Ruth 3: Boaz The Kinsman Redeemer

Introduction: The Book of Ruth, nestled in the Old Testament, is a beautiful narrative showcasing love, loyalty, faith, and redemption. Ruth 3, in particular, is rich with divine blueprints for our lives. Drawing from the deep well of this chapter, we can examine the theological undertones present in this succinct, yet profound account. As we look deeper into Ruth 3, we will cross-reference 12 verses from the Bible to provide a comprehensive understanding of the chapter.

I. Ruth 3:1 – The Quest for Rest

Naomi, Ruth’s mother-in-law, in her wisdom and love, seeks a home where Ruth may find rest (Ruth 3:1). This echoes Matthew 11:28-29 where Jesus beckons all who are weary to find rest in Him. It is a divine blueprint that God desires our comfort and peace.

II. Ruth 3:2-4 – The Plan

Naomi devises a plan for Ruth to propose to Boaz, their kinsman-redeemer. This mirrors God’s redemptive plan for humanity through Jesus, our Redeemer (John 3:16, Ephesians 1:7). Naomi’s plan underpins the divine blueprint of redemption through a Kinsman-Redeemer.

III. Ruth 3:5-6 – Obedience

Ruth agrees to Naomi’s plan and acts accordingly. This underlines the importance of obedience to God as shown in 1 Samuel 15:22 and John 14:15. It aligns with the divine blueprint that obedience to God’s will leads to blessing.

IV. Ruth 3:7-9 – Proposal and Redemption

Ruth proposes to Boaz, who recognizes her as a woman of noble character (Proverbs 31:10). There is a parallel to Ephesians 5:25-27, where Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her. The divine blueprint illustrates that redemption is possible because of love.

V. Ruth 3:10-13 – Boaz’s Willingness and Assurance

Boaz agrees to take Ruth as his wife if he is rightfully allowed to do so (Deuteronomy 25:5-6). His willingness mirrors God’s willingness to accept us when we turn to Him (John 6:37). This unveils a divine blueprint: God’s willingness to redeem us.

VI. Ruth 3:14-15 – Protection and Provision

Boaz protects Ruth’s reputation and provides for her (Philippians 4:19). This aligns with God’s promise to protect and provide for His children, revealing a divine blueprint of God’s parental care.

VII. Ruth 3:16-18 – Naomi’s Assurance

Naomi assures Ruth that Boaz will not rest until he settles the matter. This reflects God’s commitment to fulfilling His plans for us, as stated in Philippians 1:6, underlining the divine blueprint of God’s unwavering faithfulness.

Conclusion: Ruth 3 illuminates the theological foundation embedded in the narrative. While the story unfolds as a historical event, the spiritual underpinnings provide a divine blueprint: God seeks our rest, redeems us through His plan, blesses obedience, overwhelms us with His love, willingly accepts us, provides protection and provision, and remains faithful to His promises. As we navigate life, let the divine blueprint from Ruth 3 guide us, reminding us of God’s deep love and commitment towards us.

You might be interested in exploring more about the concept of “kinsman redeemer” in biblical theology. Kinsman redeemer, also known as “go’el” in Hebrew, plays a crucial role in the Book of Ruth. To delve deeper into this topic, you can visit the Kinsman redeemer article on Wikipedia. Additionally, if you want to gain a comprehensive understanding of the narrative and theological undertones in the Book of Ruth, you can find valuable insights in the Book of Ruth article.