Ruth 3

Imagine sitting on the edge of your seat during Titanic, one of the most iconic love stories ever told. Amid the opulence of the doomed ship, Rose, trapped in the gilded cage of societal expectations, finds herself at a crossroads. Her entire life is mapped out for her—a loveless marriage, suffocating rules, and no way to escape. Then, in an act of defiance and trust, she takes Jack’s hand. Jack, an artist from a completely different world, offers her a glimpse of freedom and life outside her rigid confines. It’s not just a decision to follow Jack; it’s a decision to abandon the security of the known for the promise of something better. Her vulnerability and courage to trust in Jack transforms her destiny, setting her on a path she could have never imagined. Rose’s leap of faith resonates with us because we recognize the deep longing for redemption, for someone to see us, understand us, and offer us a new way forward.

Or think about The Dark Knight Rises. Gotham is in ruins, gripped by despair under the iron fist of Bane. Bruce Wayne, the man behind the mask of Batman, is battered and broken, having lost the will to fight. The people of Gotham feel abandoned, hopeless, and out of options. But Bruce rises again. Against all odds, he dons the cape and cowl, risking everything to redeem a city that has turned against him time and again. Gotham’s redemption is not without sacrifice, and Bruce’s willingness to step into the chaos and bear the burden of their salvation mirrors the great stories of redemption throughout history. His actions resonate because they show us what it means to trust in a redeemer who will act on our behalf, even when all seems lost.

These stories captivate us because they reflect the risks, vulnerability, and courage it takes to place our trust in someone greater. In Ruth’s story, we find a similar moment of vulnerability and bold faith. At the threshing floor, Ruth steps into the unknown, risking her reputation and her future to trust in Boaz, her redeemer. This act of faith and trust mirrors the gospel itself, where we are invited to trust Jesus, the ultimate Redeemer, who meets us in our brokenness and offers us redemption, hope, and grace far beyond what we could ever imagine.

Main Point: Faithfully wait on Jesus our Redeemer who ensures our eternal security and satisfies us with His grace.

The Plan (Ruth 3:1-5)

Trusting the Redeemer’s Provision

We are met with a plan from Naomi.

Naomi’s instructions to Ruth in Ruth 3:1-4 are layered with cultural and contextual significance, and they carry both practical and symbolic meaning.

The Setting: The Threshing Floor

The threshing floor was a communal, open area where workers separated the grain from its husks after the harvest. This was vital for the community’s livelihood and often involved long hours of work. After winnowing the grain, the men would sleep near the grain pile to guard against theft—a practice that shows the value of the harvest and the vulnerability of the setting. Unfortunately, the threshing floor also had a reputation for being a place where “ladies of the night” would seek out workers. This adds an air of potential scandal to Naomi’s plan.

Naomi’s Instructions to Ruth

Naomi tells Ruth to bathe, anoint herself, and put on her best clothes—symbolic of leaving behind her widowhood and presenting herself as someone ready for a new chapter. Ruth is to wait until Boaz has finished eating and drinking and has fallen asleep. Timing is crucial here; Naomi wants Ruth to approach Boaz discreetly, in a way that ensures she has his full attention. The act of uncovering Boaz’s feet and lying down is culturally ambiguous. Some scholars suggest it could be symbolic, representing submission and a marriage proposal, while others argue it might carry euphemistic or intimate connotations.

The Potential Risks and Naomi’s Boldness

Naomi’s plan is daring and could be misunderstood, given the associations of the threshing floor at night. There’s a real risk to Ruth’s reputation if her actions are misinterpreted. Yet Naomi seems to trust in Boaz’s integrity, as well as Ruth’s character, believing that this bold approach could lead to redemption for both women.

There was another instance where a woman went and met a man..

Reminiscent of Genesis 19:30-37

Genesis 19:30–37 (ESV)

Now Lot went up out of Zoar and lived in the hills with his two daughters, for he was afraid to live in Zoar. So he lived in a cave with his two daughters. And the firstborn said to the younger, “Our father is old, and there is not a man on earth to come in to us after the manner of all the earth. Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve offspring from our father.”

