Ruth 3
BSB1 One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, “My daughter, should I not seek a resting place for you, that it may be well with you? 2 Now is not Boaz, with whose servant girls you have been working, a relative of ours? In fact, tonight he is winnowing barley on the threshing floor. 3 Therefore wash yourself, put on perfume, and wear your best clothes. Go down to the threshing floor, but do not let the man know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. 4 When he lies down, note the place where he lies. Then go in and uncover his feet, and lie down, and he will explain to you what you should do." 5 “I will do everything you say,” Ruth answered. 6 So she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law had instructed her to do. 7 After Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. Then Ruth went in secretly, uncovered his feet, and lay down. 8 At midnight, Boaz was startled, turned over, and there lying at his feet was a woman! 9 “Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, for you are a kinsman-redeemer. “ 10 Then Boaz said, “May the LORD bless you, my daughter. You have shown more kindness now than before, because you have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. 11 And now do not be afraid, my daughter. I will do for you whatever you request, since all my fellow townspeople know that you are a woman of noble character. 12 Yes, it is true that I am a kinsman-redeemer, but there is a redeemer nearer than I. 13 Stay here tonight, and in the morning, if he wants to redeem you, good. Let him redeem you. But if he does not want to redeem you, as surely as the LORD lives, I will. Now lie here until morning." 14 So she lay down at his feet until morning, but she got up before anyone else could recognize her. Then Boaz said, “Do not let it be known that a woman came to the threshing floor." 15 And he told her, “Bring the shawl you are wearing and hold it out.” When she did so, he shoveled six measures of barley into her shawl. Then he went into the city. 16 When Ruth returned to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked her, “How did it go, my daughter?” Then Ruth told her all that Boaz had done for her. 17 And she said, “He gave me these six measures of barley, for he said, ‘Do not go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’" 18 “Wait, my daughter,” said Naomi, “until you find out how things go, for he will not rest unless he has resolved the matter today."
Study Notes — Ruth 3
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Ruth 3
- Themes from Ruth 3
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Ruth 3
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Ruth chapter 3 tells the story of Ruth's encounter with Boaz at the threshing floor, where she seeks to find a redeemer for herself and her mother-in-law Naomi. Boaz is a close relative of Naomi's late husband and is therefore a potential redeemer. Ruth, following the advice of Naomi, goes to the threshing floor where Boaz is working and lies at his feet, symbolizing her request for him to act as her redeemer. Boaz is pleased with Ruth's initiative and agrees to act as her redeemer, but informs her that there is another relative who is closer and has the first right to redeem. Boaz promises to settle the matter the next day and sends Ruth back to Naomi with a gift of barley. The chapter ends with Ruth returning to Naomi and telling her about her encounter with Boaz, and Naomi advising her to wait patiently for Boaz to act.
Context for the Chapter
Ruth chapter 3 is part of the larger story of the book of Ruth, which tells the story of a Moabite woman who becomes part of the family of King David and ultimately the ancestry of Jesus Christ. The chapter is set in the context of the Old Testament, where the concept of redemption and the role of the redeemer are central themes. The chapter also points to the larger biblical narrative, where Christ is the ultimate redeemer who secures our salvation through his faithfulness and love.
Heart Application
This chapter encourages us to be proactive and faithful in our pursuit of God's will, just like Ruth. It also reminds us of the importance of faithfulness and loyalty in our relationships, as seen in the character of Boaz. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, and to seek to act with integrity and loyalty in all our interactions.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Ruth chapter 3 tells the story of Ruth's encounter with Boaz at the threshing floor, where she seeks to find a redeemer for herself and her mother-in-law Naomi. Boaz agrees to act as her redeemer, but informs her that there is another relative who is closer and has the first right to redeem. The chapter highlights the theme of redemption and faithfulness, and points to Christ as the ultimate redeemer. (Ruth 3:9, 11)
Voices from the Church
“The story of Ruth is a beautiful picture of the gospel, where Christ acts as our redeemer and secures our salvation through his faithfulness and love.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The concept of redemption is central to the Bible, and is seen in the character of Boaz, who acts as a redeemer for Ruth and Naomi.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Ruth's Initiative (Ruth 3:1-5) — Ruth takes initiative to secure her future and that of her family, demonstrating her proactive and faithful character.
- Boaz's Response (Ruth 3:6-13) — Boaz acts with integrity and loyalty towards Ruth and Naomi, demonstrating his faithfulness and commitment to doing what is right.
- The Theme of Redemption (Ruth 3:1-13) — The chapter highlights the theme of redemption, as Ruth seeks to find a redeemer for herself and her mother-in-law Naomi.
