Berean Study Bible Ruth’s Redemption AssuredAfter returning to Bethlehem, Naomi sought to secure Ruth’s future. Though Ruth was a Moabite, Naomi received her as family and remained concerned for her welfare. Rut 2:20 Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed… “My daughter, Naomi spoke with affection and authority, recognizing Ruth’s faithful devotion and treating her as her own child. Rut 2:22 And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law Ruth, “My daughter,… should I not seek a resting place for you, Naomi desired to find Ruth a settled home through marriage, where she would have protection, provision, and a place within a household. Rut 1:9 May the LORD enable each of you to find rest… that it may be well with you? Her concern was not for her own advantage but for Ruth’s lasting security. Naomi’s plan would soon bring Ruth into the family line of Boaz and, ultimately, of David. Deu 5:33 You must walk in all the ways that the LORD your God… Now is not Boaz, with whose servant girls you have been working, a relative of ours? Boaz was a respected and prosperous man in Bethlehem and a relative of Naomi’s late husband. His family connection made him a potential kinsman-redeemer, one able to help preserve the family’s property and line in a time of loss. Ruth’s continued work alongside Boaz’s servant girls showed her diligence and the protection and favor she had received in his fields. Lev 25:25 If your brother becomes impoverished, his nearest of kin… In fact, tonight he is winnowing barley on the threshing floor. At harvest time, grain was threshed and winnowed on an open, elevated floor where evening winds carried away the chaff. Boaz’s presence there indicates that the barley harvest was nearing completion and that he was personally overseeing his grain. The threshing floor became the setting for Naomi’s plan, which would bring Ruth and Boaz into a decisive encounter concerning redemption and marriage. Mat 3:12 His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing… Therefore wash yourself, Naomi instructs Ruth to prepare for a change in her circumstances. Washing marked the end of mourning and readied her for an important occasion. 2Ki 5:10 Then Elisha sent him a messenger, who said, “Go and wash… put on perfume, Ruth was to present herself with dignity and care as she approached Boaz, showing that she was no longer remaining in the outward posture of widowhood. Est 2:12 In the twelve months before her turn to go to King Xerxes,… and wear your best clothes. Her change of clothing signaled hope for a new household and a future beyond her loss. Est 5:1 On the third day, Esther put on her royal robes.… Go down to the threshing floor, Boaz was overseeing the winnowing of grain after the harvest. The threshing floor was a public work site, though activity would diminish after the workers had eaten and settled for the night. Gen 50:10 When they reached the threshing floor of Atad… but do not let the man know you are there Naomi’s instructions guarded Ruth’s reputation and allowed her to approach Boaz privately without causing misunderstanding. Gen 31:35 Rachel said to her father, “Sir, do not be angry… until he has finished eating and drinking. Boaz’s meal followed a successful harvest day. Ruth was to wait until his work and hospitality were complete before making her request. 1Sa 1:9 So after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh… When he lies down, Boaz remained at the threshing floor during harvest to guard the grain after the day’s work. Naomi’s instructions assume a public setting where workers slept near the produce. 1Ki 19:5 Then he lay down under the broom tree… note the place where he lies. Ruth needed to identify Boaz clearly and approach him without confusion or disturbance. 1Sa 3:2 And at that time Eli, whose eyesight had grown so dim… Then go in and uncover his feet, This would awaken Boaz later in the night and place Ruth at his feet in a humble appeal for his protection as a kinsman-redeemer. Deu 25:9 his brother’s widow shall go up to him in the presence… and lie down, Ruth’s position at Boaz’s feet expressed dependence and respect, not immoral intent. Her conduct followed Naomi’s careful instructions and left the matter in Boaz’s hands. Gen 28:11 On reaching a certain place, he spent the night there… and he will explain to you what you should do.” Boaz would tell Ruth how he intended to proceed concerning her request and the family’s right of redemption. 