Chapter Summary
Core Passages from Ruth 3
Ruth 3:9He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.”
This is Ruth's direct proposal, asking Boaz to marry her and provide the protection and security of a husband. The phrase 'spread your wings' is a beautiful metaphor for shelter and marital covering.Ruth 3:11And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman.
Boaz affirms Ruth's reputation, showing that her character is well-known and respected throughout the town. This praise validates her bold actions and assures her of his high regard.Ruth 3:18She replied, “Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today.”
Naomi expresses complete confidence in Boaz's character, assuring Ruth that he will act swiftly to resolve the matter. It's a statement of trust in both Boaz's integrity and God's unfolding plan.
Historical & Cultural Context
Naomi's Daring Plan for Redemption
After the harvest season described in chapter 2, Naomi recognizes Boaz's kindness as genuine care, not merely charity. Recognizing him as a kinsman-redeemer - a relative with the right to marry Ruth and preserve her late husband's family line - Naomi moves from a passive survivor to a proactive strategist. She formulates a daring plan for Ruth to approach Boaz, seeking permanent security and 'rest' within a family, not merely daily food.
A Midnight Encounter at the Harvest
The setting for this pivotal moment is the threshing floor, a large, open area where grain was processed after the harvest. At night, it was common for the owner to sleep there to guard the grain from thieves. While a public workspace by day, it became a private and vulnerable setting after dark, making Naomi's plan for Ruth to go there alone a significant social and personal risk.
A Bold Proposal at Midnight
The third chapter of Ruth unfolds over a single, tense night at the threshing floor outside Bethlehem. Guided by Naomi, Ruth prepares to make a life-altering request of Boaz. The scene is quiet and dark, heightening the drama and the risk involved in her obedient, faithful actions.
Naomi's Instructions (Ruth 3:1-5)
1 Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, "My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you?
2 And now is not Boaz our relative, with whose young women you were? See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor.
3 Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.
4 And when he lies down, observe the place where he lies. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do.”
5 And she said to her, “All that you say I will do.”
Commentary:
Naomi gives Ruth a risky, step-by-step plan to ask Boaz for marriage and security.
Ruth's Courageous Approach (Ruth 3:6-9)
6 So she went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in-law had commanded 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 grain. Then she came softly and uncovered his feet and lay down.
8 At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and behold, a woman lay at his feet!
9 He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.”
Commentary:
Ruth bravely follows the plan, approaching Boaz at midnight and directly asking him to be her redeemer.
Boaz's Honorable Response (Ruth 3:10-13)
10 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.
11 And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman.
12 And now it is true that I am a redeemer.
13 Remain tonight, and in the morning, if he will redeem you, good; let him do it. But if he is not willing to redeem you, then, as the Lord lives, I will redeem you. Lie down until the morning."
Commentary:
Boaz praises Ruth's character, agrees to redeem her, but explains he must first offer the opportunity to a closer relative.
A Promise and a Gift (Ruth 3:14-18)
14 So she lay at his feet until the morning, but arose before one could recognize another. And he said, "Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor."
15 And he said, "Bring the garment you are wearing and hold it out." So she held it, and he measured out six measures of barley and put it on her. Then she went into the city.
16 And when she came to her mother-in-law, she said, "How did you fare, my daughter?" Then she told her all that the man had done for her,
17 She replied, “These six measures of barley he gave to me, for he said to me, ‘You must not go back empty-handed to your mother-in-law.’”
18 She replied, “Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today.”
Commentary:
Boaz protects Ruth's reputation and sends her home with a gift of barley as a pledge that he will resolve the matter quickly.
Faithfulness, Risk, and Redemption
The Kinsman-Redeemer (Go'el)
This chapter brings the vital concept of the kinsman-redeemer to the forefront. This was a male relative responsible for protecting the family's interests, which included marrying a childless widow to carry on the family name. Ruth's appeal to Boaz is a direct request for him to step into this role, showing how God's law was designed to provide for the vulnerable.
Hesed: Covenant Loyalty and Kindness
Boaz praises Ruth for her *hesed*, a Hebrew word meaning loyal, covenant-keeping love. Her first act of *hesed* was staying with Naomi. Her second is seeking to preserve Naomi's family line through marriage to a redeemer. Boaz himself demonstrates *hesed* through his integrity, kindness, and commitment to doing the right thing for Ruth and Naomi.
Faith Expressed Through Action
This chapter is a powerful example of faith in action. Both Naomi and Ruth move beyond passive hope and take a significant, calculated risk based on their trust in God's law and Boaz's character. Their story shows that faith often involves stepping out courageously in obedience, not merely waiting for God to act.
Applying the Lessons of the Threshing Floor
Naomi's plan was rooted in God's law and her knowledge of Boaz's character. Like Naomi, you can offer good counsel by grounding your advice in wisdom and what you know to be true and right. When seeking advice, look for people who, like Naomi, genuinely desire your well-being and guide you toward faithful, albeit sometimes courageous, actions (Ruth 3:1-4).
Ruth's vulnerability at the threshing floor was her greatest act of strength and faith. Her story teaches that sometimes the path to God's provision requires us to take risks and make ourselves vulnerable (Ruth 3:9). When you feel God calling you to a courageous step, remember that your trust is not in the outcome itself, but in the character of the One you are trusting.
Boaz was awakened at midnight to a shocking situation, yet he responded with kindness, respect, and integrity. His example in Ruth 3:10-13 challenges you to lead with character, especially when surprised or put on the spot. Instead of reacting impulsively, you can choose to protect the vulnerable, speak truthfully, and commit to doing the right thing, no matter the complexity.
God's Providence Through Human Courage
Ruth 3 reveals that God's loving providence is not a passive force, but one that works in partnership with the bold faith of His people. Through Naomi's wisdom, Ruth's courage, and Boaz's integrity, God weaves a story of redemption that provides for the vulnerable and preserves a family line. The message is that our faithful, and sometimes risky, steps of obedience become the very means through which God accomplishes His good and loving purposes.
What This Means for Us Today
Ruth's approach to Boaz was a vulnerable invitation for him to act as redeemer. Her story invites us to see that we too can approach our ultimate Redeemer, Jesus, with boldness and faith. We can lay our needs at His feet, trusting in His character to act on our behalf with honor and love.
- In what area of your life do you need to take a courageous step of faith?
- How can you demonstrate the integrity of Boaz when dealing with vulnerable people?
- Who in your life needs the security and 'rest' that can only be found in our Redeemer?
Further Reading
Immediate Context
Connections Across Scripture
This passage provides the legal background for the practice of the kinsman-redeemer and levirate marriage, which is central to the plot of Ruth.
The story of Tamar and Judah offers a dramatic parallel of a woman taking bold, unconventional action to secure her rights and family line according to custom.
This verse in the genealogy of Jesus explicitly names Boaz and Ruth as ancestors, showing how their story of faithfulness fits into God's ultimate plan of redemption for the world.
Discussion Questions
- Naomi's plan was risky and could have been misinterpreted. What does this teach us about the difference between foolish risks and faith-filled courage?
- Boaz is celebrated for his integrity. What specific actions or words in this chapter reveal his honorable character, and how can we cultivate similar qualities?
- Ruth, a foreigner, boldly asks to be included in the family of God's people. How does her story challenge our views on who belongs in God's family and how they get there?