Read Ruth 3:1-9
Here is Ruth 3:1-9 from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible:
1. “Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?
2. And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.
3. Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.
4. And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.
5. And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do.
6. And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade 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 corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down.
8. And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet.
9. And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.”
raiment meaning “best clothes”bade meaning “told”spread therefore thy skirt over meaning “marry”
A kinsman redeemer was a close relative who volunteered to take responsibility for his extended family.My bible foot note states, “When a woman’s husband died, the law provided that she could marry the brother of her dead husband. But Naomi had no more sons. In such a case, the nearest relative to the deceased husband could become a kinsman redeemer and marry the widow. However, the nearest relative did not have to do this.”
Naomi was extremely concerned for Ruth and Ruth’s future. She (Naomi) advises Ruth to wash and anoint herself (symbolizing preparation for marriage or a formal occasion), put on her best clothing and go to the threshing floor (my bible states this was the place where grain was separated from the harvested wheat stalks— more below!) discreetly, and to wait until Boaz has finished eating and drinking, then approach him while he is resting uncover his feet and lie down and he will then tell her what to to.
the threshing floor— the floor was made from rock or hard soil and was located outside of the village, usually on a elevated spot.(Uncovering the feet and lying down— my bible foot note states, “By uncovering Boaz’s feet and lying down under his covering, Ruth was informing Boaz that he could be her kinsman redeemer— that he could find someone to marry her or marry her himself).
Boaz was shocked that Ruth would choose him and not someone more wealthy or younger. From this they developed an unselfish love and a deep respect for each other.
Ruth was very obedient to Naomi because she knew she could trust her. She also knew how godly Boaz was and she had witnessed his kindness. When Boaz wakes up and asks who she is, Ruth identifies herself as “thine handmaid” and asks him to “spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid,” a request for him to take her under his protection and fulfill his role as a kinsman-redeemer (marriage).The study book states, “Though the plan was rocky, it appears that Ruth and Naomi had confidence in the virtue and character of Boaz. But much more than that, they had full confidence in the providence and sovereignty of God.”
How have you found rest in God?I have been able to let go of my anxiety and let God take over.. I have depended on His strength to carry me through. We need to trust Him.
How should our relationship with God be thought of as both humble and bold?We have to be bold by trusting in Gods promises.
If you have boldness without being humble then that can often leave to an entitlement and pride.
We have to be humble and desire the close relationship with God that he desires to have with us.
Ruth’s life pointed to Jesus. How can your life point to Him as well?Sharing His word, sharing testimonies, prayer, and witnessing.
Dear Lord,Let my life reflect Your love and grace. Use me to point others in all that I do. Help me to love like Jesus.
-Amen