Bible Passage: Ruth 3:1–18

Big Idea: Every faithful choice we make, even in unexpected circumstances, can lead to greater purposes and redemptive outcomes, reflecting God’s sovereignty over our lives.

Opening Thoughts

It has been said that our present lives are a result of past decisions. If any of us truly take an honest look at our past, we will see the decisions that we made and how they impact our lives today. Either for the good or for the bad. And the decisions we make today will impact our futures and leave a legacy for future generations.

Naomi and Ruth’s journey exemplifies resilience and mutual support. Upon their return to Bethlehem as widows, Ruth assumed responsibility for Naomi’s well-being, actively seeking means of subsistence by gathering leftover grain in local fields. She ultimately worked in the field of Boaz, a near relative of Naomi. Boaz’s involvement marked a pivotal change for Naomi, redirecting her concerns from personal loss to supporting Ruth’s future. Ruth’s decisions—to accompany Naomi to Bethlehem and to glean in Boaz’s field—left a lasting legacy, as both Ruth and Boaz are included in the genealogy of Jesus (Matt 1:5).

Naomi’s Nurturing Wisdom

Ruth 3:1–5

¹ Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you? ² Is not Boaz our relative, with whose young women you were? See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. ³ Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. ⁴ But when he lies down, observe the place where he lies. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do.” ⁵ And she replied, “All that you say I will do.”

When we prioritize the needs of others, it often leads to genuine happiness and satisfaction within ourselves. Naomi has undergone a noticeable transformation since Boaz became part of Ruth’s life; she is less absorbed in her own grief and instead turns her attention toward supporting Ruth and considering her prospects.

According to Jewish law, a widow was expected to marry her late husband’s brother or a close relative. Since Naomi had no other sons, Ruth needed to find a near relative to marry. Under Mosaic Law, Ruth not only could, but also had the right to ask Boaz, as her kinsman-redeemer, to marry her—though it was her responsibility to make this request. As an outsider in Israel, Ruth might not have been aware of her rights as a widow, but Naomi understood them well. Naomi realized that Boaz was a close relative and noticed his interest in Ruth.

Naomi developed a discreet approach to convey Ruth’s potential interest in marriage to Boaz, aiming to preserve the dignity of all individuals involved in the event that Boaz chose not to pursue the proposal.

Naomi instructed Ruth on how to prepare for her meeting with Boaz. Ruth was advised to bathe, following traditional Jewish customs for special occasions. Additionally, she was to anoint herself with fragrant oils to ensure a pleasant presence before Boaz. Finally, Ruth was directed to wear her finest clothing.

Naomi provided Ruth with clear instructions regarding her actions upon arriving at the threshing floor. Ruth was advised not to reveal herself to Boaz until he had finished eating and had retired for the evening. Her task was to discreetly approach Boaz after he had lain down, communicate her needs to him, and allow him to assume responsibility by guiding her on the appropriate course of action.

Naomi devises a clever and resourceful plan to ensure a secure future for her daughter Ruth. This story shows how God’s actions can work together with human choices—God works through Naomi’s decisions. Instead of waiting passively for God’s will saying “I’m just waiting for God’s will to be done”, we should take advantage of opportunities that come our way. When God opens a door, it’s up to us to step through it.

Ruth’s Bold Pursuit

Ruth 3:6–13

⁶ So she went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in-law had commanded her. ⁷ And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. Then she came softly and uncovered his feet and lay down. ⁸ At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and behold, a woman lay at his feet! ⁹ He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” ¹⁰ And he said, “May you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich. ¹¹ And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman. ¹² And now it is true that I am a redeemer. Yet there is a redeemer nearer than I. ¹³ Remain tonight, and in the morning, if he will redeem you, good; let him do it. But if he is not willing to redeem you, then, as the Lord lives, I will redeem you. Lie down until the morning.”

During harvest time, workers used the night breezes to help winnow the grain. They tossed the grain into the air, allowing the wind to carry away the chaff—the unwanted parts—while the barley kernels dropped back down to be collected. After finishing their work each night, they would celebrate by eating and drinking together. To safeguard the harvested grain, they slept right on the threshing floor.

After Boaz completed his meal and was resting, Ruth discreetly approached, uncovered his feet, and lay near him. These actions were not inappropriate or improper; rather, Ruth was respectfully indicating her wish for Boaz to serve as her protector.

