BOOK OF RUTH: A STATEMENT OF REDEMPTION
RUTH 3:1-18
#bookofruth
INTRODUCTION / SERIES REMINDER
Welcome to week 3 of 4 as we work our way through the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament. Ruth is the 8th book overall in the Bible and is a historical narrative in short form as it only has four chapters containing a whopping 85 verses. The events of the book happen mostly in the little town of Bethlehem during the time of “the Judges” which was the very chaotic and violent time before the prophet Samuel ordained the first kings in Israel.
The first week we were in Ruth 1 we took note of Ruth’s wonderful statement of faith with which she confessed her faith in God, but also her willingness to stay with Naomi and die with her.
READ RUTH 1:16-17 (ESV)
But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.”
The second week we were in Ruth 2 we took note of Naomi’s statement of blessing which is not only the point of chapter 2, but also the central point of the entire book of Ruth. Ruth 2:20 is quite a significant verse.
READ RUTH 2:20 (ESV, ‘kinsman’ added)
“And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by the Lord, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!” Naomi also said to her, “The man is a close relative of ours, one of our kinsman-redeemers.”
This week we now come to chapter 3 and we will discover more about the term I asked you to keep in mind from last week… “kinsman-redeemer.” That word is important in Ruth and is important in chapters 3-4. Let’s read from Ruth 3:
READ RUTH 3:1-8 (ESV, ‘kinsman’ added)
Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you? 2 Is not Boaz our relative, with whose young women you were? See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. 3 Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. 4 But when he lies down, observe the place where he lies. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do.” 5 And she replied, “All that you say I will do.” 6 So she went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in-law had commanded 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 grain. Then she came softly and uncovered his feet and lay down. 8 At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and behold, a woman lay at his feet! 9 He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a kinsman-redeemer.”
POSSIBLE Ruth 3
00 "Seriously! I am trying to sleep here!" he replied. 00 "You woke me up because you are destitute and want someone to take care of you and your nagging old mother-in-law. 00 You should have stayed in Moab!” 00 At this, Boaz turned over and went back to sleep.”
That of course, is not how the passage goes. If the interaction had gone that way between Boaz and Ruth I am pretty sure we would not be studying this book. We know from what we have seen thus far that Boaz is a man of much integrity, but also he is quite attracted to Ruth both on the inside and the outside.
READ RUTH 3:8-18 (ESV, ‘kinsman’ added)
“At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and behold, a woman lay at his feet! 9 He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” 10 And he said, “May you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich. 11 And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman. 12 And now it is true that I am a kinsman-redeemer. Yet there is a kinsman-redeemer nearer than I. 13 Remain tonight, and in the morning, if he will redeem you, good; let him do it. But if he is not willing to redeem you, then, as the Lord lives, I will redeem you. Lie down until the morning.” 14 So she lay at his feet until the morning, but arose before one could recognize another. And he said, “Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.” 15 And he said, “Bring the garment you are wearing and hold it out.” So she held it, and he measured out six measures of barley and put it on her. Then she went into the city. 16 And when she came to her mother-in-law, she said, “How did you fare, my daughter?” Then she told her all that the man had done for her, 17 saying, “These six measures of barley he gave to me, for he said to me, ‘You must not go back empty-handed to your mother-in-law.’” 18 She replied, “Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today.”
TRANSITION
In Ruth 3, overall, we have an eye-catching statement of redemption. Before we get to that, we need to take a look at some basic facts about what happened on this threshing floor in the middle of the night between two consenting adults and then we will get to the statement of redemption.
THE BASICS: HANKY-PANKY-ISH AND A PROMISE
I cannot tell a lie. Ruth 3 contains some seriously suggestive elements that have led many folks to conclude certain intimate activities occurred between Boaz and Ruth on the threshing floor. Upon closer inspection, the interaction in the middle of the night on the threshing floor between two consenting adults did not involve any plowing or seed planting.
Ruth the Moabitess, following Naomi's instructions, goes to the threshing floor at night and lies down at the feet of Boaz after he falls asleep. Around midnight, Boaz wakes up startled finding a woman lying at his feet. Ruth identifies herself and asks Boaz to "spread the corner of your garment over me," which is a symbolic request for protection or marriage from a kinsman-redeemer.
The phrase “uncovering feet” is thought by some to have been a euphemism for she pulled down the covers exposing Boaz showing him her desire for intimacy. However, in context, the phrase appears more likely to have been literal as she uncovers his feet to wake him up as he got cold. Ruth’s tone is also purposefully retrained with no overt acts which might lead to sex. The request for Boaz to “spread [his] garment” is a culturally appropriate way to ask for marriage.
We can conclude this for two reasons:
First, Boaz has already used this type of language with her in chapter 2 when he mentions her faith and the blessing he wants for her from God. Ruth spreads Boaz’s covers over herself asking him to be her refuge as he has already stated God has done for her. There is some parallel there.