- Ruth's Return to Naomi (Ruth 3:14-18) — Ruth returns to Naomi and tells her about her encounter with Boaz, and Naomi advises her to wait patiently for Boaz to act.
- Conclusion (Ruth 3:18) — The chapter ends with Ruth waiting patiently for Boaz to act, demonstrating her trust in God's sovereignty and provision.
Core Doctrines
- Redemption
- This chapter teaches the doctrine of redemption, where Christ acts as our redeemer and secures our salvation through his faithfulness and love.
- Faithfulness
- The chapter highlights the importance of faithfulness and loyalty in our relationships, as seen in the character of Boaz.
- Providence
- The chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in the way that Boaz acts as a redeemer for Ruth and Naomi.
- Salvation
- The chapter points to Christ as the ultimate redeemer, who secures our salvation through his faithfulness and love.
Lessons from Ruth 3
- The Importance of Faithfulness — This chapter teaches us about the importance of faithfulness and loyalty in our relationships, as seen in the character of Boaz.
- The Theme of Redemption — The chapter highlights the theme of redemption, as Ruth seeks to find a redeemer for herself and her mother-in-law Naomi.
- Ruth's Initiative — Ruth's initiative in this chapter teaches us about being proactive and faithful in our pursuit of God's will.
- Boaz's Response — Boaz's response to Ruth's request demonstrates his faithfulness and commitment to doing what is right.
- Trusting in God's Sovereignty — This chapter teaches us about trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in the way that Boaz acts as a redeemer for Ruth and Naomi.
Themes from Ruth 3
- Redemption — The chapter highlights the theme of redemption, as Ruth seeks to find a redeemer for herself and her mother-in-law Naomi.
- Faithfulness — The chapter teaches us about the importance of faithfulness and loyalty in our relationships, as seen in the character of Boaz.
- Providence — The chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in the way that Boaz acts as a redeemer for Ruth and Naomi.
- Salvation — The chapter points to Christ as the ultimate redeemer, who secures our salvation through his faithfulness and love.
- Trust — This chapter teaches us about trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in the way that Boaz acts as a redeemer for Ruth and Naomi.
Questions for Meditation
- What does this chapter teach us about the importance of faithfulness and loyalty in our relationships?
- How does this chapter point to Christ as the ultimate redeemer?
- What does Ruth's initiative in this chapter teach us about being proactive and faithful in our pursuit of God's will?
- How does Boaz's response to Ruth's request demonstrate his faithfulness and commitment to doing what is right?
- What does this chapter teach us about trusting in God's sovereignty and provision?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction (Ruth 3:1-5)
| Ruth 3:1 | Naomi instructs Ruth to go to the threshing floor and lie at Boaz's feet, symbolizing her request for him to act as her redeemer. |
| Ruth 3:2 | Ruth goes to the threshing floor and lies at Boaz's feet, demonstrating her proactive and faithful character. |
2. Boaz's Response (Ruth 3:6-13)
| Ruth 3:6 | Boaz notices Ruth at his feet and asks her who she is. |
| Ruth 3:7 | Ruth identifies herself and asks Boaz to spread his garment over her, symbolizing her request for him to act as her redeemer. |
3. The Theme of Redemption (Ruth 3:1-13)
| Ruth 3:9 | Boaz agrees to act as Ruth's redeemer, but informs her that there is another relative who is closer and has the first right to redeem. |
| Ruth 3:10 | Boaz promises to settle the matter the next day and sends Ruth back to Naomi with a gift of barley. |
4. Ruth's Return to Naomi (Ruth 3:14-18)
| Ruth 3:14 | Ruth returns to Naomi and tells her about her encounter with Boaz. |
| Ruth 3:15 | Naomi advises Ruth to wait patiently for Boaz to act, demonstrating her trust in God's sovereignty and provision. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the threshing floor in this chapter?
The threshing floor is a place where grain is separated from chaff, and it symbolizes the separation of the righteous from the wicked. In this chapter, Ruth goes to the threshing floor to seek a redeemer, demonstrating her desire to be separated from her past and to be united with the people of God. (Ruth 3:2-3)
Why does Boaz agree to act as Ruth's redeemer?
Boaz agrees to act as Ruth's redeemer because of his faithfulness and loyalty to his relatives and to God. He recognizes Ruth's noble character and is willing to act as her redeemer in order to secure her future and that of her family. (Ruth 3:11)
What does this chapter teach us about trusting in God's sovereignty?
