Rut 3:2 | KingComments | STEP | Naomi points out to Ruth that Boaz is “our kinsman”. With this Naomi is saying that she and Ruth have a common family member. This is reminiscent of the Lord Jesus, Who therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same ( ; ), yet without sin ( ). By mentioning the blood relationship, Naomi also seems to think of the duty of a husband’s brother ( ). The appeal to the duty of a husband’s brother cannot be made in a direct sense, because Boaz is not a brother of Mahlon, the deceased husband of Ruth. Nevertheless, the idea of the duty of a husband’s brother may have played a role. If there is a way for a marriage between Boaz and Ruth, it should be by that way, with grace bridging the distant relationship. Naomi would also know about the prohibition to marry a Moabitess ( ). However, she knew herself to be an object of the grace of God Who brought her and Ruth back into His land. She understands that where in this case two laws seem to conflict, God is greater and goes the way of grace. That is the way from which the blessing can be obtained and that is the way she proposes to Ruth. The awareness of the blood relationship between them and Boaz is the starting point of her plan that she will introduce to Ruth. Boaz has already shown his affection so much that she feels invited to act. Faith and acting in faith belong together. Faith does not make you passive, but leads you to action. Faith in God’s kindness is a great stimulus to activity. An action done in faith is not a leap in the dark with an uncertain outcome. An action done in faith happens in the confidence that God will reward faith. She was with the “maids” of Boaz. That time is over. She does not return to them. Now she is ready for a meeting and relationship with Boaz personally. The most suitable opportunity for this is when the harvest is gathered. Then the harvest is taken to the threshing floor to be winnowed by the owner. They also eat and drink to celebrate the rich harvest. There is joy with the owner, with Boaz. The Lord Jesus will also winnow His harvest ( ). He will winnow His people in the future to distinguish between chaff and wheat. The chaff is the wicked, apostate mass of the people who are in revolt against Him. The wheat is the God-fearing part that, in the great tribulation, undergoes heavy trials to purify their faith. We can also apply this to ourselves. The Lord Jesus says to Peter that satan has demanded to sift (that is another word for winnow) the disciples like wheat. It will be clear that satan is only interested in the chaff ( ). A “threshing floor” appears several times in Scripture and is a significant picture. On a threshing floor, the wheat is beaten out of the ear and the wheat is separated from the chaff. A threshing floor therefore speaks of judgment, distinguishing between those who belong to the Lord and those who do not. In our personal life we also are winnowed. The Lord does this or allows it to happen, for example, through something that happens in our life and in which we recognize His hand. He is working with us to remove from our life all features that are not His. All such features prevent His life from becoming visible in our life.

‏ Ruth 3:2

Naomi Knows Who Boaz Is and Where He Is

Naomi points out to Ruth that Boaz is “our kinsman”. With this Naomi is saying that she and Ruth have a common family member. This is reminiscent of the Lord Jesus, Who therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same (Heb 2:14a; Rom 8:3), yet without sin (Heb 4:15). By mentioning the blood relationship, Naomi also seems to think of the duty of a husband’s brother (Deu 25:5-10). The appeal to the duty of a husband’s brother cannot be made in a direct sense, because Boaz is not a brother of Mahlon, the deceased husband of Ruth. Nevertheless, the idea of the duty of a husband’s brother may have played a role.

If there is a way for a marriage between Boaz and Ruth, it should be by that way, with grace bridging the distant relationship. Naomi would also know about the prohibition to marry a Moabitess (Deu 23:3). However, she knew herself to be an object of the grace of God Who brought her and Ruth back into His land. She understands that where in this case two laws seem to conflict, God is greater and goes the way of grace. That is the way from which the blessing can be obtained and that is the way she proposes to Ruth.

The awareness of the blood relationship between them and Boaz is the starting point of her plan that she will introduce to Ruth. Boaz has already shown his affection so much that she feels invited to act. Faith and acting in faith belong together. Faith does not make you passive, but leads you to action. Faith in God’s kindness is a great stimulus to activity. An action done in faith is not a leap in the dark with an uncertain outcome. An action done in faith happens in the confidence that God will reward faith.

She was with the “maids” of Boaz. That time is over. She does not return to them. Now she is ready for a meeting and relationship with Boaz personally. The most suitable opportunity for this is when the harvest is gathered. Then the harvest is taken to the threshing floor to be winnowed by the owner. They also eat and drink to celebrate the rich harvest. There is joy with the owner, with Boaz.

The Lord Jesus will also winnow His harvest (Mt 3:12). He will winnow His people in the future to distinguish between chaff and wheat. The chaff is the wicked, apostate mass of the people who are in revolt against Him. The wheat is the God-fearing part that, in the great tribulation, undergoes heavy trials to purify their faith.

We can also apply this to ourselves. The Lord Jesus says to Peter that satan has demanded to sift (that is another word for winnow) the disciples like wheat. It will be clear that satan is only interested in the chaff (Lk 22:31).

A “threshing floor” appears several times in Scripture and is a significant picture. On a threshing floor, the wheat is beaten out of the ear and the wheat is separated from the chaff. A threshing floor therefore speaks of judgment, distinguishing between those who belong to the Lord and those who do not. In our personal life we also are winnowed. The Lord does this or allows it to happen, for example, through something that happens in our life and in which we recognize His hand. He is working with us to remove from our life all features that are not His. All such features prevent His life from becoming visible in our life.