The Chosen Key Word in this Chapter is “Kinsman” it comes from the Hebrew Word “goel” which means “kinsman-redeemer.”
Naomi devises a bold plan to secure Ruth’s future, and it all depends on one nighttime conversation. Welcome to Bible Life Basics Chapter Reviews, I am Chris and this is Ruth 3.
Naomi tells Ruth she must seek “rest” for her, a secure home and future, and explains that Boaz will be winnowing barley at the threshing floor that night. She instructs Ruth to wash, anoint herself, put on her best clothing, and go down secretly, waiting until Boaz has finished eating and drinking and lies down to sleep, then to uncover his feet and lie down there herself, trusting that he will tell her what to do next.
Ruth does exactly as Naomi instructs. At midnight, Boaz is startled to find a woman lying at his feet, and Ruth identifies herself, asking him to spread his skirt over her, “for thou art a near kinsman,” invoking the role of a “goel” in Hebrew, a kinsman-redeemer responsible for protecting a vulnerable relative’s family line and property. Boaz responds with genuine tenderness, blessing her and praising this act of loyalty as even greater than her earlier kindness to Naomi, since she did not pursue a younger man, whether rich or poor, but sought instead to honor her family’s name.
Boaz agrees to fulfill this role, but honestly explains there is actually a kinsman even closer than himself who has the first right to redeem her, promising to settle the matter properly the very next day, either that man will redeem her, or Boaz himself will. He sends Ruth home before daylight, careful to protect her reputation, with a generous gift of barley for Naomi. When Ruth returns and reports everything, Naomi reassures her that Boaz will not rest until the matter is settled that very day.
Boaz’s immediate concern for doing things honorably and properly, insisting the closer kinsman get the first legal opportunity to redeem Ruth, shows real integrity even in a moment ripe for shortcuts. Genuine kindness, this chapter shows, doesn’t cut corners on doing what’s right, even when the easier, faster path is right there available.
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