Now is not Boaz, with whose servant girls you have been working, a relative of ours? In fact, tonight he is winnowing barley on the threshing floor. Now is not Boaz, with whose servant girls you have been working, a relative of ours?Boaz belonged to Elimelech’s extended family and therefore stood among those able to act as a redeemer for Naomi’s household. Israel’s law provided for a near relative to redeem family property lost through poverty and to preserve an endangered family inheritance (Leviticus 25:25). The duty of marrying a childless widow belonged particularly to a brother-in-law, yet Boaz’s willingness to receive Ruth and preserve the line of Elimelech reflects the same covenant concern for the helpless and the preservation of a family name (Deuteronomy 25:5–10). Ruth’s faithful labor among Boaz’s servant girls had already revealed her character, while Boaz’s protection and generosity displayed God’s provision for both Ruth and Naomi. Lev 25:25 If your brother becomes impoverished, his nearest of kin… In fact, tonight he is winnowing barley on the threshing floor. Boaz would separate the grain from the chaff in the evening, when the wind commonly aided the work. The threshing floor was an open, elevated area and often remained active late into the night during harvest. The barley harvest had brought unexpected provision to Naomi and Ruth after their return to Bethlehem in emptiness. Naomi recognized that Boaz’s presence at the threshing floor created an opportunity to seek his help openly and lawfully. The setting would become the place where Ruth appealed for redemption and where Boaz demonstrated integrity, restraint, and covenant faithfulness. Mat 3:12 His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing… Persons / Places / Events 1. RuthA Moabite widow who has shown loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and has come to Bethlehem to seek refuge and provision. 2. Naomi Ruth's mother-in-law, who has returned to Bethlehem after the death of her husband and sons. She is guiding Ruth in seeking security and provision. 3. Boaz A wealthy and influential relative of Naomi's late husband, Elimelech. He is a potential kinsman-redeemer for Ruth, which is a key concept in this account. 4. Threshing Floor A place where grain is separated from chaff. It is significant as a setting for the unfolding of God's providential plan for Ruth and Boaz. 5. Bethlehem The town where Naomi and Ruth have returned, and where Boaz resides. It is also the future birthplace of Jesus, connecting this account to the larger biblical account. Teaching Points God's ProvidenceThe account of Ruth and Boaz illustrates God's providential care and guidance. Even in difficult circumstances, God is at work to bring about His purposes. Role of the Kinsman-Redeemer Boaz as a kinsman-redeemer is a foreshadowing of Christ, our ultimate Redeemer. Understanding this role helps us appreciate the depth of Christ's redemptive work. Faith and Initiative Ruth's willingness to follow Naomi's guidance and take initiative at the threshing floor demonstrates faith in action. Believers are encouraged to trust God and take steps of faith in their own lives. Community and Support The relationship between Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz highlights the importance of community and mutual support within the body of Christ. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of a kinsman-redeemer in Ruth 3:2 relate to the role of Jesus as our Redeemer? Consider the cultural and spiritual implications.2. In what ways does Ruth's character in this chapter exemplify the qualities of a virtuous woman as described in Proverbs 31? 3. How can we see God's providence at work in the events of Ruth 3:2, and how can this encourage us in our own life circumstances? 4. What steps of faith did Ruth take in this chapter, and how can we apply similar principles of faith and initiative in our own lives? 5. How does the community support seen in the relationship between Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz challenge us to build and nurture supportive relationships within our own faith communities? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 25:25This verse outlines the role of a kinsman-redeemer, which is central to understanding Boaz's potential role in Ruth's life. Deuteronomy 25:5-10 Provides the law concerning levirate marriage, which underpins the cultural and legal context of Ruth's actions and Naomi's advice. Proverbs 31:10-31 The description of a virtuous woman, which parallels Ruth's character and actions throughout the book.
People Boaz, Naomi, RuthPlaces BethlehemTopics Acquaintance, Barley, Behold, Boaz, Bo'az, Floor, Girls, Grain, Grain-floor, Hast, Isn't, Kindred, Kinsman, Maidens, Maids, Ours, Relation, Separating, Servant, Threshing, Threshingfloor, Threshing-floor, Tonight, To-night, Wast, Waste, Winnoweth, Winnowing, Winnows, WomenDictionary of Bible Themes Ruth 3:2Library June 23 EveningShall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?--RUTH 3:1. There remaineth . . . a rest to the people of God.--My people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.--There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at rest.--They . . . rest from their labours. The forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and … Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path September 4 Morning Whether Christ Received his Own Body and Blood? Whether the Judicial Precepts Regarding Foreigners were Framed in a Suitable Manner? Jesus' Feet Anointed in the House of a Pharisee. Ruth Links Ruth 3:2 NIVRuth 3:2 NLT Ruth 3:2 ESV Ruth 3:2 NASB Ruth 3:2 KJV Ruth 3:2 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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