1Sa 10:8 And you shall go before me to Gilgal, and surely… “I will do everything you say,” Ruth accepted Naomi’s counsel and entrusted herself to the customs of Israel concerning a family redeemer. Her loyalty to Naomi included a willingness to seek security within Naomi’s people and under the God of Israel. Jhn 2:5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.” Ruth answered. Her immediate response reveals faithfulness and courage. By following Naomi’s plan, Ruth moved toward the redemption and preservation of their family line, leading to her marriage to Boaz and her place in the ancestry of David and the Messiah. 1Sa 3:10 Then the LORD came and stood there, calling as before,… So she went down to the threshing floor The threshing floor, usually located on open, elevated ground where evening winds aided winnowing, was a busy harvest setting but became quiet after the work was finished. Ruth’s descent placed her at a decisive moment in the preservation of Naomi’s family and inheritance. 2Sa 24:18 And that day Gad came to David and said to him,… and did everything her mother-in-law had instructed her to do. Ruth carried out Naomi’s plan with humility and trust. Her actions followed the accepted custom of seeking help from a qualified family redeemer, though Boaz would still need to address the nearer relative. Her loyalty to Naomi and submission to God’s providence prepared the way for Boaz’s redemption of their household and for the family line that would lead to David and ultimately the Messiah. Jhn 2:5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.” After Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, After the day’s labor, the harvest provided a fitting occasion for gratitude and celebration. Boaz’s contentment reflected the successful gathering of grain and God’s provision. 1Sa 25:36 When Abigail returned to Nabal, there he was… he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. As owner of the field, Boaz remained near the grain on the threshing floor, helping guard the harvest through the night. Rut 2:17 So Ruth gathered grain in the field until evening.… Then Ruth went in secretly, Ruth followed Naomi’s instructions carefully and approached without drawing attention. Her actions required courage and discretion, since a nighttime encounter at the threshing floor could easily be misunderstood. Jos 2:1-2 Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies… uncovered his feet, and lay down. Ruth placed herself at Boaz’s feet as a humble appeal for his protection and for him to fulfill the responsibilities of a kinsman-redeemer. Her conduct was restrained and purposeful, setting the stage for Boaz to respond honorably. 1Sa 24:3 Soon Saul came to the sheepfolds along the road, … At midnight, At midnight, the night had reached its quietest hour, making any unexpected event especially startling. Exo 12:29 Now at midnight the LORD struck down every firstborn male… Boaz was startled, Boaz awoke suddenly and realized that someone was lying near him on the threshing floor. Luk 1:12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled… turned over, The phrase “turned over” indicates that Boaz responded immediately to the disturbance. Job 7:4 When I lie down I think: ‘When will I get up?’… and there lying at his feet Ruth had followed Naomi’s instructions and placed herself at Boaz’s feet to seek his attention as a near kinsman able to redeem her family’s inheritance. Luk 7:38 As she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began… was a woman! Her presence was unusual, yet her conduct was honorable and her purpose clear: she sought the protection and redemption available through Boaz. 2Ki 4:27 When she reached the man of God at the mountain,… “Who are you?” he asked. Awakened in the darkness on the threshing floor, Boaz could not immediately recognize the woman at his feet. Landowners commonly slept near the harvested grain to guard it. Jhn 8:25 “Who are You?” they asked. “Just what I have been…”… “I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. Ruth identifies herself with humility and places herself under Boaz’s care. Though a Moabite widow, she has shown faithful devotion to Naomi and to Israel’s God. Luk 1:38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered.… “Spread the corner of your garment over me, Ruth asks Boaz to receive her into his protection and to make a covenant commitment to her as a husband. Ezk 16:8 Then I passed by and saw you, and you were old enough… for you are a kinsman-redeemer.” Boaz is a close relative with the ability to preserve Naomi’s family inheritance and provide security for Ruth. Ruth’s request calls him to act on behalf of their family, and Boaz’s response reveals both his righteousness and his willingness to redeem. Lev 25:25 If your brother becomes impoverished, his nearest of kin… Then Boaz said, Boaz responds to Ruth’s request with dignity and warmth. As a respected landowner and close relative of Naomi’s family, he recognizes both the seriousness of her appeal and the faithfulness it represents. Rut 2:4 Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem… “May the LORD bless you, He asks the covenant God of Israel to favor Ruth, acknowledging the Lord’s rule over the circumstances before them. Num 6:24-26 ‘May the LORD bless you and keep you;… my daughter. Boaz addresses Ruth with protective respect, reflecting his position as an older and honorable man within the community. Rut 2:8 Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter.