promised to settle the matter the next day. He said, If he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth (Ruth 3:13).
The Departure and Return
The Gift of Grain
And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another (Ruth 3:14). Ruth stayed at Boaz's feet until morning. She rose early to avoid being seen. Boaz was concerned about her reputation. He said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor.
Boaz gave Ruth a gift: Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her (Ruth 3:15). The six measures of barley were a generous gift. The provision was a sign of Boaz's commitment. He did not send Ruth away empty. The gift was also a message to Naomi that the plan was progressing.
The Return to Naomi
And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her (Ruth 3:16). Naomi asked Ruth how she had fared. The question was an inquiry about the outcome of the night. Ruth reported all that Boaz had done.
Ruth showed Naomi the barley and said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law (Ruth 3:17). The gift was a sign of Boaz's favor. Naomi recognized the significance of the gift. She said, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day (Ruth 3:18).
Lessons from Ruth 3
The Boldness of Faith
Ruth demonstrated boldness and faith in approaching Boaz. She was willing to take a risk for her future. The boldness was rooted in trust in God's provision. Ruth believed that God would honor her obedience. The lesson for believers is that faith requires bold action.
The apostle Paul writes: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Ruth acted with power and a sound mind. Her boldness was a reflection of her faith. The lesson from Ruth 3 is that faith is expressed through bold action.
The Kindness of Boaz
Boaz demonstrated kindness, honor, and integrity. He did not take advantage of Ruth. He blessed her and praised her character. He promised to fulfill his duty as kinsman-redeemer. The kindness of Boaz was a reflection of the kindness of God.
The apostle Paul writes: Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us (Ephesians 5:1-2). Boaz walked in love and kindness. The lesson from Ruth 3 is the importance of showing kindness and integrity.
The Providence of God
The story of Ruth 3 reveals the providence of God working through human actions. Naomi's plan, Ruth's boldness, and Boaz's kindness were all part of God's plan. God was orchestrating events to bring about redemption. The lesson for believers is that God works all things for good.
The apostle Paul writes: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God (Romans 8:28). The providence of God was at work in the story of Ruth. The lesson from Ruth 3 is to trust in the providence of God.
The Kinsman-Redeemer
The concept of the kinsman-redeemer is central to Ruth 3. Boaz was willing to act as redeemer for Ruth and Naomi. The redeemer could buy back land and marry the widow. The role of the kinsman-redeemer points forward to Christ.
The apostle Paul writes: In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:7). Christ is our Redeemer. The lesson from Ruth 3 is that God provides redemption through Christ.
Connections to Scripture
The Law of Moses
The plan of Naomi was rooted in the law of Moses. The law provided for the redemption of land and the preservation of family lines (Leviticus 25:25; Deuteronomy 25:5-10). The concept of the kinsman-redeemer was a provision of God's grace. The law protected widows and preserved inheritances.
The fulfillment of the law in Ruth 3 demonstrates God's faithfulness. The law was not merely theoretical but practical. The provision of the kinsman-redeemer was a demonstration of God's care. The connection to the law reinforces the importance of covenant faithfulness.
The Prophet Isaiah
The image of spreading a garment over Ruth is connected to the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah writes: For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name (Isaiah 54:5). The image of the Lord as a husband is a powerful metaphor. The protection and provision of a husband are a picture of God's care.
The prophet Ezekiel also uses the image: Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee (Ezekiel 16:8). The image of spreading a skirt was a symbol of marriage and protection. The connection to the prophets reinforces the significance of Ruth's request.
The Genealogy of David
The book of Ruth records the genealogy of David. Ruth and Boaz became the parents of Obed, the grandfather of David. The genealogy demonstrates God's providence in preserving the line of David. The line of David was the line of the Messiah.
The apostle Paul writes: Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh (Romans 1:3). The genealogy of David points forward to Christ. The story of Ruth is a link in the chain of redemption.
Conclusion
The third chapter of Ruth is a story of boldness and provision. Naomi devised a plan to secure a future for Ruth. Ruth obeyed Naomi's instructions with complete trust. The encounter at the threshing floor brought Ruth and Boaz together. Boaz responded with honor and kindness. He promised to fulfill the role of kinsman-redeemer.
The boldness of Ruth is a model of faith in action. She was willing to take a risk for the sake of her future. The kindness of Boaz is a model of covenant faithfulness. He acted with integrity and generosity. The providence of God is the foundation of the story. God was working through human actions to bring about redemption. The lesson for believers is to act with boldness and trust in God's provision.
The story of Ruth 3 points forward to the greater provision of Christ. Boaz was a kinsman-redeemer who provided for Ruth and Naomi. Christ is the ultimate Redeemer who has provided salvation for all who trust in Him. The invitation to seek refuge under the wings of the Lord is an invitation to trust in Christ. The story of Ruth 3 calls believers to boldness in faith, integrity in action, and trust in the providence of God.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did Naomi tell Ruth to go to the threshing floor at night?
Naomi told Ruth to go to the threshing floor because Boaz would be there winnowing barley. The evening breeze was favorable for winnowing, and Boaz would stay overnight to guard his grain. The threshing floor provided a private opportunity for Ruth to approach Boaz. The plan was rooted in the customs and laws of Israel. Naomi knew that Boaz was a kinsman-redeemer who could fulfill the duty of redemption.
2. What did Ruth mean when she asked Boaz to spread his skirt over her?
Ruth's request to spread his skirt over her was a culturally recognized request for marriage and protection. The image of a covering symbolized the protection of a husband. Ruth was claiming the right of redemption under the law of Moses. The request was bold but appropriate given Boaz's role as a near kinsman. The act was a symbolic gesture of seeking refuge under his protection.
3. Why did Boaz praise Ruth for not pursuing younger men?
Boaz praised Ruth for not pursuing younger men because her loyalty to Naomi and the family was more important than personal preference. Ruth had shown kindness to Naomi and the family. She had not sought her own pleasure but had remained faithful to her duty. The praise was a testimony to Ruth's character and virtue. The kindness of Ruth was a reflection of her faith in God.
4. Who was the nearer kinsman mentioned by Boaz?
The nearer kinsman was a relative who had the first right of redemption. Boaz could not act until the nearer kinsman had declined. The identity of the nearer kinsman is not recorded in the text. The nearer kinsman would later decline the responsibility in Ruth 4. The refusal opened the way for Boaz to fulfill the role of kinsman-redeemer.
5. What is the significance of the six measures of barley given to Ruth?
The six measures of barley were a generous gift from Boaz to Ruth. The provision was a sign of Boaz's commitment to redeem Ruth and Naomi. The gift also served as a message to Naomi that the plan was progressing. Ruth was not sent away empty. The six measures of barley were a tangible sign of God's provision.
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