Good morning,
Chapter 3 of Ruth reveals the role of the kinsman redeemer, Boaz. Naomi gives Ruth detailed instructions on what she must do. Ruth claims Boaz as the kinsman redeemer. Read how the story turns out.
Please read Chapter 3 of Ruth.
Chapter 3 Ruth’s Rest v1 and 18
Naomi arranges Ruth’s wedding Verses 1-7
- Then Naomi her mother-in-law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee? V1
- Naomi’s instructions to Ruth v2-7
And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshing floor.3 Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.4 And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.5 And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do.6 And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade 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 corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down.
- Ruth claims Boaz as Kinsman v8-15
And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet.9 And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.10 And he said, Blessed be thou of the Lord, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.11 And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.12 And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.13 Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman’s part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the Lord liveth: lie down until the morning.14 And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor.15 Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city.
What Ruth did in going to Boaz was not immodest nor was it wicked. A kinsman was expected to marry the young widow and raise up children for the dead husband’s line. (Deuteronomy 25:5-6) Ruth simply reminded Boaz of his duty and privilege as a kinsman.
The role of the Kinsman Redeemer
A major theme of the Book of Ruth is that of the kinsman-redeemer. Boaz, a relative of Naomi on her husband’s side, acted upon his duty as outlined in the Mosaic Law to redeem an impoverished relative from his or her circumstances (Lev. 25:47-49). This scenario is repeated by Christ, who redeems us, the spiritually impoverished, from the slavery of sin. Our heavenly Father sent His own Son to the cross so that we might become children of God and brothers and sisters of Christ. By being our Redeemer, He makes us His kinsmen.
Ruth sits still/Boaz will not rest Verses 16-18
Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day.
Now Ruth waits on her kinsman redeemer. Our kinsman redeemer is Jesus Christ. Have you placed your faith and trust in Him? He went to the cross for you, paid the penalty for your sin, and gives you new life. Accept Him today. Need more information, call or email me.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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