Ruth discreetly entered the threshing floor and lay down at Boaz’s feet (Ruth 3:7), intending not to disturb him but to remain nearby until he awakened. During the night, Boaz awoke and was surprised to find a woman at his feet. When he inquired about her identity, Ruth replied, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” (Ruth3:10) In Jewish tradition, to spread one’s mantle over another person signified a claim of protection or marriage (see Ezek. 16:8; 1 Kings 19:19). By making this request, Ruth was taking a courageous step in asking Boaz to fulfill the role of redeemer through marriage.

Boaz expressed appreciation that Ruth selected him over younger men of her own age. He recognized that Ruth was assuming some risk by approaching him to request his role as family redeemer. Boaz offered her reassurance, advising her not to be apprehensive, and confirmed his intention to fulfil his duty as her redeemer. Additionally, he referred to Ruth as his daughter—a term signifying respect and inclusion—indicating that he already regarded her as part of his family. The term daughter reflected warmth, connection, and acceptance.

Boaz, known for his integrity, promptly recognized a potential obstacle to their plan. While he was a relative of Naomi’s late husband (and therefore also Ruth’s late husband), Boaz was aware that another kinsman was more closely related. The word closer referred to relationship, not location. Boaz assured Ruth he would immediately speak with this nearer relative to find out his intentions. If the man wished to be the redeemer, that would settle the matter; but if he declined, Boaz himself would take on the role of redeemer.

There are circumstances in which believers are called to exercise patience as they await divine intervention to overcome challenges, and other instances when they are encouraged to, with the Holy Spirit guidance, actively address such challenges. Both approaches are rooted in the conviction that God orchestrates all things for the benefit of those who love Him and remains attentive to the specific details of their lives. In Ruth’s case she was willing to take a risk to her safety and reputation to seek the redemption that Boaz could provide.

Boaz’s Benevolent Response

Ruth 3:14–18

¹⁴ So she lay at his feet until the morning, but arose before one could recognize another. And he said, “Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.” ¹⁵ And he said, “Bring the garment you are wearing and hold it out.” So she held it, and he measured out six measures of barley and put it on her. Then she went into the city. ¹⁶ And when she came to her mother-in-law, she said, “How did you fare, my daughter?” Then she told her all that the man had done for her, ¹⁷ saying, “These six measures of barley he gave to me, for he said to me, ‘You must not go back empty-handed to your mother-in-law.’ ” ¹⁸ She replied, “Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today.”

Boaz assured Ruth that he would approach the other kinsman-redeemer to fulfil his commitment. His intention was to redeem and marry Ruth. Following their discreet meeting, Ruth departed before sunrise so that her presence at the threshing floor would go unnoticed. Before she left, Boaz reiterated his promise and provided her with a generous portion of barley for Naomi. Upon returning home, Ruth was advised to wait patiently for the outcome of Boaz’s discussion with the other kinsman.

Sometimes, as believers we are called to wait patiently for obstacles to be resolved; at other times, we must actively confront those obstacles. In both situations, we trust that God cares about every aspect of our lives and works everything out for the good of those who love Him.

Boaz took on the responsibility of pursuing the role of Ruth’s family redeemer. His careful attention to Ruth’s well-being sets a powerful example for how to support our loved ones. Boaz’s actions encourage us to show moral dedication by taking on responsibilities that help provide for both the physical and spiritual needs of our families.

‍Applications

You might be feeling stuck in your current circumstances and unsure of how to move forward in your life or relationships. Just as Ruth took a bold step of faith by approaching Boaz, you too can take a step toward clarity in a challenging situation. This week, identify one area in your life where you feel stuck—be it your career, relationships, or spiritual growth—and commit to pray about it for the next seven days. Then, seek wise counsel from a trusted friend or mentor who can help provide insight and guidance.

Discussion Questions

1. Name three things Naomi instructed Ruth to do before she presented herself to Boaz.

2. Judging from this passage, what does God want you to do when you cannot see the solution to a problem in your life?

3. When have you ever found yourself in an “impossible” situation like Ruth?

4. How can Ruth’s willingness to take a risk by approaching Boaz inspire us to act with faith in our own lives?

5. In what ways does this passage illustrate the provision and faithfulness of God in the lives of His followers?

{Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture verses are taken from the English Standard Version}

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