Introduction

Ruth 3 unfolds as a pivotal moment in the story, where Ruth, at Naomi’s direction, courageously approaches Boaz to seek redemption. The chapter highlights themes of boldness, kindness, and God’s providence through human agency.

Key Points

• Synopsis: Naomi orchestrates a plan for Ruth to appeal to Boaz as a redeemer. Ruth boldly follows the plan, and Boaz promises to resolve the matter with integrity.
• Themes: Courage, loyalty, and integrity converge with God’s providence in His redemptive purposes.

Ruth 3:1–2a

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? Is not Boaz our relative, with whose young women you were?…”

In Israelite law, if a man died without a son, his closest male relative had the responsibility of marrying his widow to continue the family line (Deut 25:5–10). Naomi, instead of seeking redemption for herself, selflessly devises a plan to secure Ruth’s future by arranging a marriage with Boaz, their close relative.

Ruth 3:2b–3a

“…See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor…”

To prepare for marriage, a woman would wash, apply oil, and wear her best clothes. Naomi instructs Ruth to present herself to Boaz in a culturally recognized manner, signaling that she is ready for marriage. Ruth is to approach Boaz that night as he works at the threshing floor, setting the stage for her bold proposal.

Ruth 3:3b–5

“…but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. But 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.” And she replied, “All that you say I will do.”

Uncovering Boaz’s feet is a symbolic act, requesting him to spread his garment over her—a cultural gesture of marriage and protection (Ezek 16:8). Naomi’s plan is clear: Ruth will privately ask Boaz to marry her and redeem her from poverty. Ruth fully commits to this plan, trusting Naomi’s wisdom.

Ruth 3:6–7

So she went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in-law had commanded her. 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.

Everything goes according to plan—Ruth follows Naomi’s instructions exactly, waiting until Boaz finishes his meal and rests. She carefully uncovers his feet and lies down, setting the scene for her marriage proposal. However, an unexpected moment occurs when Boaz suddenly wakes up. At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and behold, a woman lay at his feet! (3:8)

Ruth 3:8–9

At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and behold, a woman lay at his feet! He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.”

Boaz wakes up in shock to find a woman lying at his feet. Ruth identifies herself and directly asks him to “spread his wings” over her, a metaphor for marriage and redemption. She is essentially proposing to Boaz, placing her future in his hands.

Ruth 3:9–10

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…”

Boaz is deeply moved by Ruth’s loyalty. Instead of pursuing younger men, she seeks him—a man of integrity and a true redeemer. He praises her commitment to Naomi and her faithfulness to the Lord, seeing this act as an even greater kindness than her earlier devotion to her mother-in-law.

Ruth 3:11–13

“…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. And now it is true that I am a redeemer. Yet there is a redeemer nearer than I. 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.”

Boaz reassures Ruth, affirming her worth and promising to take responsibility. However, there is a complication—another man is a closer relative and has the first right to redeem her. Boaz vows to resolve the matter the next morning, ensuring Ruth’s redemption one way or another.

Ruth 3:14–15

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.” 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.

To protect Ruth’s reputation, Boaz ensures that she leaves before dawn, avoiding any misunderstanding. He also provides her with a generous gift of barley, further demonstrating his care and commitment to providing for her and Naomi.

Ruth 3:16–18

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, saying, “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.’” 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.”

Ruth recounts everything to Naomi, including Boaz’s promise and generous provision. Naomi, understanding Boaz’s character, assures Ruth that he will settle the matter immediately. The tension builds—will the other redeemer step aside, or will Boaz marry Ruth?

Conclusion

Ruth 3 highlights the courage of Ruth, the wisdom of Naomi, and the integrity of Boaz in navigating the complex customs of redemption. This chapter underscores the interplay of human initiative and divine providence in unfolding God’s redemptive plan.

Summary

1. Naomi devises a plan for Ruth to seek redemption through Boaz (3:1–5).
2. Ruth courageously follows Naomi’s instructions and appeals to Boaz as a redeemer (3:6–9).
3. Boaz agrees to redeem Ruth if a closer redeemer refuses, demonstrating his integrity (3:10–13).
4. Boaz ensures Ruth’s safety and sends her back to Naomi with abundant provision (3:14–15).
5. Naomi expresses confidence in Boaz’s commitment to resolve the matter (3:16–18).