AM Bible Study Group; January 19, 2011

Ruth 3:1-18

Theme: This chapter describes how Ruth presents herself to be brought under the care of Boaz—her kinsman-redeemer.

It may be that the instructions in Leviticus 14:1-32, about the cleansing of leprosy, were primarily so that Jesus could one day tell a leper to "go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them" (Matthew 8:4). And it may be that the instructions in Deuteronomy 25:5-10 about levarite marriage may have been given primarily to give us a testimony of Jesus’ nature as our Kinsman-Redeemer from the story of Ruth. We have no record in Scripture of that law being actually used except in her case. And yet, what a wonderful picture it gives us of our Lord Jesus and His welcoming grace to those who seek redemption from Him!

I. NAOMI’S WISE COUNSEL (vv. 1-5).

A. After Ruth had been gleaning in the fields of Boaz for a few months, it’s then that Naomi tells her, "“My daughter, shall I not seek security for you, that it may be well with you?" (v. 1). This seeking of "security" is most likely an expression of her desire to establish a home for Ruth (see 1:11-13). She informs Ruth that Boaz was "our relative" (same word as in 2:1). He was Namoi’s dead husband’s relative, but was hers and Ruth’s relative by marriage. Naomi now purposes to make use of the law of Deuteronomy 25:5-10 for the benefit of her daughter-in-law.

B. Boaz would most likely be sleeping beside the heaps of grain on the threshing floor at the end of the harvest in order to protect it. This would have been the opportunity for Ruth to introduce herself and her need in a gracious way. Naomi told her to wash herself, anoint herself, and put on her garments (probably taking off her garments of mourning), and lie down at the threshing floor where Boaz was—but to do so without it being known that she was there, and to wait until Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was resting from all the celebration of harvest. Then, she was to present herself to Boaz by uncovering his feet and lying down near him; ". . . and he will tell you what you should do". There was nothing improper in this. The threshing floor was a very public place. This was the way Ruth was to present herself to Boaz in an appeal to him as her kinsman-redeemer. It was almost as much as saying "yes" to a wedding proposal before it was even given. Ruth consented to do all that she was told (vv. 2-5). The effect of it all was to make the appeal without forcing his hand.

II. RUTH’S HUMBLE SUBMISSION (vv. 6-9).

A. Ruth went in accordance with Naomi’s instructions (vv. 6-7). Ruth’s actions were designed, not to force Boaz into taking her as wife—which it would have been her right by law to demand publically; but rather to give him an opportunity to take his role willingly—which it’s apparent that he was glad to do. (Namoi was counseling Ruth to carry this out in a meek and gracious manner.) When Boaz awoke (probably because his feet were getting cold!), he was startled to find a woman at his feet (v. 8). The garment that Ruth wore perhaps had concealed her identity at first.

B. He asked who she was; and she said, "I am Ruth, your maidservant. Take your maidservant under your wing, for you are a close relative" (v. 9; see Ezekiel 16:8). This statement would have corresponded to Boaz’s words to her in 2:12; and would have reflected her attitude that God was going to use Boaz to bring her fully under His protection.

III. BAOZ’ FAITHFUL COMMITTMENT (vv. 10-18).

A. Boaz praised her for her "kindness". Not only was she faithful to Naomi; but she didn’t seek a young man—whether poor or wealthy (v. 10). This may have had reference to the fact that she did not go back to Moab, but stayed true to the inheritance of her late husband under the law of the God of Israel. Boaz promised that he would do all that she requested, "for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman" (v. 11). This helps us appreciate that there was nothing forward or inappropriate in her actions.

B. Clearly, Boaz was thrilled. And it’s obvious that he had already done some advanced planning about the matter; because he inform Ruth that there was a closer relative that needed to be given the offer first. He urged Ruth to stay at the threshing floor for the rest of the evening; and then, he would take care of the matter the first thing in the morning (vv. 12-13). If that other man would take the rule of a kinsman-redeemer, then "good; let him do it"; but if not, Boaz would do it "as the LORD lives!"

C. She stayed on the threshing floor at his feet until morning; and before she left, he urged her to let no one know about it. And then, he urged her to hold out her shawl; and he poured out a generous portion of harvested grain. (Some translations have it as "six ephahs", which would have been far too much for her to carry. It’s probably better to translate it as "six measures".) He was undoubtedly thinking of Naomi in this as well as Ruth; and was as much as letting Naomi know that he knew she was working behind the scenes in all this—and that he got the message!

D. The next day, Ruth came back to Naomi. Naomi’s question, "Is that you, my daughter?" may have been meant to ask, "Well? What happened? Who are you? Are you going to be Mrs. Boaz?" Ruth told her all that had happened; and showed her the grain. Naomi—probably picking up the clue from the gracious gift of grain—told her "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" (v. 18).

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This gives us a wonderful picture of John 6:37. All that the Father gives to Jesus will come to Him; and no one who comes to Him will ever be cast out. He secures their redemption. And He doesn’t have to be pressured to do so. He is eager—in love—to do so!