So they made their father drink wine that night. And the firstborn went in and lay with her father. He did not know when she lay down or when she arose.

The next day, the firstborn said to the younger, “Behold, I lay last night with my father. Let us make him drink wine tonight also. Then you go in and lie with him, that we may preserve offspring from our father.”

So they made their father drink wine that night also. And the younger arose and lay with him, and he did not know when she lay down or when she arose.

Thus both the daughters of Lot became pregnant by their father. The firstborn bore a son and called his name Moab. He is the father of the Moabites to this day.

This is indeed a peculiar and risky situation—one that could jeopardize Ruth’s reputation in a community where she is already an outsider. Yet Naomi’s plan is bold and unconventional. It’s the kind of plan that seems so crazy, it just might work.

Ruth is being sent to the threshing floor, a place with a questionable reputation, to lay herself at the feet of Boaz in a vulnerable act of faith and humility. This is no small risk. She’s entrusting her future to the character of Boaz and the providence of God. Ruth goes, not knowing how Boaz will respond or what the outcome will be.

As we head into verse 6, the uncertainties loom large. But this moment reminds us of an important truth: God delights in redeeming even the most uncertain and complicated circumstances. Through bold steps of faith and God’s sovereign hand, this story foreshadows the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ, who meets us in our brokenness and transforms our lives for His glory.

It’s reassuring to know that God, who entered our broken world and gave His life to redeem it, understands our struggles and confusion. We can come to Him in prayer, honestly admitting our uncertainties and weaknesses. We can say, “Lord, I want to do what pleases You, but I’m not sure how.” We can acknowledge that we can’t control the actions of others or predict how situations will unfold. All we can do is take the steps we believe are right, entrust the outcome to God, and pray for His will to be done. His grace, demonstrated so clearly in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, gives us confidence that no situation is beyond His power to transform.

Ruth 3 shows us how God works to redeem even the most uncertain and complicated circumstances. Naomi’s plan may have seemed unlikely to succeed, with so many factors beyond her or Ruth’s control. Yet the same God who watched over Ruth controls every detail of our lives. He brings redemption and hope even from situations that seem broken, confusing, or hopeless, and He delights in turning them into something good and beautiful for His purposes.

The instructions for Ruth: Ruth is called to approach Boaz with humility, just as we must approach Christ in faith and dependence (Hebrews 4:16).

Ruth’s response of obedience: Ruth submits to Naomi’s plan, pointing to how believers trust in Christ’s redemptive work and obey His call.

Christ Connection: Just as Naomi trusted Boaz to provide for Ruth, we are invited to trust Jesus, our ultimate Redeemer, who alone secures our eternal rest.

The Proposal (Ruth 3:6-15)

The Redeemer’s Gracious Acceptance (Ruth 3:6-15)

Ruth travels to her redeemer and does what her mother in law asks.

Boaz is shocked to see Ruth there at his feet.

She asks boaz to spread his wings over your servant

Ultimatly asking him to provide shelter to her.

Ezekiel 16:8 ESV

“When I passed by you again and saw you, behold, you were at the age for love, and I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your nakedness; I made my vow to you and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Lord God, and you became mine.

She tells him that he is a redeemer who has the obligation to be her kindsman-redeemer

Ruth’s bold approach to Boaz: Ruth comes humbly but boldly, seeking his protection,

Ruth’s request for redemption: Ruth asks Boaz to "spread his garment" over her, symbolizing protection and covenant care.

Here is a servant requesting that her boss marry her, or a moabite making demand of an Israelite, or a woman making demand of a man, or a poor person makind demand of a rich man.

Her request should be met with denial. Her request should never see the light of day, but Boaz agrees.

