Ruth 3:1-6 is about Ruth seeking guidance from Naomi on how to approach Boaz in the hopes of finding security and provision through marriage in a culture where widows and foreigners faced vulnerability and need for protection.
1 Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you?
2 And now is not Boaz our relative, with whose young women you were? See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor.
3 Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.
4 And when he lies down, observe the place where he lies. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do.”
5 And she said to her, “All that you say I will do.”
6 So she went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in-law had commanded her.
Setting the Scene for Ruth 3:1-6
In Ruth chapter 3, we find Ruth, a Moabite woman, and her mother-in-law Naomi, who had returned to Bethlehem from Moab after the death of their husbands. They were living in a time of famine, and Naomi’s relative Boaz, a wealthy landowner, had shown kindness to them by allowing Ruth to glean in his fields.
One day, Naomi came up with a plan to secure a future for Ruth by seeking a husband for her. She instructed Ruth to clean up and put on her best clothes, then go to the threshing floor where Boaz would be winnowing barley. Ruth followed Naomi’s instructions and went to the threshing floor, where Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was lying down to sleep.
The scene is set in the middle of the night, with the moon casting a soft glow over the threshing floor. The air is cool and filled with the scent of harvested grain. Ruth approaches Boaz quietly and uncovers his feet, lying down at his feet as a sign of humility and submission. This moment is pivotal in Ruth and Boaz’s story, as it sets the stage for Boaz to fulfill his role as Ruth’s kinsman-redeemer, ultimately leading to their marriage and the continuation of Naomi’s family line.
What is Ruth 3:1-6 about?
Ruth’s character exemplifies loyalty, obedience, and humility in this verse. Ruth shows her trust in Naomi by following her instructions to seek the protection and provision of Boaz. She humbly approaches Boaz, acknowledging her need for his help and guidance. Ruth’s actions demonstrate her faith in Naomi’s wisdom and her willingness to do whatever it takes to ensure their well-being.
Think about the courage it must have taken for Ruth to approach Boaz in this way. Imagine the trust she must have had in both Naomi and Boaz to carry out this task with humility and grace. Ruth’s actions show us the power of faith, loyalty, and humility in relationships. She is a shining example of what it means to trust in others and to act with humility and obedience. Let Ruth’s story inspire you to trust in the wisdom of others, to approach challenges with humility, and to seek protection and provision with faith and courage.
Understanding what Ruth 3:1-6 really means
The Book of Ruth unfolds a narrative rich in loyalty, love, and redemption, where Ruth, a Moabite widow, exemplifies unwavering devotion to her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi, by accompanying her to Bethlehem. In this context, Naomi, concerned for Ruth’s future security and well-being, devises a plan for her to find provision and protection through Boaz, a relative who holds the potential to act as a kinsman-redeemer.
Naomi’s poignant words, “My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you?” resonate with a deep sense of care and love, reflecting the profound bond between the two women. This sentiment echoes biblical themes of God’s plans for welfare and hope, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11, and the call to advocate for the vulnerable, as highlighted in Proverbs 31:8-9. Such verses prompt reflection on our responsibility to ensure the well-being of others, advocating for social justice and offering support to those in need.
Identifying Boaz as a potential kinsman-redeemer, Naomi draws attention to the importance of community and family support systems, mirroring biblical principles such as the law of levirate marriage in Deuteronomy 25:5-10. This underscores the significance of rallying together to provide assistance and care during times of hardship, akin to a community coming together to support a family in distress.
Naomi’s guidance to Ruth to find Boaz while he is winnowing barley at the threshing floor underscores the value of seizing opportunities at the right moment, aligning with the biblical concept that there is a season and time for every matter (Ecclesiastes 3:1). This narrative encourages proactive pursuit of positive outcomes, akin to a diligent job seeker preparing thoroughly for an interview to secure a position.
Instructing Ruth to prepare herself by washing, anointing, and dressing appropriately symbolizes purification and readiness for a new chapter, echoing biblical calls for cleansing and sanctification in Isaiah 1:16 and Ephesians 5:26. This underscores the importance of personal preparation and self-improvement before embarking on new endeavors, akin to a student diligently studying and ensuring readiness for a crucial exam.
Naomi’s counsel to Ruth to approach Boaz only after he has finished eating and drinking demonstrates wisdom in choosing the right moment, emphasizing the virtues of patience and discernment. This aligns with biblical teachings on trusting in the Lord’s guidance and seeking wisdom from Him, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and James 1:5. Such wisdom encourages us to exercise patience and discernment in our actions, seeking divine guidance for the opportune moments in our endeavors.
How can we show trust in God’s provision?
We can show trust in God’s provision by following His guidance and instruction, just as Ruth did when she followed Naomi’s advice to trust in God’s plan for her future. When we obediently and faithfully act upon the wisdom and direction given to us, we are demonstrating our confidence in God’s provision for our lives. Ruth’s willingness to listen to Naomi’s plan and carry it out with faith and humility serves as a powerful example of how we can show our trust in God’s provision.
Additionally, we can show trust in God’s provision by surrendering our fears, doubts, and worries to Him, knowing that He is in control of all things. We can approach God with a similar attitude of humility and reliance on His provision, just as Ruth approached Boaz with humility and placed her trust in him to provide for her. We declare our belief in God’s ability to provide for us in ways that surpass our understanding by acknowledging our limitations and weaknesses and handing over our concerns to Him. We are demonstrating our unwavering trust in His provision by actively seeking and aligning ourselves with God’s will for our lives and by entrusting our needs and concerns to Him. Like Ruth’s unwavering faith in God’s plan for her future, we can exhibit trust in God by faithfully walking in His ways and relying on His provision to sustain us.
Application
Embrace courage like Ruth did when she followed Naomi’s guidance in Ruth 3:1-6. Trust in God’s guidance as you navigate your path. Take bold steps, facing challenges with faith and determination, refusing to be held back by fear. Will you rise up with courage and obedience in your journey of faith today?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.