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?
And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.
Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.
And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.
And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do.
And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her.
And 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.
And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet.
And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.
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.
And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.
And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.
Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that 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: lie down until the morning.
And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor.
Also he said, 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: and she went into the city.
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.
And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law.
Then said she, 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 is a pivotal chapter in the book of Ruth, serving as the crescendo to the narrative that began with loss and despair in Moab. After two months of gleaning in Bethlehem, where Boaz has shown Ruth exceptional kindness (Ruth 1-2), Naomi, ever mindful of Ruth's future, initiates a bold plan to secure her daughter-in-law's future and provide her with "rest" (Ruth 1:9; 3:1). This chapter showcases the characters' integrity, courage, and foreshadows the ultimate redemption to come.
Naomi's Master Plan (Ruth 3:1-4)
Understanding the vulnerabilities Ruth faces as a widow, Naomi steps into the role of matchmaker, seeking a secure home and future for her. As the barley and wheat harvests conclude, Naomi recognizes Boaz, the wealthy and respected landowner, as a suitable husband for Ruth. She devises a daring plan, instructing Ruth to prepare herself, go to the threshing floor that night, and wait until Boaz has finished celebrating the harvest and fallen asleep (Ruth 3:2-3).
The threshing floor was a place where grain was separated from chaff, and during harvest season, Boaz would stay overnight to protect his valuable yield. Naomi's instructions are specific: after Boaz has eaten, drunk, and fallen asleep, Ruth is to uncover his feet and lie down. This act, though seemingly strange to modern readers, was a culturally understood way for Ruth to make a claim for marriage. Naomi assures Ruth that Boaz will then explain the next steps (Ruth 3:4).
Ruth's Courageous Act (Ruth 3:5-9)
Ruth, demonstrating remarkable obedience and trust in Naomi's wisdom, agrees to the plan without hesitation (Ruth 3:5-6). She follows Naomi's instructions precisely. After a long day's work and a satisfying meal, Boaz settles down for the night. Approaching him under the cover of darkness, Ruth uncovers his feet. Startled awake, perhaps feeling the cool night air, Boaz is surprised to find a woman lying at his feet (Ruth 3:7-8).
In the dim light, Boaz asks Ruth to identify herself. Ruth's reply is both humble and bold: "I am Ruth, your servant... Spread the corner of your garment over me, for you are a kinsman-redeemer" (Ruth 3:9). With these words and actions, Ruth is making a marriage proposal, specifically requesting that Boaz fulfill his legal responsibility as a family redeemer.
By asking him to "spread the corner of your garment" over her, Ruth is also reminding him of the blessing he had previously pronounced upon her: "May you receive a full reward from the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge!" (Ruth 2:12). Ruth is, in essence, challenging Boaz to become the human expression of that divine covering, a protector and provider.
Boaz's Honorable Response (Ruth 3:10-13)
Boaz is deeply impressed by Ruth's actions. He had been drawn to her initially (Ruth 2:11-12), but her proposal further reveals her noble character. Despite Boaz's older age, Ruth has not pursued younger men (Ruth 3:10), demonstrating her integrity and honor. He acknowledges that she has shown him the highest form of respect.
However, Boaz is aware of a complication: though he is a kinsman-redeemer, there is another relative who is closer to Naomi's deceased husband and thus has the first right to redeem Ruth (Ruth 3:12). This nearer relative has the first opportunity to marry Ruth and continue the family line.
Boaz, a man of integrity, vows that if the other man refuses to fulfill this obligation, he will indeed redeem Ruth and marry her (Ruth 3:13). He promises to resolve the matter quickly and decisively, showcasing his commitment to both Ruth and the law.
Don't miss the significance of the word "redeem," which appears multiple times in these verses. Boaz is presented as an Old Testament type, foreshadowing Jesus Christ, who redeems sinners from slavery to sin. Through Christ our Redeemer, we are forgiven, set free, made new creations, and brought into a new relationship with God (Romans 3:23-24; Galatians 3:13-14; Ephesians 1:7). Just as Boaz would redeem Ruth from her impoverished circumstances and adopt her into God's chosen family, so too does Christ redeem us from the bondage of sin and adopt us into His family.
A Generous Provision and Assured Hope (Ruth 3:14-18)
Ruth leaves before dawn, ensuring that no one misinterprets the night's events and harms their reputations (Ruth 3:14). Before she departs, Boaz gives her a generous amount of barley (Ruth 3:15), a tangible sign of his commitment and care.
Ruth returns home with the food and shares the news with Naomi. Naomi, confident in Boaz's integrity and promise, assures Ruth that he will resolve the matter without delay (Ruth 3:16-18). This chapter ends with a sense of anticipation and hope, as Naomi trusts in Boaz's character and ability to fulfill his word.
Ruth 3 beautifully illustrates themes of loyalty, courage, and redemption. Ruth's bold act and Boaz's honorable response set the stage for the final act of the story, where redemption is fully realized, and the lineage of King David is secured. This chapter reminds us that even in the midst of difficult circumstances, God's providential hand is at work, orchestrating events for our good and His glory. It is a powerful reminder of the hope we have in our ultimate Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
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?
And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.
Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.
And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.
And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do.
And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her.
And 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.
And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet.
And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.
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.
And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.
And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.
Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that 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: lie down until the morning.
And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor.
Also he said, 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: and she went into the city.
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.
And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law.
Then said she, 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 is a pivotal chapter in the book of Ruth, serving as the crescendo to the narrative that began with loss and despair in Moab. After two months of gleaning in Bethlehem, where Boaz has shown Ruth exceptional kindness (Ruth 1-2), Naomi, ever mindful of Ruth's future, initiates a bold plan to secure her daughter-in-law's future and provide her with "rest" (Ruth 1:9; 3:1). This chapter showcases the characters' integrity, courage, and foreshadows the ultimate redemption to come.
Naomi's Master Plan (Ruth 3:1-4)
Understanding the vulnerabilities Ruth faces as a widow, Naomi steps into the role of matchmaker, seeking a secure home and future for her. As the barley and wheat harvests conclude, Naomi recognizes Boaz, the wealthy and respected landowner, as a suitable husband for Ruth. She devises a daring plan, instructing Ruth to prepare herself, go to the threshing floor that night, and wait until Boaz has finished celebrating the harvest and fallen asleep (Ruth 3:2-3).
The threshing floor was a place where grain was separated from chaff, and during harvest season, Boaz would stay overnight to protect his valuable yield. Naomi's instructions are specific: after Boaz has eaten, drunk, and fallen asleep, Ruth is to uncover his feet and lie down. This act, though seemingly strange to modern readers, was a culturally understood way for Ruth to make a claim for marriage. Naomi assures Ruth that Boaz will then explain the next steps (Ruth 3:4).
Ruth's Courageous Act (Ruth 3:5-9)
Ruth, demonstrating remarkable obedience and trust in Naomi's wisdom, agrees to the plan without hesitation (Ruth 3:5-6). She follows Naomi's instructions precisely. After a long day's work and a satisfying meal, Boaz settles down for the night. Approaching him under the cover of darkness, Ruth uncovers his feet. Startled awake, perhaps feeling the cool night air, Boaz is surprised to find a woman lying at his feet (Ruth 3:7-8).
In the dim light, Boaz asks Ruth to identify herself. Ruth's reply is both humble and bold: "I am Ruth, your servant... Spread the corner of your garment over me, for you are a kinsman-redeemer" (Ruth 3:9). With these words and actions, Ruth is making a marriage proposal, specifically requesting that Boaz fulfill his legal responsibility as a family redeemer.
By asking him to "spread the corner of your garment" over her, Ruth is also reminding him of the blessing he had previously pronounced upon her: "May you receive a full reward from the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge!" (Ruth 2:12). Ruth is, in essence, challenging Boaz to become the human expression of that divine covering, a protector and provider.
Boaz's Honorable Response (Ruth 3:10-13)
Boaz is deeply impressed by Ruth's actions. He had been drawn to her initially (Ruth 2:11-12), but her proposal further reveals her noble character. Despite Boaz's older age, Ruth has not pursued younger men (Ruth 3:10), demonstrating her integrity and honor. He acknowledges that she has shown him the highest form of respect.
However, Boaz is aware of a complication: though he is a kinsman-redeemer, there is another relative who is closer to Naomi's deceased husband and thus has the first right to redeem Ruth (Ruth 3:12). This nearer relative has the first opportunity to marry Ruth and continue the family line.
Boaz, a man of integrity, vows that if the other man refuses to fulfill this obligation, he will indeed redeem Ruth and marry her (Ruth 3:13). He promises to resolve the matter quickly and decisively, showcasing his commitment to both Ruth and the law.
Don't miss the significance of the word "redeem," which appears multiple times in these verses. Boaz is presented as an Old Testament type, foreshadowing Jesus Christ, who redeems sinners from slavery to sin. Through Christ our Redeemer, we are forgiven, set free, made new creations, and brought into a new relationship with God (Romans 3:23-24; Galatians 3:13-14; Ephesians 1:7). Just as Boaz would redeem Ruth from her impoverished circumstances and adopt her into God's chosen family, so too does Christ redeem us from the bondage of sin and adopt us into His family.
A Generous Provision and Assured Hope (Ruth 3:14-18)
Ruth leaves before dawn, ensuring that no one misinterprets the night's events and harms their reputations (Ruth 3:14). Before she departs, Boaz gives her a generous amount of barley (Ruth 3:15), a tangible sign of his commitment and care.
Ruth returns home with the food and shares the news with Naomi. Naomi, confident in Boaz's integrity and promise, assures Ruth that he will resolve the matter without delay (Ruth 3:16-18). This chapter ends with a sense of anticipation and hope, as Naomi trusts in Boaz's character and ability to fulfill his word.
Ruth 3 beautifully illustrates themes of loyalty, courage, and redemption. Ruth's bold act and Boaz's honorable response set the stage for the final act of the story, where redemption is fully realized, and the lineage of King David is secured. This chapter reminds us that even in the midst of difficult circumstances, God's providential hand is at work, orchestrating events for our good and His glory. It is a powerful reminder of the hope we have in our ultimate Redeemer, Jesus Christ.