This is a picture of the gospel that we have her. We shouldnt have the ability to demand anything from our God. We have sinned against him. We deserve nothing but death and destruction. Those who humbly come before him acknowledging their sins, In Jesus, God has provided a way for us to be made clean. He sends his son and Jesus comes and covers us with his garment of righteousness. Taking our own dirty rags off and clothing us in his robes of pure white. We like Ruth come to someone who shouldnt have anything to do with us, but they acknowledges us and knows us and seeks to redeem us.

which Christ provides as He covers us in His righteousness (Isaiah 61:10).

Boaz’s gracious response: Boaz doesnt curse her or shoos her off as a common prostitute but heBoaz commends Ruth’s faithfulness and assures her of his willingness to redeem her. He calls her my daughter and shows her kindness.

He makes a pont that to praise her for her act of hesed devotion. She has devoted herself to her mother in law and her mother in laws God. She could have devoted herself to other men that Ruth would have might have been more naturally to persue. She could have went to anyone at all. She could have married for status or love or money but she comes and seeks boas throught the kindness and grace that Ruth has for her mother in law.

He even calls her a woman of strength or worth.

We miss this because we have ruth right after the book of Judges in our bibles. But to the Israelite they would understand this to be the woman of the last chapter in Proverbs 31:10

Proverbs 31:10 ESV

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.

Which for them Ruth would be situated after the book of Proverbs. Thus, she was the fulfillment of the excellent wife.

Judges, Ruth (1) Phase 1: The Night Encounter (3:6–13)

because of her devotion to her mother-in-law and her willingness to abandon all for her, the townspeople knew her true character. But she did not gain this reputation by trying to be somebody, by associating with the important people. On the contrary, it was her self-effacing embodiment of Israel’s lofty covenant standards, her ḥesed, her kindness and loyalty to the family of her deceased husband, especially her mother-in-law, that has won her the praise of all

Boaz sees the woman equal in status and character to himself.

Boaz doesnt do anything to jeopardize Ruth’s faithfulness to Yahweh. He doesnt take advantage of the situation.

He has her stay, rather than proclaiming her to spend the night he ask her to lodge, maintaining his integrity.

Boaz desires to redeem Ruth. He even says an oath here at the end of aas the Lord lives. He promises to marry her and promises to redeem her if he has the opportunity.

Boaz here is prefiguring Christ’s willing sacrifice to redeem His bride, the Church. Jesus’s willingness to empty himself by taking the form of a servant, humbling himself, and going to the cross for the redeemption of you and me.

(John 10:17-18

John 10:17–18 ESV

For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”

He did this willingly. Laying down his life, knowing the cost, so that the redeeming price could be paid by his death. Now we are brought into his family, to be adopted as Sons. We are given a new life free from the bondage of sin. To live as sons and daughters of God.

Just as Boaz desired to fulfill the legal requirements in the morning for ruth. So does Jesus.

Romans 8:3–4 ESV

For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Jesus comes and fulfills the legal requirement of the law, that we could not do. He provides for us our justification. bringing about fulfillment to all the law required so that we are seen just and right in the eyes of our God.

Boaz doesnt leave Ruth empty handed but gives her an abundance of grain for Naomi. Im sure there wasnt much sleep that night with the anxieties of the next day weighing heavily on their minds.

He wants ruth to return without being seen. He didnt want her to be recognized by anyone as he sent her back to her mother in law. However, he gives her six measures of grain.

Boaz’s kindness and willingness to redeem Ruth is a striking reflection of the greater grace found in Jesus Christ. Just as Boaz goes beyond mere obligation, offering Ruth protection, provision, and a future, so too does Jesus redeem us completely and abundantly provide for all our needs.

Where Boaz shows steadfast love (hesed) by ensuring Ruth’s security and honor, Jesus demonstrates the ultimate act of hesed by laying down His life to secure our eternal redemption. Boaz’s actions—motivated by grace and generosity—are a shadow of Christ’s all-encompassing grace, which not only redeems us from sin but also lavishes us with every spiritual blessing in Him (Ephesians 1:3).

