5) The Virtuous Woman, Ruth 3:9-18
We’re in Ruth chapter 3 where the widow Ruth, at the advice of her mother-in-law Naomi, is approaching her kinsman, Boaz. She is appealing to him to fulfill his role as her nearest kinsman and raise up an heir to her deceased husband.
This scene takes place in the middle of the night on the village threshing floor where Boaz is sleeping to guard his grain. We left off last time in Ruth 3:8 where Boaz was startled out of his sleep when he discovered that a stranger was lying at his feet.
Now in verse 9, you can see his natural reaction.
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.
Obviously the first thing the startled farmer wants to know is who this woman lying at his feet is.
Ruth immediately dispels any alarm saying, I am Ruth thine handmaid.
Back in Ruth 2:10, when Ruth was a new woman in town, and she first introduced herself to Boaz, she called herself a stranger. The word meant a foreigner, an outsider, an alien from Jewish society – one who could not even legally be married to a Jew. The word had a strong negative connotation to it – like someone today calling another a heathen or a pagan. In fact, the word could even be used to mean an adulteress.
But now, months later, Ruth has come to know these locals and they have made her feel at home among them. She no longer sees herself as an outsider but as one of them. So now she uses a different phrase to identify herself to him – thine handmaid. It is still a humble description – a word used of a servant but not of an alien. A handmaid could marry a Jewish man.
Ruth’s willingness to change and adapt to the culture of God’s people reflects the change that took place within her when she first came to trust under the wings of the God of Israel back in Ruth 2:12. And now she identifies herself as an Israelite as much as anyone born in Bethlehem from the start.
From Boaz’ response in the next few verses, it is clear that he understood her to be asking him to marry her as her near kinsman. The Hebrew word she uses is Goel, a Kinsman Redeemer. Spreading his skirt over her would mean that he was assuming responsibility for her protection and provision – as a husband would. We see this same custom in Ezekiel 16:8 where God describes how He took the nation of Israel under His provision and protection as His wife. He says, when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine.
One other interesting thing here – Ruth says, spread... thy skirt over thine handmaiden, the skirt being the extra length of his cloak extending beyond his feet. The Hebrew word is “kanaph” – spread thy kanaph over thine handmaiden. This word has appeared before in the story, back in Ruth 2:12 where Boaz said to her, a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust. The word wings in that verse was also the word “kanaph”. Just as Ruth had come to trust under the protecting wings of the Lord, she wants the same kind of covering protection from the Lord’s servant, Boaz.
Rashi, a medieval French Rabbi and scholar who wrote extensive commentaries on the Old Testament, wrote this about Ruth’s request:
“When she said, ‘Spread your kanaph over your maidservant’ this was an allusion to what (God) said to the Jewish people at the time of the giving of the Torah (the Law of Moses), ‘I have borne you on the kanaphei (wings) of eagles, and brought you to me.’ Just as (God) showed his love for the Jewish people in this way, Ruth asked Boaz to show her the love of marriage.”
You know, when a person truly changes his attitude about God, it cannot help but change his attitude about God’s people as well. In fact, one of the proofs that the apostle John gives of a genuinely saved person is found in I John 3:14, we know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
That’s why back in chapter 1 Naomi could not persuade Ruth to go back home and marry a nice Moabite boy. Ruth had already come to trust in the God of Israel, so Moabite boys just weren’t good enough for her anymore. She longed for something better – she longed for a Boaz!
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.
How has Ruth showed more kindness in the latter end? And what was that lesser kindness that she had shown at the beginning? Well from the time that Boaz first met her back in Ruth 2:11, he was clearly impressed with the kindness she had shown her elderly mother-in-law. Remember what he said: It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother-in-law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore. That was her kindness at the beginning. But Boaz now says, you’ve outdone even that! How so?
