Ruth 3:1-5 – Naomi Instructs Ruth
Ruth 3:6-15 – Boaz Pledges to Secure Redemption
Ruth 3:16-18 – Ruth Returns to Naomi Again
Ruth 4:1-12 – Boaz Arranges to Fulfill His Pledge
Ruth 4:13-22 – Conclusion: Naomi Filled, Geneology of David
Thoughts about serving others
This link includes a list of posts about Serving the Least, the Lost, and the Lonely.
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Let the Word evoke words. May your life encourage lives.
Act III happens to be Chapter 3 in Ruth. Naomi provides a plan to connect Ruth and Boaz, an earnest plan to reward Ruth for her faith and devotion to the Lord. “Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking” (3:3). I’m thinking she will be quite noticeable as one who has washed, changed and now wearing perfume compared to anyone else who’s been working in the fields…just sayin’.
During the night, Boaz awakes and finds his feet uncovered and Ruth laying there. “Who are you? he asked. I am your servant Ruth, she said. Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family” (3:9). Boaz receives the message and says, “I will do for you all you ask” (3:11), but he has some details to attend to first. He sends Ruth back to Naomi with a gift of six measures of barley. Naomi is pleased, she knows the hook is set, “Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the main will not rest until the matter is settled today” (3:18). End of Act III.
Boaz meets with the guardian-redeemer who is in-line to receive Ruth and Naomi to see if he objects to Boaz’s desire to redeem them. The deal is struck and the guardian-redeemer removes his sandal and Boaz is allowed to be the redeemer in front of the elders, sanctioned publicly. “Today you are witnesses that I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelek, Kilion and Mahlon. I have also acquired Ruth the Moabite, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife” (4:9-10a). The elders bless the transaction, “Through the offspring the Lord gives you by this young woman, may your family be like that of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah” (4:12). This is a significant blessing for Boaz. Boaz and Ruth have a son named Obed, “he was the father of Jesse, the father of David” (4:17).
This is a great story of honesty, integrity and patience. A shining example amid stories of idol worship and tragedy. Thanks Lord for the assurance that there is good among the bad!