READ RUTH 2:12 (ESV)
“The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!”
In addition, we see this exact phrasing in Ezekiel 16:8. The context of verse 8 is God describing how He is the groom and Israel is the bride. This is consistent imagery in the prophets and even extends all the way to the New Testament where Jesus Christ is the groom and the Church is the Bride of Christ (Matthew 9:15, Matthew 25, Ephesians 5:25-27).
READ EZEKIEL 16:8 (ESV)
“When I passed by you again and saw you, behold, you were at the age for love, and I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your nakedness; I made my vow to you and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Lord God, and you became Mine.”
Yes, God uses sexually-charged wording to describe covenants and His intimate relationship with His people. That is actually also the whole point of the Book of Hosea in how God frames His relationship with His people So, in Ruth 3, on the threshing floor in the middle of the night, Ruth is absolutely being romantic and forward and even a little provocative, but we do not necessarily see a sexual proposition and the fulfillment of it.
Boaz, as we have discovered, is a Godly man apparently with an iron-clad will as he praises Ruth’s virtue, her request, and does not take advantage of her in any way. He emphasizes doing things properly by first consulting the closer kinsman.
TRANSITION
So those are the basics of what happens in chapter 3 thus far, but then we move on to the wonderful statement of redemption. I want you to know that the Book of Ruth appears in the Bible for two reasons. The first reason is because in the flow of the history of Israel, King David was one of the most significant people God used to bring out His purposes. He would be on par with Abraham and Moses. 2 Samuel 7 is a very significant chapter in which God makes a covenant with David that leads directly to the Messiah… Jesus. The second reason is Jesus. This use of the term “kinsman-redeemer” is a hint at what God will do though Jesus to bring about salvation. The redemption mention in the Book of Ruth is a hint at the redemption God will do through His Son Jesus.
The statement of redemption in Ruth 3 is significant. Boaz says:
RE-READ RUTH 3:10-13 (ESV)
“And he said, “May you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich. 11 And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman. 12 And now it is true that I am a kinsman-redeemer. Yet there is a kinsman-redeemer nearer than I. 13 Remain tonight, and in the morning, if he will redeem you, good; let him do it. But if he is not willing to redeem you, then, as the Lord lives, I will redeem you.”
Boaz says, even with an oath to the Lord, that he will see Ruth and Naomi cared for. This why at the end of the chapter in verse 18 Naomi says in no uncertain terms, “the man will not rest but will settle the matter today.”
A STATEMENT OF REDEMPTION
As I said, there is a rich and beautiful comparison between what happens in Ruth 3 and what God does through Jesus Christ. One is connected to the other.
#1 The term “kinsman-redeemer” (goel) is a particular term. A kinsman-redeemer had to be a close relative with both the right and ability to redeem debt, orphans, and widows. The person had to be near to you and related by blood. Jesus became one of us, our near kinsman through the incarnation. Jesus took on flesh so He could legally and lovingly redeem us from sin and death.
READ JOHN 1:14 (ESV)
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
#2 Remember, the term “kinsman-redeemer” (goel) is a particular term and could not just be anyone, but had to have the will, means, and family authority to do the redeeming. Boaz is wealthy, upright, single, and is willing and able to redeem Ruth, the debt, and take Naomi into his home. How does that relate to Jesus? Jesus Christ has both the power (divine ability) and the right as the sinless Son of Man to redeem us. He is worthy. He has the power.
We know He is worthy and has the power because in the Book of Revelation the Apostle John wept because no one in Heaven was worthy or able to open the scrolls. No one could redeem or pay the ransom for sinners. Then, He saw the Lion of the tribe of Judah Who was the Root of David that looked like a slain lamb… He was worthy. John sees a vision of Jesus Christ.
READ REVELATION 5:9-10 (ESV)
“And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the scroll and to open its seals, for You were slain, and by Your blood You ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, 10 and You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”
#3 We also see that in the Gospel message; salvation is not given automatically. A person is not automatically saved or redeemed. Being in the Kingdom of God is not inherited. Joining the family of God as a redeemed son or daughter is not ever forced. A person who wants to be redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ must come to God in faith and submission. Ruth does that. Ruth approaches Boaz at night by humbly lying at his feet and asking for him to pay her debts and take her into his home. This is an act of faith, humility, and vulnerability as she is entrusting her whole future and Naomi’s whole future to him. When you and I come to Christ humbly, acknowledging our need for redemption, He saves us. Redemption begins when we approach the Redeemer with believing loyalty and trust. Jesus Himself says in Matthew 11…
READ MATTHEW 11:28-30 (ESV)
“Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”
#4 The words that Ruth says to Boaz in her request is also a hint at what Jesus Christ will do. Ruth uses covenant words to ask for redemption. The words “spread your garment over me” speaks to the covering of the covenant of God over the people of Israel. This is covenant language where she is asking for protection, provision, and belonging. Jesus Christ spreads His “garment” over us by offering the provision of forgiveness, protection of the Spirit, and adoption into His family.