This chapter teaches us about trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in the way that Boaz acts as a redeemer for Ruth and Naomi. It demonstrates that God is in control of all things and that he provides for his people in unexpected ways. (Ruth 3:18)
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ruth 3:9 → Genesis 3:15 | The concept of a redeemer is central to the Bible, and is seen in the character of Boaz, who acts as a redeemer for Ruth and Naomi. |
| 2 | Ruth 3:11 → Isaiah 54:5 | Boaz's recognition of Ruth's noble character is a picture of God's love and care for his people, as seen in Isaiah 54:5. |
| 3 | Ruth 3:1 → Deuteronomy 25:5-10 | The concept of a redeemer is rooted in the Old Testament, where it is seen in the laws regarding levirate marriage and the redemption of property. |
| 4 | Ruth 3:9 → John 3:16 | The concept of redemption is central to the Bible, and is seen in the character of Christ, who acts as our redeemer and secures our salvation through his faithfulness and love. |
| 5 | Ruth 3:11 → Hebrews 2:17 | Boaz's role as a redeemer is a picture of Christ's role as our high priest and redeemer, who secures our salvation through his faithfulness and love. |
| 6 | Ruth 3:1 → Matthew 1:5 | The story of Ruth is a part of the larger biblical narrative, and is seen in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, who is a descendant of Ruth and Boaz. |
| 7 | Ruth 3:9 → Galatians 3:13 | The concept of redemption is central to the Bible, and is seen in the character of Christ, who acts as our redeemer and secures our salvation through his faithfulness and love. |
| 8 | Ruth 3:11 → Ephesians 1:7 | Boaz's recognition of Ruth's noble character is a picture of God's love and care for his people, as seen in Ephesians 1:7. |
| 9 | Ruth 3:1 → Psalm 103:4 | The concept of redemption is rooted in the Old Testament, where it is seen in the laws regarding levirate marriage and the redemption of property. |
| 10 | Ruth 3:9 → 1 Peter 1:18-19 | The concept of redemption is central to the Bible, and is seen in the character of Christ, who acts as our redeemer and secures our salvation through his faithfulness and love. |
Sermons on Ruth 3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Jesus Today by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of perseverance and the sacrifice of Jesus. He highlights the role of Jesus as our High Priest who sympathizes with our weakn |
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(The Book of Ruth) 1. Naomi - the Prodigal Daughter by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of gaining worldly possessions at the expense of one's relationship with God. He emphasizes that when a person loses their soul i |
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(The Book of Ruth) 4. Boaz and the Nearer Kinsman by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the power of Jesus' blood to redeem and transform our lives. He emphasizes that Jesus can make something beautiful out of our brokenness and |
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May the Lord Give You a Full Reward by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of receiving and showing kindness. He references the story of Ruth and Boaz, highlighting Ruth's choice to be kind even when |
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Ruth - Part 5 by John McGregor | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the faithfulness and work of God in the lives of believers. The speaker highlights the trust factor between God and His people, using the exa |
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Marriage Series #4 - Ruth & Boaz by Don McClure | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Ruth and its significance in the context of the spiritual state of the children of Israel during that time. The book portrays a c |
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Ruth 3:9 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores the concept of 'Goel,' or kinsman redeemer, emphasizing the biblical laws of redemption that allow a family member to reclaim lost land or responsibilities. He |
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Our Daily Homily - Ruth by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on Naomi's journey from bitterness to blessing, emphasizing that God's plans often unfold in ways we cannot immediately understand. Despite her losses, Naomi's |
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Spiritual Strength and Trust by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of spiritual strength and trust in God, using the story of Ruth and Naomi as a powerful example. After the death of her husband, Ruth demo |
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Ruth 3:18 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores the story of Ruth, emphasizing her destitute condition after losing her husband and her commitment to care for Naomi. He highlights Boaz's love and protection |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Ruth 3
In this chapter, we see the beautiful picture of Ruth's faithfulness and loyalty, as she seeks to find a redeemer for herself and her mother-in-law Naomi. Boaz's response to Ruth's request demonstrates his faithfulness and commitment to doing what is right, and points to Christ as the ultimate redeemer. The chapter highlights the theme of redemption, and teaches us about trusting in God's sovereignty and provision. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The story of Ruth is a beautiful picture of the gospel, where Christ acts as our redeemer and secures our salvation through his faithfulness and love.' (Ruth 3:9-11) Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Ruth's Initiative
Ruth takes initiative to secure her future and that of her family, demonstrating her proactive and faithful character. This is seen in her decision to go to the threshing floor and lie at Boaz's feet, symbolizing her request for him to act as her redeemer.
Boaz's Faithfulness
Boaz acts with integrity and loyalty towards Ruth and Naomi, demonstrating his faithfulness and commitment to doing what is right. This is seen in his response to Ruth's request and his promise to settle the matter the next day.
The Theme of Redemption
The chapter highlights the theme of redemption, as Ruth seeks to find a redeemer for herself and her mother-in-law Naomi. This theme is central to the Bible and points to Christ as the ultimate redeemer.