Ruth 3

How could Naomi ever instruct Ruth the way that she did in the opening of this chapter? These two women placed themselves at the mercy of one man. Could Boaz be trusted? Naomi believed in Boaz.

In an ancient world that we have a hard time understanding Ruth was making a bold statement that a woman today might speak in a very different way. She was saying with her actions that if Boaz would propose to her that she would be very pleased to marry him.

Ruth needed a “redeemer,” a close relative of her deceased husband, who would take another man's widow into his protective embrace. The wrong man would have been tempted to abuse this trust for his own gratification or to expose the woman to ridicule for the sport of a watching crowd.

The response of Boaz to Ruth's declaration was full of righteousness. He was able to see and affirm the great good in her bold action. He then pursued a sensible and obedient plan that placed this entire opportunity before the Lord God Almighty. He wanted to marry Ruth, to be her redeemer and protector, but he would pursue this holy desire in a way that would be right before God and the people of Bethlehem.

In the morning Boaz made sure to preserve the good name of Ruth and to avoid any unnecessary exposure that could have led to destructive gossip. He also provided food not only for Ruth, but also for her mother-in-law Naomi. This kind care communicated to Ruth and Naomi what the older woman already suspected: that Boaz was a man who could be trusted. His intentions were honorable, and his follow-through would be wise and deliberate.

Before the foundation of the world, the Son of God knew you as a part of His holy bride. The best child of Bethlehem came to earth in very humble circumstances, but He brought with Him the riches of the righteousness of heaven in His own perfect person. At just the right time He made His eternal purposes known to the world in His sacrificial death on the cross. He came to redeem you.

Jesus would never take advantage of you. He sees you in the best possible light, even clothed in His own righteousness and fully cleansed from sin as His glorious bride. The boldness of your love for Him may seem outrageous to some, but if you seem to approach Him first, it is only because you have come to know that He can be trusted. The truth is that you love Him because He first loved you.