The Apostle Paul uses this kind of language in Galatians 3…
READ GALATIANS 3:24-27 (ESV)
“So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
#5 The verse we read a moment ago from Galatians also shows us another connection between the Book of Ruth and Jesus. We read from Galatians 3:24 which said that there is something very close to us that lays claim to us that Jesus deals with:
RE-READ GALATIANS 3:24 (ESV)
“So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.”
There is a claimant on your soul. Sin claims our souls. The Law of God points out that sin, but does nothing to permanently redeem us into the Family of God. Boaz mentions a closer relative who has the first right to redeem. There is someone closer by blood than him so they must deal with him first. Boaz insists redemption must be done properly and lawfully. Sin and the Law has first claim on us because of our choices against God. Yet, Jesus Christ knew this and fulfilled the Law perfectly, satisfying its claim and redeeming us righteously. This is what the Apostle Paul means in Romans 8…
READ ROMANS 8:3-4 (ESV)
“For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”
#6 A final hint about the connection between the “kinsman-redeemer” Boaz and Jesus Christ is Boaz’s willingness to shift his whole life to redeem all the debt and baggage that Ruth and Naomi carry. Willingness is key. Willingness was key for Jesus as well.
READ JOHN 10:17-18
“For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from My Father.”
Boaz says in verse 11, “I will do for you all that you ask.” He is eager, willing, and able to fix the brokenness and redeem, not reluctant. Redemption, our redemption, is not ever forced, but is the result of love and obedience.
TRANSITION
For these reasons and so many more the “kinsman-redeemer” term in Ruth ties directly to the plan of YHWH God through Jesus Christ to redeem us. I am going to summarize and then give you another homework assignment.
SUMMARY
#1 We see the term “kinsman-redeemer” is a particular term meaning a close blood relative with both the right and ability to redeem debt which previews that Jesus became one of us, our near kinsman, so He could legally and lovingly redeem us from sin and death.
#2 We see the term “kinsman-redeemer” could not just be anyone, but that person had to have the will, means, and family authority to do the redeeming which shows us that Jesus Christ has both the power and the right to redeem us.
#3 We see that Ruth went to Boaz and asked humbly for Boaz to redeem her and Noami showing us that redemption in Christ begins when we humbly approach Him with believing loyalty and trust.
#4 We see Boaz agreeing to cover over Ruth’s debt which is a preview of Jesus covering over our sin debt.
#5 We see that Boaz had to deal with a nearer-claimant to Ruth first before the redemption could happen showing us that Jesus Christ is more than capable of satisfying the requirements of the Law of God in forgiving sin.
#6 Lastly, we see that just like Boaz, Jesus Christ was willing to pay the debt.
Boaz says in verse 11, “I will do for you all that you ask.” He is eager, willing, and able to fix the brokenness and redeem, not reluctant. Redemption, our redemption, is not ever forced, but is the result of love and obedience.
The Book of Ruth is a preview of how God would work through the generations to bring about the salvation of humanity through Jesus Christ. This is not a metaphor, but Ruth 4 reminds us (as we saw last week), that these same individuals are literally and physically in the lineage of Jesus of Nazareth.
HOMEWORK
So, here is your homework: If you have not completed last few weeks’ homework from Ruth 1 and 2, please continue to work on your statement of faith focusing on what you believe and the testimony about God’s unfailing lovingkindness.
Your homework for Ruth 3 is a little bit different. It requires willingness, a blanket, time in prayer, and some reflection.
* Willingness to do the homework even if it feels a little awkward.
* Grab a blanket.
* Set aside some time to pray. As you begin to pray, pull the blanket around you as you pray and let it cover you the whole time you pray.
* Start your prayer with these particular words:
“I am _____, your servant. Spread Your wings over your servant, for You are my Redeemer.”
As you pray, thank the Lord for His forgiveness in your life and explore places where you still need to be redeemed.
End your prayer with these particular words: “I am _____, your servant. Spread Your wings over your servant, for You are my Redeemer.”
* Then cut a small square off the blanket and hand it to any elder of CCC letting them know you did the homework. The small cut in your blanket will also remind you of the redemption you have in Christ.
So here is a summary of your homework which involves willingness, a blanket, time in prayer, and some reflection. Spend time in prayer with a blanket wrapped around you as you thank God for how He has saved you and pray for forgiveness in places where you need it. Cut a piece off of the blanket and give it to an elder.
PRAYER
INVITATION
In the events on the threshing floor, Ruth asked Boaz to spread his cloak over her to cover over her debt. All of us have sin debt. How is yours being paid? Is your blood on your own head? Have you surrendered to Jesus and asked Him to cover over your shame and sin and debt with God? If not, now is the time! Jesus Christ lived, died, and rose again that we might be covered.