In Boaz, we see a picture of the Redeemer who meets us in our need, covers us with His righteousness, and gives us far more than we could ever ask or imagine. Jesus, the greater Redeemer, doesn’t just meet the minimum requirements; He redeems us fully and offers us the abundance of life in Him.

3. The Promise: Waiting on the Redeemer’s Faithfulness (Ruth 3:16-18)

As Ruth returns to Naomi, Naomi eagerly asks, “How did you fare?” Behind this question lies a deeper one: “Are you married now, or is the matter unresolved?” Naomi’s anticipation reflects her hope for redemption and her concern for Ruth’s future.

Ruth quickly shares the events of the night, recounting Boaz’s promises to act as her redeemer. Whether the conversation stretched into the morning with joyful detail or was a breathless recounting of Boaz’s words, the essence is clear—Boaz has committed to take action on Ruth’s behalf.

Naomi, understanding Boaz’s integrity and character, knows that he will follow through. She recognizes that Boaz will not rest until the matter is resolved, fulfilling his duty as a kinsman-redeemer. At this point, there is nothing more for Ruth to do but wait.

This moment teaches a profound truth about God’s faithfulness. Just as Ruth and Naomi had to wait for Boaz to complete his work, so too are we often called to trust in God’s timing and rest in the assurance that He will fulfill His promises.

Waiting can be challenging for several reasons, rooted in both human nature and the culture around us. Here are five key reasons why waiting is difficult:

1. Desire for Control

We often want to take matters into our own hands, believing we can influence outcomes or speed up the process. Waiting forces us to relinquish control and trust that things will unfold in their own time, which can feel uncomfortable or even vulnerable.

2. Impatience and Instant Gratification

In a world of instant results—whether through fast technology, quick decisions, or immediate responses—waiting feels countercultural. We’ve become accustomed to rapid solutions and find it hard to embrace the slower pace of patience and trust.

3. Fear of the Unknown

Waiting often comes with uncertainty about the outcome. Not knowing what will happen, how it will happen, or when it will happen can create anxiety and fear, making the waiting period feel even harder.

4. Doubt in the Process or Promise

During a waiting season, doubts can creep in: "What if nothing happens? What if the promise isn’t fulfilled?" This lack of trust—whether in people, circumstances, or even God—can make the waiting period feel like wasted time.

5. Emotional and Physical Restlessness

Waiting forces us to pause, which can create tension when we’re used to being busy or distracted. The stillness can magnify our thoughts, emotions, or desires, making it hard to stay calm and focused.

Despite these struggles, the Bible encourages us to see waiting as an act of faith.

Isaiah 40:31 ESV

but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

We are reminded that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. Waiting can refine our character, deepen our trust in God, and prepare us for His timing, which is always perfect.

Christ, our ultimate Redeemer, has done the work of securing our salvation, and we can trust that He will bring it to completion. Our part is to wait with faith, knowing that He is faithful to His word.

We are called to be faithful to Jesus, waking up in faith, going to bed in faith, walking through the narrow way in faith.

we are called to wait with hope and trust in Jesus, who has already secured our redemption and will bring it to perfect completion at His return Hebrews 9:28

Hebrews 9:28 ESV

so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

This is the heart of why we celebrate Advent. It is a season of looking back and looking forward. We look back to Jesus’s first coming, His first Advent, when He humbled Himself to come to earth, live a perfect life, and die to redeem us. And we look forward to His promised return, His second Advent, when He will gather those who have waited in faith. On that day, we will be called His own, meet Him in the air, and live in His presence for all eternity.

Though waiting can be hard, we rest in the truth that nothing will separate us from the love of Christ Jesus. We are secure in Him, and we find satisfaction in the lavish grace He has poured out upon us. This is our hope—unshakable and eternal.

So we rest. We rest in the finished work of Jesus, knowing that His sacrifice was sufficient. And as we rest, we also wait—anxiously anticipating His return while faithfully walking in His grace.

Jesus is the Redeemer who ensures our eternal security and satisfies us with His grace.