Commentary on Ruth 3

Ruth 3 marks a pivotal turn in the narrative, as Naomi devises a bold plan for Ruth to secure a husband and an heir. Ruth, demonstrating unwavering loyalty and courage, approaches Boaz at the threshing floor, appealing to his role as a kinsman-redeemer. This daring nocturnal encounter, though potentially scandalous, reveals the deep trust between Ruth and Naomi, and Boaz's honorable character. The chapter culminates with Boaz's promise to fulfill his duty, setting the stage for the resolution of their plight.

Historical context

The Book of Ruth is set “in the days when the judges ruled” (Ruth 1:1), a period in Israelite history (roughly 1375–1050 BC) characterized by moral decay, political instability, and a cycle of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance (Judges 2:16-19). Despite this turbulent backdrop, Ruth presents a story of faithfulness, loyalty, and God's providential care in the lives of ordinary people.

The cultural context of Ruth 3 is crucial for understanding the events at the threshing floor. The role of the kinsman-redeemer, or go'el (גֹּאֵל), was a significant legal and social institution in ancient Israel. This individual had the responsibility to protect the family's interests, including buying back land that had been sold (Lev 25:25), avenging a kinsman's death (Num 35:19), and, as in this case, marrying a childless widow to raise an heir for her deceased husband (Deut 25:5-10). This practice, known as levirate marriage, ensured the continuation of the family line and the preservation of its inheritance. Naomi's plan, while audacious, was rooted in these established customs, appealing to Boaz's legal and moral obligations.

Verse by verse

• 1:

  Naomi, recognizing Ruth's need for security and a future, initiates a plan to find her a husband. She expresses her desire to find “security” (a place of rest and provision) for Ruth, highlighting the vulnerability of widows in that society and her maternal care.

• 2:

  Naomi identifies Boaz as their kinsman, emphasizing his role as a provider and a potential redeemer. The threshing floor was a common place for men to work and sleep during harvest, guarding their valuable grain. This setting provides the opportunity for Ruth's bold approach.

• 3:

  Naomi's instructions to Ruth are precise and strategic: wash, anoint herself, dress in her best clothes, and go down to the threshing floor. These actions signify a transformation from mourning to readiness for marriage, and a deliberate, respectful approach to Boaz.

• 4:

  Ruth is instructed to wait until Boaz finishes eating and drinking, then note where he lies down. Her next action—uncovering his feet and lying down there—is a symbolic gesture, a humble and vulnerable appeal for him to cover her with his cloak, signifying protection and marriage.

• 7:

  Boaz, having eaten and drunk, lies down, and Ruth follows Naomi's instructions. The phrase “his heart was merry” suggests contentment and perhaps a slight inebriation, making his reaction to Ruth's presence all the more significant as he maintains his integrity.

• 9:

  When Boaz awakens, startled, Ruth identifies herself and makes her direct request: “Spread your covering over me, for you are a kinsman-redeemer.” The Hebrew word for “covering” (kanap (כָּנָף)) is the same word used for “wing,” echoing Boaz's earlier prayer for Ruth to be under the Lord's wings (Ruth 2:12).

• 10:

  Boaz blesses Ruth, commending her for her “kindness” (hesed (חֶסֶד)), a loyal love that surpasses even her previous devotion to Naomi. Her choice to seek a kinsman-redeemer, rather than a younger man, demonstrates her commitment to her deceased husband's family line and her faithfulness.

• 11:

  Boaz reassures Ruth, promising to do everything she asks because “all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman.” Her reputation for integrity and loyalty is well-established, validating her character and making Boaz's decision honorable.

• 12:

  Boaz reveals a complication: there is a kinsman-redeemer closer than he is. This detail introduces a new tension, demonstrating Boaz's commitment to legal propriety and his honorable character, even when it might delay his own desires.

• 15:

  Boaz gives Ruth six measures of barley, a generous provision, and sends her back to Naomi. This gift serves as a tangible promise of his intentions and a sign of his care, ensuring Ruth does not return empty-handed, just as Naomi had hoped.

• 18:

  Naomi's confident words, “Just be patient, my daughter, until we hear what happens. For Boaz won't rest until he settles things today,” affirm her trust in Boaz's character and God's providence. She knows he is a man of his word and will act decisively.

Key themes

• Kinsman-Redeemer
• Loyal Love (Hesed)
• God's Providence
• Courage and Vulnerability
• Integrity and Honor

Application

Ruth 3 invites us to consider the interplay of human initiative and divine providence. Naomi's bold plan and Ruth's courageous obedience are not acts of manipulation but expressions of faith within the cultural framework. We see how God works through the ordinary, sometimes risky, decisions of His people to bring about His purposes. This reminds us that our active participation in life, guided by wisdom and integrity, is often the means through which God's will unfolds.

The chapter also beautifully illustrates the concept of the kinsman-redeemer, a powerful foreshadowing of Christ. Just as Boaz, a wealthy and honorable kinsman, steps in to redeem Ruth and her family from their desolate situation, so too does Jesus Christ, our ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer, step into our brokenness to rescue us from sin and death. He covers us with His righteousness, providing security and an eternal inheritance. Our response, like Ruth's, is to come to Him in humble trust, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His promises.

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