The Guardian Redeemer Of The Family Series

Today, we are going to study chapter three of the Book of Ruth.

So, far, we have learned that Elimelech and his wife Naomi relocated their family from Judah to Moab.

They had two sons, Mahlon and Kilion who married Moabite women named Orpha and Ruth.

But at the course of time, Elimelech died and followed by the death of Naomi's two sons.

Naomi was so devastated with such unfortunate circumstance.

How can they survive as three poor widows during those desperate times of famine in a foreign land?

But when Naomi heard that there was food in their home land of Judah, she decided to go back.

However, only Ruth accompanied her while Orpha decided to stay behind in Moab.

Upon arriving in Judah, Naomi had difficulty adjusting to the new condition.

She became bitter and resentful in her heart and mind and even blamed God for her loss.

But Ruth had great faith believing that things will get better by resisting any depressive spirit to enter her heart.

In fact, she asked for permission to work in the field even though it means collecting the leftover grains from the workers just to have food to eat.

She showed her humility and her self-sacrifice to serve her mother in law, Naomi.

By God's providence, she came into the field of Boaz, a wealthy relative of Naomi.

Ruth worked there in the heat of the sun from morning to evening with little rest.

Boaz was told about the good work ethics of Ruth and eventually, he was impressed and she was rewarded.

He invited Ruth to join them in a fellowship meal and thereupon received the kindness and the generosity of Boaz.

Ruth went home with a good amount of grains which brought life and hope to Naomi.

Upon realizing that it was Boaz, her close relative who had shown such kindness, Naomi became very happy and filled with hope and joy.

She knew that God has shown favor to them and there is indeed redemption ahead of them.

Here in chapter three, we will find Naomi desiring to find a better home for Ruth where she will be well provided for.

Naomi then explained to Ruth a simple plan on what she needs to do when she goes back in the field of Boaz.

First of all, Ruth had to wash herself, put on perfume and get dressed in her best clothes - that means, she had to make herself attractive to Boaz.

Then, she had to go to the threshing floor unnoticed while Boaz is eating.

When Boaz finished eating and decided to lie down, Ruth had to come closer and uncover his feet.

This is a way to challenge Boaz if he is willing to take the responsibility of being their kinsman redeemer.

Then, she had to wait for whatever Boaz decides to do next.

Ruth did everything that was told to her by Naomi.

And so, it happens that when Boaz had finished eating and was in good spirits, he went over to lie down at the far end of the grain pile.

Ruth then approached him quietly, uncovered his feet and lay down as well.

During the middle of the night, something startled the man and as he turned, he saw a woman lying at his feet.

Boaz asked, "Who are you?"

After Ruth identified herself, she then told Boaz to spread the corner of his garment to her

because he was a guardian redeemer to the family.

Boaz was well pleased to the response of Ruth and pledged his desire to fulfill his part.

Boaz told Ruth that all the people of the town know that he is a woman of noble character.

However, he said that there is another man who is more closely related than him.

He told her that if that man is willing, he will allow him to redeem her, but if not, Boaz was willing himself to do it.

And so, Ruth lay at his feet until morning but got up before anyone could notice.

Boaz then asked Ruth to give him the shawl she was wearing and in return,

Boaz gave Ruth six measures of barley which she brought home to her mother-in-law.

Naomi again was excited after receiving the gifts from Boaz and after hearing all that had happened in the field.

She then said to Ruth, “Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens.

For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today."

Ruth chapter 3 is a wonderful story concerning the theme of the Book which is the kinsman-redeemer.

What is the kinsman redeemer?

The kinsman-redeemer is a male relative who, according to the laws given to God through Moses had the privilege or responsibility to act on behalf of a relative who was in trouble, in danger or in need of assistance.