It appears that Ruth’s youth, beauty and virtue would make her a prized wife for any eligible bachelor in Bethlehem. But, according to Jewish custom at that time, only a Kinsman Redeemer could raise up seed to continue the name of her departed husband. Boaz is a kinsman, but by no means a young man. And yet, Ruth is willing to forego all the handsome young suitors in order to assure Naomi that her dead husband’s lineage will not be lost forever. She is willing to marry a much older man who would very likely make her a premature widow again in just a few years. And although Ruth could not possibly know it, in so doing, she becomes the mother of an eternal heritage, an ancestress of the Messiah Himself! Through Ruth, a Savior will enter the world!
Boaz is really impressed that she followest not young men, whether rich or poor. She does not even keep company with them so as to avoid kindling any natural romantic affections that might sway her from her purpose. She is determined to bear a child by her aging Kinsman Redeemer so the baby can inherit the name and estate of Naomi’s late husband, Elimelech, as well as Ruth’s husband, Mahlon. It’s a determination every bit as strong as what she expressed to Naomi when she set out from Moab saying, “Your God will be my God, and may He strike me dead if I leave you!” We repeatedly see that once Ruth committed herself to something, there was no turning back for her.
So now, will Boaz accept the role of Kinsman Redeemer for Ruth, and more importantly, for Naomi who has no other hope for a decent future?
Of course, the Kinsman Redeemer is a picture of Jesus, the Redeemer of all mankind, who became the Elder Brother to the whole human race, first in line to redeem us all from the poverty and misery of sin. He is the Groom to His Bride, the Church. He is our Avenger to destroy the devil. He restores our dominion over the world that Adam lost. He delivers us from bondage to our sins.
And just as Ruth called upon Boaz to deliver her, all that any of us need to do is call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to deliver us from all the miseries of sin and Satan
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.
The word virtuous is the Hebrew word “chayil” – which has a variety of related meanings, including wealthy. In fact, when Boaz was called a mighty man of wealth back in Ruth 2:1, it was the very same word, chayil, that is used here for Ruth. In other words, they were “kindred spirits”!
Instead of rebuking her for acting inappropriately by laying at his feet, or being forward to propose marriage to him, he gives her a reassuring fear not. And he quickly adds, I will do to thee all that thou requirest. He hastens to get that assurance out before bringing up a complicating detail in the next verse – one that he will take care of without burdening her.
And the reason he is glad to do all of this is out of his genuine admiration for a woman of her character. He says, for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman. That’s an amazing statement considering the usual prejudice one would find in a close knit little community against outsiders – especially foreigners, especially poor ones, especially from an enemy nation. No doubt, Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi, one of their own, helped to overcome some of this. But the deciding factor was the humble, hardworking, dedicated demeanor of Ruth herself.
Years later, Ruth’s great, great grandson King Solomon will write a chapter in the Bible, Proverbs 31, that centuries of Bible students have referred to as The Virtuous Woman. The chapter starts off as if it’s Solomon’s own mother, Bath-Sheba, who is describing this virtuous woman to him – as David would have described to her. I can’t help but imagine that Solomon grew up hearing family stories of “Great Grandma Ruth”, and the virtuous character she displayed throughout her lifetime. I can’t help but wonder if she wasn’t the model that he was inspired to describe when he wrote that chapter. Well, whether it happened that way or not, this verse tells us that she certainly could have been, for Boaz, old and wise, and all of the city of his people recognizes her as the quintessential virtuous woman. Ruth is the only woman in the Bible who is ever called a virtuous woman.
But, happy as Boaz is to fulfill her request, there is one issue that has to be dealt with first, and here he informs her of a critical twist that neither Ruth nor Naomi had realized. Look at what he says in verse 12:
And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.
Oops! Now that could complicate things. Ruth has come to know and admire Boaz. He too has virtue. He is wise and kind. All the while she has been hoping to marry and provide an heir for Naomi, it’s Boaz that she has been focusing on. Apparently, it never even occurred to her or Naomi that there might be someone closer to them who would have a right to preempt her marriage to Boaz.
The Kinsman Redeemer was to be the closest male relative, in order of seniority, the paternal side taking precedence over the maternal side. Brothers would be first in line. Then uncles. Then cousins, then nephews and so on through second cousins, third, etcetera.
Since there turns out to be a surprise kinsman who is legally closer than Boaz, it would appear that these are somewhat distant kinships. Surely Naomi would have been aware if her husband had had brothers or her sons had had cousins that were closer.