… You have shown more kindness now than before, Ruth’s earlier kindness was her steadfast commitment to Naomi. Her present kindness is her willingness to seek marriage within Elimelech’s family line, preserving the name and inheritance of her deceased husband. Rut 1:8 Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law,… because you have not run after the younger men, Rather than seeking a marriage based on youth or personal preference, Ruth has acted with loyalty toward Naomi’s family and according to the responsibilities of a kinsman-redeemer. Gen 38:11 Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar,… whether rich or poor. Her choice was not driven by wealth, status, or advantage, but by faithful concern for Naomi and the household of her late husband. Pro 22:2 The rich and the poor have this in common:… And now do not be afraid, my daughter. Boaz calms Ruth after her bold appeal at the threshing floor. His address conveys tenderness, protection, and the respectful care expected of an older kinsman toward a younger woman. Rut 2:8 Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter.… I will do for you whatever you request, Boaz accepts the responsibility Ruth has placed before him and pledges to act honorably. As a close relative, he is willing to seek the redemption of Naomi’s family property and preserve the name of Ruth’s deceased husband. 1Ki 3:5 One night at Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream,… since all my fellow townspeople know Ruth’s conduct had become known throughout Bethlehem. Her devotion to Naomi, diligent labor, and modest behavior had earned the respect of the community. 3Jn 1:12 Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone… that you are a woman of noble character. Though Ruth was a Moabite widow, her faithfulness and integrity marked her as a worthy woman. Her character, rather than her background, commended her before Boaz and the people of Bethlehem. Pro 31:10 A wife of noble character, who can find?… Yes, it is true that I am a kinsman-redeemer, Boaz confirms that he is a close relative with the legal ability to redeem Ruth and the property connected to Naomi’s family. Under Israel’s law, a kinsman-redeemer could preserve a family’s inheritance and raise up the name of a deceased relative. Boaz is willing to assume this responsibility. Rut 2:20 Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed… but there is a redeemer nearer than I. Another relative stood closer in the family line and therefore held the first right to redeem. Boaz refuses to bypass that man’s claim, showing respect for God’s law and for the established rights of the family. His careful conduct prepares the way for the lawful redemption of Ruth and Naomi’s inheritance. Rut 4:1-6 Meanwhile, Boaz went to the gate and sat down there.… Stay here tonight, Boaz provided Ruth with safety through the night, protecting her from danger and guarding her reputation in a setting where a widow without close family support was vulnerable. Jdg 19:6 So they sat down and the two of them ate and drank together.… and in the morning, if he wants to redeem you, good. Let him redeem you. A nearer relative held the first right to act as kinsman-redeemer, preserving the family’s property and providing for Naomi’s household through marriage to Ruth. Boaz would not bypass that man’s lawful claim. Rut 4:1-4 Meanwhile, Boaz went to the gate and sat down there.… But if he does not want to redeem you, as surely as the LORD lives, I will. Boaz bound himself before the LORD to redeem Ruth if the nearer relative declined. His promise reveals both his desire to marry her and his commitment to act honorably within God’s law. Rut 4:5-6 Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the land…… Now lie here until morning.” Ruth remained under Boaz’s protection until daylight, when she could leave without exposing either of them to suspicion. The night ended with her future entrusted to the LORD’s providence and Boaz’s faithful action. Gen 24:54-56 Then he and the men with him ate and drank… So she lay down at his feet until morning, Ruth followed Naomi’s instructions and remained in a position of humility before Boaz. Her conduct was honorable, seeking his protection and willingness to act as her kinsman-redeemer rather than pursuing any improper relationship. 