Summary/Context: While gleaning from Boaz’s field, Boaz honored Ruth’s care for Naomi by using the specific language of her coming under the Lord God of Israel’s wings. (2:11-12) That language is later picked up by the Psalmists. (17:8, 36:7, 61:4, 91:4) Similarly, Jesus used the same language of Jerusalem (representing the nation of Israel) in saying, “How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing!” (Luke 13:34). This image of being covered under the wings of God will again be seen in the marriage proposal of Ruth 3.

That imagery also helps us grasp that, as beautiful as the love story is between Boaz and Ruth, there is a much greater love story being displayed. Chapter 3 of this multi-level love story opens with Hebrew Naomi seeking security for her foreign and outcast daughter-in-law.

Object: Be assured of God’s great love.

I. Verses 1-7: A Plan

Note: Ruth had experienced the noble character of Boaz as she had gleaned in his fields. Naomi not only knew of his quality, but also knew Boaz was a close relative, meaning he was a kinsman redeemer for Ruth. Both law and tradition said Boaz was in position to marry Ruth to redeem the name of her dead husband and produce offspring.

1. What was the goal Naomi sought for Ruth?
2. How did Naomi’s direction to Ruth to wash, anoint and dress herself to speak of our preparation for deeper relationship with the Lord?
3. Does anything make you uncomfortable about these verses?

II. Verses 8-13: A Proposal

Note: The Book of Ruth was set in the time of the Judges, when thievery and violence were normal. So, it was not a surprise that Boaz would sleep on the threshing floor to guard his harvest.

Without context, Naomi’s plan (and Ruth’s execution) could seem more like a planned seduction than a proposal for marriage. It is far better to recall the character of Boaz and his history with Ruth. It is then we see that Ruth took a step of faith to ask him to redeem her and bring her into his family. As the asker, she came in submission, which is best displayed when she proposed to the startled Boaz by saying, “Take your maidservant under your wing, for you are a close relative.” (verse 9).

Hint: Consider Ruth to be like us, a person in deep need of security, and Boaz as a type of Savior, able to provide our deepest need.

1. What did Ruth have to offer to Boaz?
2. What attracted Ruth to Boaz?
3. What does verses 10-13 say about the character of Boaz?

III. Verses 14-18: A Problem

Note: It says much about Boaz’s thoughts towards Ruth that instead of simply taking Ruth as a wife, he was prepared to properly deal with the closer relative who could also marry her. Boaz had not only promised to provide for her future security, but he gave Ruth gifts to provide for her immediate need. It was that very faithfulness of Boaz which provided the plot twist: who would Ruth marry that day?

1. In what ways do you see God’s character displayed in Boaz?
2. Why did Naomi tell Ruth to sit still?
3. Have you ever needed to be reminded the Lord is in control and you need to wait on Him? (Psalm 46:10)

Deeper questions and resources:

1. What is our responsibility to encourage those we love and care for to anoint themselves, wash themselves and dress themselves to have deeper relationship with the Lord? What does that look like?
2. Does the Lord still give security (assurance) today?
3. Pastor David Guzik’s commentary on Ruth 3.