The Book of Ruth

This series was taught by Dr. James Modlish

 Chapter Three

 

I. The Plan - (Vs. 1-6)

Naomi develops a plan within the borders of Scriptural direction. Ruth is a Moabite which are excluded from the congregation of Israel for ten generations. Ruth has only one hope. Since she was married to a Jew previously, she must have a kinsman-redeemer… a relative to rescue her.

A. Must be a lawful redemption - See (Lev. 25:25; Deut 25:5-10). Jesus came near to the kin of Adam so that redeeming Adam's race might be lawful for Him. (Gal. 4:4,5)

B. Must be willing to redeem - (Lev. 25:48,49; Heb. 2:11). Nothing could be more tragic than one who has the right to but not the resolve to redeem.

C. Must be able to redeem - (Ruth 2:1; 4:4-6; Jn. 10:11-18). Redemption could be costly. Had Boaz been a beggar, he would not have had the resources to redeem Ruth (2 Cor. 8:9).

The planned event was to take place at the threshing floor which provides interesting insight because every other time it is mentioned in Scripture, it is connected with judgment. See (Gen. 50:10; 2 Sam. 6:6; 2 Sam. 24:16; Jer. 51:33,34; Dan. 2:35; Hab. 3:12).

The typology is clear - Boaz is a type of Christ, and we meet him at a place where He took our judgment… the cross!

The instructions of (vs. 3) are:

A. Wash thyself - (Titus 3:5; Eph. 5:26)

B. Anoint thee yielding to the anointing of God's spirit - (1 Jn. 2:27)

C. Put thy raiment upon thee put off the rags of the old life - (Eph. 4:22)

D. Get thee down to the floor put yourself at the feet of Jesus Christ - (Mk. 5:22; 7:25; Jn. 11:32; 12:3; Lk. 10:39)
 

II. The Promise - (Vs. 7-14)

The reason Boaz stays the night at the threshing floor is to protect the harvest from thieves (1 Sam. 23:1).

The narrative suggests nothing indecent. This Oriental custom is completely proper. Boaz makes it clear in (vs. 11) that Ruth is a virtuous woman which packs a tot of weight because she is the only woman in the Bible of whom that is said. See (Prov. 31: 10).

Boaz notes in (vs. 10) that Ruth wasn't looking for the young and beautiful. (Isa. 53:2) Boaz calms her and claims her in (vs. 11). (Jn. 6:37)

Boaz was aware of a complication that Ruth and Naomi apparently knew nothing about; namely, there is a closer relative who is obligated to redeem Ruth. The promise of marriage is conditional on the response of the nearer kinsman, but he does make the oath that if the man wilt not redeem Ruth, then "as the Lord liveth," he wilt. That term occurs no less than 30 times in the Old Testament. It is one of the strongest oaths that a man could make… why? (Rev. 1:18; 4:9,10; 5:14; 10:6).

In (vs. 14) Boaz is careful to guard her virtue. See (1 Thess. 5:22).

 

III. The Provision - (Vs. 15-18)

Boaz gives Ruth about 60 pounds of barley to take to Naomi. If we live at the feet of Jesus, He wilt make sure we have plenty of blessings to take to others.

Naomi understands that Boaz wilt not rest until the situation is resolved. (Jn. 4:34; 5:17)

What a great way for the Lord to end the chapter. He is the originator of suspense. We are the espoused bride (2 Cor. 11), and now waiting to find out when the wedding date is going to be. We have received the gifts, the shower is over. Jesus Christ wilt not rest until it is finished.

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