Ruth 3
Ruth's Visit to Boaz.This section shows Naomi’s deep care for Ruth. Naomi wanted Ruth to have a good future and a stable home. She did not want Ruth to remain a widow just because she herself was old. Naomi’s wisdom and kindness are shown as she tries to help Ruth find “rest”—a settled and happy life through marriage. Naomi’s actions remind us that parents and guardians should want what is best for their children, especially for their well-being and security (Ruth 1:9 a). Good parents want their children to be blessed, and they should do what they can to help them, as long as it is right before God.v. 1: Naomi spoke to Ruth and said, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you? . Naomi was thinking about Ruth’s future. She wanted Ruth to have a husband and a happy life, not to stay in a poor and lonely situation. It is the duty of parents to help their children find what is best for them in life, especially things that bring peace and happiness. v. 2: Naomi reminded Ruth that Boaz was a close relative, a “kinsman-redeemer” who had a duty to help their family. Naomi saw that harvest time was over and that Ruth and Boaz had already become acquainted. She pointed out that Boaz would be at the threshing floor that night, finishing the harvest and celebrating with his workers. This was a good opportunity to speak to him privately about marriage and family rights (Deuteronomy 25:7–9 b). v. 3–4: Naomi told Ruth to clean herself, put on her best clothes, and go to the threshing floor. She was to wait until Boaz finished eating and drinking and then, when he lay down to rest, quietly approach and uncover his feet, lying down there. Naomi did not want anyone else to know Ruth’s purpose until the right time. While this plan seems strange or even risky to us, Naomi trusted Boaz and Ruth’s good character. Naomi believed that both would act honorably and that Boaz would explain what to do next (Titus 2:5 c). – v. 5: Ruth listened to Naomi’s advice and promised, All that you say to me I will do . Ruth trusted Naomi’s wisdom and obeyed, showing her respect, modesty, and willingness to follow good counsel. Like Ruth, young people should listen to wise advice from those who care about them, as long as it honors God and is right. Ruth's Reception by Boaz.This passage shows how both Boaz and Ruth handled a delicate and important situation with wisdom and respect. Boaz managed his work and workers well, and Ruth followed Naomi’s instructions bravely and carefully. Their actions show trust in God and respect for each other, even in a situation that could have looked questionable from the outside.v. 6–7: Boaz stayed with his workers during the winnowing of the barley, watching over the work to make sure nothing was wasted. After the harvest celebrations, he ate and drank with his workers and then went to sleep at the end of the heap of grain. This showed he was a good master who cared for both his business and his workers. Boaz’s heart was thankful, and he probably prayed to the Lord for the blessings on the harvest (Ruth 3:7 d). – v. 8–9: Ruth followed Naomi’s advice exactly. She waited quietly until Boaz was asleep, then came and lay down at his feet. When Boaz woke up and noticed someone at his feet, he asked who it was. Ruth replied, telling him her name and asking him to “spread your skirt over your servant,” which meant to take her under his protection as the family redeemer. Ruth was brave and respectful, following the custom and trusting Boaz to do what was right (Matthew 23:37 e). – v. 10: Boaz responded with great kindness and respect. He praised Ruth for her loyalty and kindness, saying she had shown more love at this moment by caring for the family than even when she first left her own country to help Naomi. Boaz saw that Ruth was not chasing after younger men but was honoring the law and her family. He called her a woman of great virtue . v. 11: Boaz promised Ruth that he would do everything she asked because everyone in Bethlehem knew she was a virtuous woman. He reassured her that he would not shame or ignore her. Good character and faithfulness are more important than wealth or status, and Boaz recognized Ruth’s reputation (Philippians 4:8 f). v. 12–13: Boaz explained that, although he wanted to help, there was another relative even closer than he was. Boaz promised to talk to this man first. If the other man would not redeem Ruth, then Boaz swore by the Lord that he himself would do it. He told Ruth to wait until morning for an answer. Boaz showed wisdom, honesty, and respect for the law in how he handled this delicate situation (Proverbs 31:8 g). – Ruth Sent Back in Peace to Naomi.This passage describes how Boaz sent Ruth home early in the morning, and how Naomi received her. It highlights the importance of protecting one’s reputation, doing things wisely, and trusting God's timing and care. It also shows Boaz’s generosity and Naomi’s faith that God and Boaz would finish what had begun.v. 14: Ruth stayed at Boaz’s feet until morning because it would not have been safe for her to leave in the middle of the night. As soon as it was light enough to go home, she left quietly so that no one would recognize her. Boaz told her, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor . This was to protect both their reputations. Even when we have done nothing wrong, we should avoid situations that might cause people to think badly or spread rumors. Boaz also wanted to make sure nothing would interfere with the freedom of the other kinsman’s choice. v. 15: Before Ruth left, Boaz gave her a generous gift of grain, measuring out six portions and placing it in her veil. This was not only to provide for Ruth and Naomi, but also to show Naomi that Boaz did not send Ruth away empty or in anger. Tradition says that God gave Ruth strength to carry it and that from her would come great descendants, including King David and the Messiah . v. 16–17: When Ruth returned home, Naomi asked, Who are you, my daughter?—meaning, are you now promised to Boaz or not? Ruth shared everything that had happened and showed Naomi the grain Boaz had given her (Ruth 3:16–17 h). Ruth’s report and the gift were signs of Boaz’s kindness and good intentions. – v. 18: Naomi encouraged Ruth to be patient and wait to see what would happen. She said, Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out (Ruth 3:18 i). Naomi trusted that Boaz would be faithful and take care of everything quickly. She told Ruth to let God and Boaz work things out. This teaches us to trust God’s providence and to wait calmly for the outcome, knowing that God cares for us (Psalm 37:4–5; Psalm 138:8 j; Isaiah 30:7 k).
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