A Walk through Ruth (Chapter 3)

Ruth Chapter 3

Summary:

In Ruth 3, Naomi, Ruth’s mother-in-law, devises a plan to secure a future for Ruth, a Moabite widow. She instructs Ruth to go to the threshing floor where Boaz, a wealthy kinsman, is working. Ruth is to uncover his feet and lie down, signaling a request for marriage under the custom of kinsman-redeemer (a relative who could redeem a family member from hardship). 

Ruth follows Naomi’s instructions, approaching Boaz discreetly at night. Boaz awakens, recognizes Ruth’s request, and praises her loyalty and virtue, noting her choice to seek his protection rather than pursuing younger men. 

He acknowledges his role as a redeemer but mentions a closer relative who must first be approached. 

Boaz ensures Ruth’s safety, sends her home with grain, and promises to resolve the matter. 

The chapter highlights themes of loyalty, providence, and the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan.

Points to Jesus:

Ruth 3 foreshadows Jesus as the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer. Boaz’s role as a redeemer who willingly steps in to protect and provide for Ruth mirrors Christ’s redemptive work. Just as Boaz acts with kindness and honor to redeem Ruth from her vulnerable state, Jesus, through His life, death, and resurrection, redeems humanity from sin and spiritual poverty. 

Ruth’s humility and trust in seeking Boaz’s protection reflect the faith required to approach Christ for salvation. 

The chapter’s emphasis on Boaz’s willingness to redeem, despite another closer relative, points to Jesus as the one who fulfills the law and surpasses all others to secure redemption for all who seek Him (Hebrews 9:12). 

The narrative subtly weaves God’s providence, guiding Ruth—a foreigner—into the lineage of Christ (Matthew 1:5), showing how God’s redemptive plan includes all nations.

Devotion: 

Ruth 3:10-11 – “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. And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask…’”

In Ruth 3, we see God’s sovereign hand orchestrating redemption through human actions. Ruth’s bold yet humble approach to Boaz reflects a heart trusting in God’s provision, while Boaz’s response reveals a willingness to redeem rooted in covenant faithfulness. 

This chapter underscores God’s providence and grace. Just as God guided Ruth, a foreigner, into His redemptive plan, He sovereignly works in our lives to bring us to our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. 

We, like Ruth, are called to trust in God’s promises, resting in the certainty that He is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28). 

Boaz’s commitment to Ruth points to Christ’s unwavering commitment to His people, secured not by our merit but by His grace alone.

Prayer: 

Lord, we thank You for Your providential care, seen in Ruth’s story and fulfilled in Christ, our Redeemer. By Your grace, You have brought us into Your family, covering us with Your righteousness. 

Help us to trust Your perfect plan, resting in the assurance of Your unchanging love. May we live boldly in faith, reflecting Your grace to others. In Jesus’ name, 

Amen.