Ruth 3: Ruth's Bold Request at the Threshing Floor

Short answer: Ruth 3 recounts Naomi's plan for Ruth to seek rest by approaching Boaz at the threshing floor. Ruth follows the plan, and Boaz responds with kindness, promising to settle the matter of redemption, while noting a nearer kinsman.

What Ruth 3 says

Naomi, concerned for Ruth's security, devises a plan. She instructs Ruth to wash, anoint herself, dress, and go to the threshing floor where Boaz will be winnowing barley. Ruth is to wait until Boaz has eaten and drunk, then uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell her what to do. Ruth agrees to do all that Naomi says. This plan reflects Naomi's desire for Ruth's well-being and rest, and Ruth's trust in her mother-in-law's guidance.

Ruth goes to the threshing floor and does everything Naomi told her. After Boaz eats and drinks and lies down, Ruth approaches softly, uncovers his feet, and lies down. At midnight, Boaz is startled and turns to find a woman at his feet. He asks who she is, and she identifies herself as Ruth, asking him to spread the corner of his garment over her because he is a near kinsman. This act is a request for protection and redemption, rooted in the customs of the time.

Boaz responds with blessing and reassurance. He praises Ruth for her kindness in choosing him rather than younger men, and tells her not to fear, for he will do all she asks. He acknowledges that she is a worthy woman known by all the city. However, he notes that there is a kinsman nearer than he. He instructs her to stay the night, and in the morning, if the nearer kinsman will redeem her, good; but if not, Boaz himself will redeem her, as Yahweh lives. She lies at his feet until morning.

Before dawn, Ruth rises, and Boaz instructs that her visit not be known. He gives her six measures of barley to take to Naomi. When Ruth returns, Naomi asks how it went, and Ruth tells her all that Boaz did. Naomi responds that Ruth should wait, for Boaz will not rest until the matter is settled that day. The chapter ends with anticipation of the resolution to come, highlighting Boaz's commitment and Naomi's confidence in his word.

Verses that carry the chapter

• “Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, shall I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you?” (Ruth 3:1) — Naomi's question reveals her deep care for Ruth's future and rest, setting the stage for the entire chapter's action. It shows that Naomi is not passive but actively seeks Ruth's well-being.
• “He said, “Who are you?” (Ruth 3:9) She answered, “I am Ruth your servant. Therefore spread the corner of your garment over your servant; for you are a near kinsman.” (Ruth 3:9)” (Ruth 3:9) — Ruth's request for Boaz to spread his garment over her is a pivotal moment, as she openly asks for redemption and protection. It demonstrates her boldness and trust in Boaz's character.
• “Now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do to you all that you say; for all the city of my people knows that you are a worthy woman.” (Ruth 3:11) — Boaz's reassurance and praise of Ruth's worthiness affirm her standing in the community and his willingness to act on her behalf. It highlights the theme of kindness and reputation.
• “Then she said, “Wait, my daughter, until you know what will happen; for the man will not rest until he has settled this today.” (Ruth 3:18)” (Ruth 3:18) — Naomi's final instruction to wait reflects her confidence that Boaz will fulfill his promise without delay. It underscores the theme of rest and trust in the resolution of the matter.

Gospel connection

The chapter points forward to the greater redemption found in Christ. Boaz, as a near kinsman, is willing to redeem Ruth, but he must first deal with a nearer kinsman. This mirrors the work of Jesus, who became our kinsman in the flesh and redeemed us at great cost. Ruth's request for covering and Boaz's promise of redemption foreshadow the covering of sin and the redemption believers receive through Christ. The chapter also highlights the theme of rest, which finds its ultimate fulfillment in the rest that Jesus offers to all who come to him.

Application

This chapter invites readers to trust in God's provision through wise counsel and bold action. Like Ruth, we may need to step out in faith, following the guidance of those who care for us. It also challenges us to act with integrity and kindness, as Boaz did, ensuring that our dealings with others reflect God's love. Finally, it encourages patience, waiting for God to settle matters in His timing, as Naomi instructed Ruth.

Biblical fidelity check

The chapter does not specify the exact nature of the threshing floor setting beyond the winnowing of barley. It does not claim that Ruth's approach was romantic in a modern sense, nor does it detail Boaz's emotions beyond being startled. The text is silent on the identity of the nearer kinsman and on what Ruth did while lying at Boaz's feet until morning. It also does not state that Boaz gave the barley as a betrothal gift, only as a provision for Naomi.

Questions for study

1. What does Naomi's plan in verses 1-5 reveal about her concern for Ruth's future and rest?
2. Why do you think Ruth agreed to follow Naomi's instructions without question, and what does this say about their relationship?
3. How does Boaz's response to Ruth in verses 10-13 demonstrate his character and his respect for the law?
4. What significance does the six measures of barley have in the story, and how does it show Boaz's care for Naomi?
5. How does Naomi's advice in verse 18 reflect her faith and her understanding of Boaz's commitment?

Keep reading

Related studies: Ruth 1 Bible Study, Ruth 2 Bible Study, Ruth 4 Bible Study.

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FAQ

Why did Naomi tell Ruth to uncover Boaz's feet?

The text does not explain the custom, but it was a way for Ruth to quietly signal her request for redemption and to seek Boaz's protection without public scandal.

What does it mean that Boaz spread his garment over Ruth?

In the context, it was a symbolic act of claiming Ruth as a wife and taking responsibility for her, as she requested him to do as a near kinsman.

Why did Boaz give Ruth six measures of barley?

He gave it as a gift for Naomi, so that Ruth would not return empty-handed, showing his generosity and care for their household.