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Ruth 3:11-15
Review Ruth 3:1-10
Naomi asks permission to give direction to Ruth
Naomi gives specific instruction for Ruth to follow
Ruth responds positively and trusts Naomi’s advice
Ruth follows through with the instruction she was given
Boaz is initially startled but quickly assures Ruth with his words and relays his honorable thoughts of her actions
In Ruth 3:11, we continue to read Boaz’s response to Ruth.
Ruth 3:11 "And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you whatever you ask, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence.
After giving Ruth his positive thoughts regarding her character, Boaz proceeds with his response. The address he uses is interesting. Calling her ‘my daughter’, can refer to a literal relationship, although this would not make sense. Perhaps it signifies the role a caring father would take, one of affection. Remember Ruth has placed herself at Boaz feet in the night, so a response of this nature from Boaz might assure Ruth that she need not fear his intentions. This would make sense since his next words tell her not to fear.
Before we continue to move ahead, it is good to note the obedience toward God of both these individuals. God is preparing them for even greater blessing! Just as a parent delights in the obedience of their children, God, our Father in heaven, takes pleasure in blessing our desire to follow His instruction.
Psalm 147:11 The LORD favors those who fear Him, those who wait for His lovingkindness.
Proverbs 11:20 The perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD, but the blameless in [their] walk are His delight.
Upon hearing the first words from Boaz, Ruth must have been letting out a huge sigh of relief. You can almost hear her exhaling; no longer holding her breath as she wonders what might come of this strange interaction. Boaz immediately reassures Ruth with his intentions to marry her.
Then, he gives her the reason for his response – “for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence”.
Proverbs 12:4 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who shames [him] is as rottenness in his bones.
Proverbs 31:10; 29-31
Ruth is an example of a virtuous woman.
What character qualities do we see in Ruth?
What examples can we follow as we strive to be women who honor God?
An individual who seeks to honor God will be drawn towards others who are like-minded. Boaz, having an honorable character (Ruth 2:1), recognized the value of an honorable woman. The word <chayil> used in both instances of describing Boaz and Ruth, carries the meaning of virtue, strength and substance – not in form, but in character. In verse 12, Boaz goes on to explain to Ruth that there are conditions placed upon his marriage to her. His honorable character would require that he follow Jewish law in redeeming her. Ruth knew he was a near kinsman (v.9), perhaps she did not know there might be another that was closer in their family relationships.
Ruth 3:12 "And now it is true I am a close relative; however, there is a relative closer than I.
Adam Clarke’s Commentary states, “It is very likely that Naomi was not acquainted with this circumstance. Some have supposed that there was a brother of Elimelech remaining, who was nearer than Boaz, who is supposed to have been only a nephew; the former, therefore, must have a prior right.”
Boaz did what was right in following Jewish law. His behavior proved his good character.
What example do others see in your behavior?
Why are words and actions both important?
We see the continued description of good character in this book, always proven by action. We all struggle with failure, that unbecoming part of us that continuously seems to show itself. Perhaps it is our speech, our thoughts or reactions to circumstances that repeatedly remind us of our sin nature.
What is your plan to fight sin so that your words and actions are in accord with God’s will?
Boaz was careful to avoid stepping on someone else’s toes. He valued treating others with care. This showed in his care to his workers (Ruth 2:4), his care to Ruth (Ruth 2:8-12), and his care to his family in following Jewish law. Boaz was wise in avoiding trouble that may be caused if he moved forward with his own desire before being certain it was within the best interest of all involved.
Matthew 7:12 “Therefore, however you want people to treat you, so treat them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
1Thessalonians 4:6-7 [and] that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is [the] avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned [you.] For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification.
Boaz was honest. He had information that others might be unaware of, which could affect his decisions. He may have chosen to keep silent and go ahead with a plan that would please and prosper himself. Yet he chose to consider others. We now read in verse 13 perhaps the most difficult and the most hopeful instruction to Ruth.
Ruth 3:13 "Remain this night, and when morning comes, if he will redeem you, good; let him redeem you. But if he does not wish to redeem you, then I will redeem you, as the LORD lives. Lie down until morning."
First, the difficult instruction –
“Remain this night, and when morning comes, if he will redeem you, good; let him redeem you.”
Deuteronomy 25:5-10
Boaz was acting according to the law and righteousness set before the Jewish nation. However, these are humans with human emotions and feelings just like ours. Imagine putting yourself out there and receiving this type of answer. Basically, if the other guy is willing to perform his duty as kinsman redeemer then let him do it. These words would not necessarily give you warm fuzzy’s for the man you just proposed to! Perhaps Boaz was showing a great deal of restraint, as he was intent on doing what was right by the law. He had shown an interest in Ruth and by his own words, thought highly of her.
Now, the hopeful instruction –
“But if he does not wish to redeem you, then I will redeem you, as the LORD lives. Lie down until morning."
If there is no closer relative who will act on behalf of the family name and property, Boaz will redeem her; he gives her his word, binding himself by an oath to God.
Jeremiah 12:16 "Then it will come about that if they will really learn the ways of My people, to swear by My name, 'As the LORD lives,' even as they taught My people to swear by Baal, then they will be built up in the midst of My people.
Then Boaz instructs Ruth to rest until morning. Once again, we witness the obedience of Ruth towards instruction given to her by those who had better understanding of the matter.
Ruth 3:14 So she lay at his feet until morning and rose before one could recognize another; and he said, "Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor."
The instruction to stay until morning and rise before anyone saw her is indicative of Boaz’s protection of Ruth’s character as well as his own. Although they each knew they had behaved righteously, others may have had cause to think differently if they had been seen together. The word recognize, has the definition of scrutinize or look intently at with suspicion.
Romans 14:13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this--not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way.
2 Corinthians 6:3 giving no cause for offense in anything, in order that the ministry be not discredited,
Are we careful that our actions, however well meaning, do not give cause for others to stumble?
Do we consider that our words and actions can come across offensive to others – even if our intent is innocent?
On the flip side, are we quick to assimilate our own interpretation of a situation just by what we see, without truly knowing the whole story?
2 Corinthians 8:21 for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
1 Peter 2:12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may on account of your good deeds, as they observe [them,] glorify God in the day of visitation.
1Thessalonians 5:22 abstain from every form of evil. (Abstain from all appearance of evil, KJV).
How important is our behavior? Why? What is our responsibility?
Boaz blesses Ruth with the provision of grain, requesting that she hold out her cloak or veil, which was commonly worn by females to cover their heads and part of their face. There is no exact amount or weight recorded for us of the grain Boaz gave Ruth but it was not more than she could carry on her own. Ruth then returns to town laden once again with gifts.
Ruth 3:15 Again he said, "Give me the cloak that is on you and hold it.” So she held it, and he measured six [measures] of barley and laid [it] on her. Then she went into the city.
Boaz responds to Ruth with kindness and encouragement (v.11)
He provides additional information that may change the direction of things for both of them, placing the honor of God’s law above their own personal plan (v.12)
Boaz assures Ruth that either way, her family name and property will be redeemed – he provides hope for her future (v.13)
He is careful to protect both their reputations, giving no reason for offense (v.14)
His generosity continues as he sends her off with a gift (v.15)
Do we respond with kindness when someone feels vulnerable?
Do we place God’s truths and direction above our thoughts and desires?
Do we remind our brothers and sisters in Christ of the hope they have for their future even during difficult times of uncertainty?
Are we careful to remain blameless, honoring God in all our actions?
Are we generous, willing to share what we have to encourage others?
