Ruth’s Redemption Assured

A man called at the church and asked if he could speak to the Head Hog at the Trough. The secretary said, “Who?” The man replied, “I want to speak to the Head Hog at the Trough!” Sure ... More

Respect

We don’t know a lot about the customs of the arran­gements for marriage during this period.  We do know that Ruth’s way of offering herself in marriage to Boaz followed the coaching of her mother-in-law (v. 1). Naomi explained to Ruth what she must do to show Boaz that she was interested in marrying him (vv. 2-4). Ruth followed Naomi’s instructions point by point (vv. 5-6). Boaz worked late threshing the grain and after he had eaten, he laid down to sleep near the piles of grain to guard them from being robbed. Naomi instructs Ruth to look her best and when Boaz went to sleep, she was to slip in quietly, uncover his feet and lie down at his feet (v. 7). About midnight Boaz woke up and was surprised to find Ruth at his feet (v. 8).  Ruth was very direct as she reminded him that he was her “kinsman” and it was her desire to marry him (v. 9).

Boaz responded with pleasure and praise and seemed to be surprised that she would want to marry a man of his age (v. 10). He was very impressed by her and knew that she held great respect with the people in the commun­ity (v. 11). The only problem was that there was a closer kins­man that he must check with first which he promised to do the next day (v. 12). Boaz told Ruth to stay put until morning which she did (vv. 13-14). He sent her away in the morning with a gift of grain for Naomi which was to convince her that he intended to marry Ruth (vv. 15-17). Naomi told Ruth not to worry about what will happen because Boaz would not rest until everything is settled” (v. 18).

Application

Ruth had high respect for her mother-in-law and was careful to try to carry out her wishes. I need to always have respectfor my wife’s parents and allow God to bless my life as I seek to honor them in the days and years to come.

Ruth 3:1-18 (English Standard Version)


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