And the fact that Boaz just happens to know off the top of his head who this nearer kinsman is suggests that he’s been doing a little research of his own on this. It suggests that the idea of his marrying Ruth is not a total surprise, that it has crossed his mind also, that he’s been preparing for the possibility on his end as well.
But who is this mystery kinsman? Is he half the man that Boaz has proven to be? Is he good? Is he competent? Is he generous? You can imagine the turmoil that would naturally be playing on Ruth’s mind with this unexpected announcement.
But back in verse 4, Naomi had assured Ruth that Boaz would tell her what to do, and now in verse 13 he says:
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.
He says, Tarry this night. Verse 8 said that it was about midnight when this conversation took place, so traveling back into the town in the darkness would have been hazardous for anyone, especially for a lone woman who had not grown up in that terrain.
But then he assures her that he will deal with this matter the very first thing in the morning. No doubt, he is as eager as Ruth to have the matter resolved.
Don’t miss the level of honesty and integrity that Boaz displays here. He could have kept the matter quiet. He could have married Ruth right away. He could have redeemed the property for himself. In the next chapter, when he informs the nearer kinsman of what’s going on, it’s clear that this closer relative knew nothing about this.
But despite his own feelings and possible anxiety over this complication, Boaz will deal with it in an honest and above board manner. The brief anxiety he may feel beforehand is far less than the guilt he would have felt ever afterward had he taken the less honorable path. Life is constantly presenting us with moments where we can take matters into our own hands when we should leave them in God’s – where we can scheme when we should trust. And if we learn to be honest in small matters, we will have developed a healthy habit to face major challenges with.
At this point, the risk is primarily his rather than Ruth’s, since she is now assured that she’ll have a kinsman to redeem her one way or the other. Obviously, she would prefer the kinsman she knows over this mystery man she has just learned of, but in either case, Naomi’s lineage and Elimelech’s name will not be lost. What is at stake now are the hearts of Ruth and Boaz who clearly have developed a noble affection for one another.
He swears, as the Lord liveth, an oath to seal his commitment if the other kinsman fails.
Verse 14 continues saying:
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.
The fact that she lay at his feet until morning assures us that there was nothing unwholesome taking place here. No doubt, Boaz was thinking through how he would approach this other kinsman now that things were actually in motion. By the time he acts in the next chapter, what he does and says looks very well thought out.
As soon as it’s light enough to cross the countryside, but before anyone could see clearly enough to identify anther in the distance, Boaz sends her home lest anyone seeing her should assume the worst.
Had he indeed been the nearest kinsman, then it would have been his duty to fulfill Ruth’s request. But now that it turns out he really isn’t, he tries to protect both her reputation and his. It is important for God’s people to avoid scandal as well as sin. Some people imagine that it doesn’t matter what men think so long as I know I’m right. And it’s true that a person must maintain a clean conscience, but we are also told to provide for honest things not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men, II Corinthians 8:21.
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, Proverbs 22:1.
God’s people must be careful to maintain a good testimony.
Also, while he is primarily protecting Ruth’s name and his, he is protecting the decision of the nearer kinsman as well. This man’s decision concerning Ruth could very well be affected if a scandal about her reached his ear –
which might serve the desire of Ruth and Boaz’ hearts, but at what a cost!
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.
You may recall that back when Boaz first met Ruth just a couple of months earlier he had given her a generous supply of grain – as much as she could carry home. And now he’s sending her back with all she can carry again. She hadn’t asked for any gifts, but he’s showering her with all she can handle because he loves her. Now that he’s hoping to make her his bride, he doesn’t want her gleaning in the fields like a beggar.
This is all happening at the end of the wheat harvest after the Jews celebrated the Feast of Weeks – what Christians call Pentecost. That’s when the Holy Spirit came down and filled the first Christians in Jerusalem. And ever since then, whenever another believer has called on the Lord to redeem him, He has sent His Spirit to dwell in the heart of yet another Christian. And just as Boaz gave Ruth all the fruit of the harvest she could carry, Jesus fills each of His followers with all the fruit of the Spirit that their yielded hearts can handle as well.
