Book of Ruth
Chapter 3: Ruth and Boaz Together
As you can see from the title of this chapter, Ruth and Boaz get together. Things are certainly looking up from the time that Naomi decided people should call her “Bitter.” That’s the kind of God we have… one who can change our lives, transform our hearts, and free us. It may take a long time, it may be done quickly as it was here.
Naomi has been transformed, and lives in hope that Boaz will redeem Ruth. As was the custom, Boaz was sleeping near the threshing floor, to protect his crops from being stolen. Ruth, as instructed by Naomi, went to the floor, lay at Boaz’s feet and invited him to spread his blanket over her.
Now, to us this scene might seem odd or a picture of a woman being WAY too forward. It’s not. In the Middle East, even today, spreading a corner of your garment or blanket on someone is an offer of marriage. There is no nudge nudge wink wink here. This is the proper thing for her to do, especially since she is her guardian-redeemer.
Boaz notes that Ruth is a person of “noble character.” Boaz could have described himself as such, since he refuses to marry her without contacting a closer relative that Ruth didn’t know about. Boaz could have taken the easy way out, and just married Ruth. However, he wants to honor the law.
Now, remember… Ruth is from Moab. She isn’t part of the people of Israel. This is a reminder that being part of the kingdom of God is our decision to follow the will of God. It doesn’t come through birth. As one person suggests, “Ruth’s place in the ancestry of David signifies that ALL nations will be represented in the kingdom of David’s greater Son” Jesus.
Key Verse:
“I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family.” ~ Ruth 3:9b
Questions:
- Have you been redeemed by Jesus? Have you accepted what he has for you?
- If yes, how has Jesus transformed your life so far? If not, what stops you from being redeemed?
- Have you ever felt like an outsider in the Christian community for one reason or another? Think of Ruth!
