Ruth 3

Ruth 3

Because of Ruth’s sacrifice and dedication to Naomi, Naomi had come out of her depression and grief. In Ruth 3, Naomi turns the tables on Ruth as she has come up with a way in which to provide for Ruth. She was obviously grateful for all Ruth had done for her, for Ruth could have remained in Moab, leaving Naomi to fend for herself once she had returned home. Ruth, however, had not done so, and since their return to Israel, Ruth had been able to provide for Naomi (with the help of Boaz). Naomi knew that Boaz was a redeemer for her family, which meant that if a woman lost her husband, the closest kinsman-redeemer in the family would step in to redeem that man’s inheritance. However, doing so was quite a burden, especially if that man already had a family to provide for.


Knowing that Boaz, the man who had already been providing for Ruth and Naomi was one of their family’s redeemers, Naomi instructed Ruth to ask him about this possibility. Naomi gave Ruth a specific set of instructions on where she should go and how she should treat Boaz. Ruth continued to obey her mother-in-law and did exactly as she was told. When Boaz was told what Ruth desired, he was ready to help her out. He was ready to make another sacrifice for Ruth in order to provide for her and Naomi. He told Ruth that one reason he would agree to her request was because of her reputation. She was well respected among the men of the town, and he had previously told her how he admired her sacrifice. Ruth was a woman who followed God and thought more of others than she did herself.

Boaz was more than happy to help Ruth out, but there was a problem. He knew of a redeemer closer in the line to Ruth that would have the choice to redeem her first. Boaz agreed to be Ruth’s redeemer, but he could only do it if this other man passed on the opportunity. Either way, Boaz was content with either possibility knowing that Ruth would be taken care. So as she left the next morning not knowing what her future held, Boaz gave her six measures of barley, a good portion of food. He promised that the situation would be handled within the day, but for the time being she returned to Naomi.

Naomi was pleased to know that Boaz had agreed to Ruth’s request. She was confident that the situation would be handled within the day. Considering where Naomi was in Ruth 1, she had come a long way by the time of Ruth 3. She went from being a depressed woman who was grieving the loss of her family (which was expected), to a woman who was grateful for the blessings she had received and wanted to reach out and help someone else. She went from someone who did not want any help, trying to send both of her daughters-in-law away, to returning the favor and helping provide for Ruth.

We have learned what it means to sacrifice from both Ruth and Boaz, and Ruth 3 even shows Boaz’s continuing willingness to sacrifice in order to help Ruth. Now, we are also seeing how that sacrifice can help others not only physically but emotionally. If it had not been for Ruth and Boaz, Naomi might have lived a bitter life the rest of her life, but now she was returning the favor by providing for Ruth. We may not think that the sacrifices we make actually help others. We may never see the results of our actions. We may never know the effects they have on others. But even if just one person’s life is improved because of our sacrifice, even if one person is encouraged, even if one person comes to know God as a result, it is worth it. We should “never grow weary of doing good” for others. Who knows, maybe they will be return the favor by passing it on in order to help someone else.

Matt