1Sa 25:23-24 When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off the donkey,… but she got up before anyone else could recognize her. She left while it was still dark to prevent gossip or misunderstanding. Both Ruth and Boaz guarded their reputations in a close-knit community where her presence at the threshing floor could easily be misrepresented. Gen 27:15-16 And Rebekah took the finest clothes in the house… Then Boaz said, “Do not let it be known that a woman came to the threshing floor.” Boaz acted to protect Ruth’s honor while he prepared to address the matter of redemption openly and lawfully. His concern showed the integrity with which he intended to handle his responsibility toward her. Pro 25:9-10 Argue your case with your neighbor without betraying… And he told her, “Bring the shawl you are wearing and hold it out.” Ruth’s shawl, a customary outer garment, could also be used to carry grain. Boaz provided for her needs while preserving her dignity and demonstrating his continuing care for both Ruth and Naomi. Ezk 16:8 Then I passed by and saw you, and you were old enough… When she did so, he poured in six measures of barley and placed it on her. The substantial gift of barley gave Ruth and Naomi immediate food and assured Naomi that Boaz intended to act on Ruth’s behalf. 2Ki 4:42-44 Now a man from Baal-shalishah came to the man of God… Then he went into the city. Boaz returned to the city gate to settle the matter of redemption publicly and lawfully. Rut 4:1 Meanwhile, Boaz went to the gate and sat down there.… When Ruth returned to her mother-in-law, When Ruth returned to her mother-in-law, she brought Naomi the outcome of her nighttime meeting with Boaz. Her return reflected the trust and devotion that had bound the two women together since leaving Moab. Rut 1:22 So Naomi returned from the land of Moab… Naomi asked her, “How did it go, my daughter?” Naomi eagerly awaited news because Ruth’s future and the preservation of their family depended on whether Boaz would act as their redeemer. 2Ki 4:26 Please run out now to meet her and ask, ‘Are you all right?… Then Ruth told her all that Boaz had done for her. Ruth reported Boaz’s gracious response, his promise to address the matter, and the provision he had given her. His actions showed honorable concern for Ruth and Naomi and moved the family toward restoration. Rut 2:19 Then her mother-in-law asked her, “Where did you glean today… And she said, Ruth faithfully reported Boaz’s actions and words to Naomi, whose counsel had guided her through the harvest and the encounter at the threshing floor. Rut 2:18 She picked up the grain and went into the town,… “He gave me these six measures of barley, Boaz sent a substantial gift of barley for Naomi as well as Ruth, showing continued concern for their household and providing immediate help while the matter of redemption was being settled. Rut 2:17 So Ruth gathered grain in the field until evening.… for he said, His gift was deliberate and accompanied by a clear instruction. 1Sa 25:18-19 Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread… ‘Do not go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’” Naomi had returned to Bethlehem grieving that she had come back empty, but Boaz’s provision marked the beginning of her restoration. His kindness toward both women reflected his commitment to act honorably as their kinsman-redeemer. Rut 1:21 I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back… “Wait, my daughter,” said Naomi, Naomi speaks with tender confidence after hearing Boaz’s response. Ruth had done all that was required, and the matter now rested with Boaz. Lam 3:25-26 The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,… “until you find out how things go, Ruth must patiently await the outcome of Boaz’s efforts to secure her redemption and protect Naomi’s family inheritance. 2Ch 20:17 You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions… for he will not rest Boaz had shown himself honorable and decisive. He intended to address the nearer redeemer and settle the legal responsibility without delay. Isa 62:1 For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent… unless he has resolved the matter today.” The decision would determine Ruth’s future, Naomi’s security, and the preservation of Elimelech’s family line. Boaz’s prompt action prepared the way for Ruth to become his wife and an ancestor of David. Mat 5:25 Reconcile quickly with your adversary,… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
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