And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her.
When Naomi says, who art thou, my daughter, she’s not meaning, “Who’s that coming in my door?” She knows who it is, she’s expecting Ruth to return now, she calls her, my daughter. What she means is, “Are you still considered to be Ruth the Moabitess, or are you going to be the new Mrs. Boaz?”
And when Ruth answers, she doesn’t say, “Oh, don’t worry – it’s just me, Mom!” She tells Naomi what Boaz had said and done.
And whenever another sinner receives Christ as their Redeemer, the difference He makes in their lives causes those around them to wonder who this new person is. “Who are you and what have you done with my old party buddy?” II Corinthians 5:17 says, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new.
When someone is saved, they’re just not the same person they used to be any more. They have a completely new life before them. And Ruth now has a new life ahead of her.
17 And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law.
Ruth remembered what Boaz had said to her, and she tells her-mother-in law. And a follower of Christ remembers what Jesus said, and he shares it with those around him – especially those who are closest to him.
How much was this six measures of barley? A measure in the Bible is often the daily measure of food that a person would typically eat.
He says, go not empty unto thy mother-in-law, making it apparent that this generous gift was intended for Naomi, possibly as a dowry for Ruth. Evidently he expects the meeting with the other kinsman to go in his own favor. Since Naomi is regarded as Ruth’s mother, Boaz will have to ask her for Ruth’s hand.
Back in Ruth 1:21, a bitter Naomi had said, I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home again empty. But now she can say, I came home empty, and the Lord of the harvest has made me full again. Her prospects have suddenly changed from poverty to privilege. Her lineage had been a dead branch, now it’s a living vine. All things are become new!
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.
Boaz has shown his affection for Ruth, so there’s no doubt that he will do his best to become Ruth’s husband. At this point, there is nothing left for Ruth to do – the situation has reached a point where it is no longer in her power to control. And for many people, that is the hardest part of all – sitting still and waiting for God to do what we cannot. Look at how things turned out when people in the Bible took a shortcut rather than waiting on God:
Abraham took Hagar and had a child that fathered the Arab nations;
Esau couldn’t wait on a meal and sold his birthright;
King Saul offered sacrifices rather than waiting on Samuel and lost the kingdom.
But God gives His best to those who wait on Him.
By nature, we want to take things into our own hands and help God out – and some of us are even bigger control freaks than others. But usually, when we do that, we only make things more complicated.
If Ruth had gone into Bethlehem that day to help Boaz, she would have only gotten in the way and been perceived as a meddler.
Isaiah 30:7 says, their strength is to sit and wait. Indeed, it takes great strength to sit still and wait during anxious moments – a strength greater than most of us possess, a strength that God wants to give us.
I Peter 5:7 says to cast all your care upon him, for he careth for you.
When we cast our anxieties on His shoulders, He bears them with ease.
When you’ve done what you can, and you’ve done it as God says, then you can confidently sit still and wait upon Him to do what you cannot.
Here at the end of chapter 3, let’s take a moment to notice something. We typically think of Ruth as the main character in this story because most of the events are describing things she says and does.
And the book is named for her, and she’s surely the more heroic character.
But really, all that Ruth is doing in this story is for the benefit of Naomi – she’s the one in a desperate situation. Ruth is simply Naomi’s solution.
At the end of each chapter, we see Naomi responding to what has happened to her throughout the chapter.
At the end of the first chapter, she responded with bitterness to God’s chastening hand.
At the end of chapter 2, she responded with relief at Ruth’s good fortune in gleaning.
Now at the end of chapter 3, she appears to have a glimmer of hope for her future.
Would you like to have hope for your eternal future? Would you like for a loving Kinsman to redeem you?
If you’ve never turned from your sin to Christ for salvation, then right now, wherever you are, why not just call out to God something like this:
“God, be merciful to me, a sinner; I believe Christ died for my sins on the cross; I believe He rose to give me victory over death; I trust His sacrifice to pay for my pardon; I repent of my sins; I receive Your forgiveness by faith. I trust Your grace to deliver my soul on the judgment day – Amen!
