“Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, shall I not seek security for you, that it may be well with you? Now Boaz, whose young women you were with, is he not our relative? In fact, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. Therefore wash yourself and anoint yourself, put on your best garment and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. Then it shall be, when he lies down, that you shall notice the place where he lies; and you shall go in, uncover his feet, and lie down; and he will tell you what you should do.” And she said to her, “All that you say to me I will do.” So she went down to the threshing floor and did according to all that her mother-in-law instructed her. And after Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was cheerful, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain; and she came softly, uncovered his feet, and lay down. Now it happened at midnight that the man was startled, and turned himself; and there, a woman was lying at his feet. And he said, “Who are you?” So she answered, “I am Ruth, your maidservant. Take your maidservant under your wing, for you are a close relative.” Then he said, “Blessed are you of the Lord, my daughter! For you have shown more kindness at the end than at the beginning, in that you did not go after young men, whether poor or rich. And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request, for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman. Now it is true that I am a close relative; however, there is a relative closer than I. Stay this night, and in the morning it shall be that if he will perform the duty of a close relative for you—good; let him do it. But if he does not want to perform the duty for you, then I will perform the duty for you, as the Lord lives! Lie down until morning.” So she lay at his feet until morning, and she arose before one could recognize another. Then he said, “Do not let it be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.” Also he said, “Bring the shawl that is on you and hold it.” And when she held it, he measured six ephahs of barley, and laid it on her. Then she went into the city. When she came to her mother-in-law, she said, “Is that you, my daughter?” Then she told her all that the man had done for her. And she said, “These six ephahs of barley he gave me; for he said to me, ‘Do not go empty-handed to your mother-in-law.’ ” Then she said, “Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out; for the man will not rest until he has concluded the matter this day.””
Ruth 3:1-18 NKJV
In Ruth 3, we witness a pivotal moment in the story as Naomi instructs Ruth to take a bold and culturally significant step. Ruth approaches Boaz on the threshing floor, asking him to fulfill his role as a kinsman-redeemer. This chapter highlights Ruth’s faith, obedience, and willingness to trust God’s timing, while Boaz demonstrates his integrity and commitment to God’s law. It also foreshadows the greater work of redemption that Christ, our ultimate Redeemer, accomplishes for us.
Exegesis of Ruth 3
1. Ruth 3:1-6 – Naomi’s Bold Plan
Naomi’s Instructions
Naomi, recognizing Boaz’s kindness and role as a potential redeemer, instructs Ruth to prepare herself and approach him discreetly at the threshing floor (Ruth 3:1-3).
The threshing floor, a place of celebration and provision during the harvest, becomes the setting for Ruth’s bold act of faith.
Ruth’s Obedience
Ruth agrees to Naomi’s plan without hesitation, showing her trust in Naomi’s wisdom and in God’s providence (Ruth 3:5-6).
Her willingness to follow this unconventional approach reflects her courage and commitment to securing a future for herself and Naomi.
2. Ruth 3:7-13 – Ruth’s Request for Redemption
Ruth’s Humble Approach
Ruth uncovers Boaz’s feet and lies down—a symbolic act of submission and a request for protection (Ruth 3:7).
Her words, “Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer” (Ruth 3:9), directly appeal to Boaz’s role as a kinsman-redeemer, echoing his earlier blessing over her (Ruth 2:12).
Boaz’s Integrity
Boaz responds with kindness and reassures Ruth, acknowledging her noble character (Ruth 3:10-11).
He agrees to redeem her if the closer kinsman declines, carefully honoring the legal process required by God’s law (Ruth 3:12-13).
3. Ruth 3:14-18 – Boaz’s Promise and Naomi’s Assurance
Boaz Provides for Ruth
Before Ruth leaves, Boaz gives her six measures of barley as a tangible sign of his commitment to care for her and Naomi (Ruth 3:15).
Naomi’s Confidence in God’s Plan
Naomi assures Ruth, saying, “Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today” (Ruth 3:18).
Naomi’s words reflect her growing faith in God’s timing and Boaz’s trustworthiness.
Boaz as a Foreshadowing of Christ
The role of the kinsman-redeemer in the story of Ruth provides a beautiful parallel to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Boaz fulfills the qualifications of a redeemer, which point to Christ as our ultimate Redeemer.
A Kinsman-Redeemer Must Have the Right to Redeem
Boaz, as a close relative to Naomi and Ruth, had the legal right to redeem the land and marry Ruth (Leviticus 25:25).
Jesus became our “kinsman” by taking on human flesh:
“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise partook of the same things” (Hebrews 2:14).
A Kinsman-Redeemer Must Have the Ability to Redeem
Boaz was a “worthy man” of wealth and standing, capable of fulfilling the financial and legal obligations of redemption (Ruth 2:1; Ruth 4:9-10).
Jesus, as the sinless Son of God, had the ability to redeem humanity by paying the ultimate price with His blood:
“You were ransomed… not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18-19).
A Kinsman-Redeemer Must Have the Desire to Redeem
Boaz’s willingness to redeem Ruth reflects his love, compassion, and sense of duty (Ruth 3:11).
Jesus willingly gave Himself for us, demonstrating His love and desire to redeem us:
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
Boaz’s actions foreshadow Jesus Christ, who fulfills the ultimate redemption of humanity, securing eternal hope for all who trust in Him.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Ruth’s humility and boldness challenge us to approach God with trust and faith?
- What do Boaz’s actions teach us about godly integrity and care for others?
- How does the concept of the kinsman-redeemer deepen our understanding of Christ’s redemptive work?
- What steps can we take to reflect the love and selflessness of Jesus in our daily lives?
Life Applications
- Trust in God’s Timing: Just as Ruth waited for Boaz to act, we can trust that God is working for our good in His perfect timing.
- Approach God Boldly: Ruth’s request to Boaz reflects the boldness we are called to have in approaching God’s throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16).
- Live with Integrity: Boaz’s actions challenge us to honor God by living with integrity, especially in our relationships and commitments.
- Celebrate Redemption: Boaz’s redemption of Ruth reminds us to rejoice in the ultimate redemption accomplished through Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
Ruth 3 is a story of faith, sacrifice, and redemption that beautifully points to the work of Christ. As Ruth trusted in Boaz to act as her redeemer, we can trust in Jesus, who has the right, ability, and desire to redeem us. Through His sacrifice, we are brought into a relationship with Him, filled with hope, security, and purpose.