This week, we will cover the Ruth Chapter 3 summary and Bible Study questions. This chapter of Ruth offers a divine perspective of our relationship with our Redeemer. While you study chapter three this week, I want you to consider how this can apply to your life and redemption through Christ. Think about what Naomi and Ruth must’ve been thinking and feeling throughout this whole process.
Ruth Chapter 3 Summary
Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, shall I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you? Now isn’t Boaz our kinsman, with whose maidens you were? Behold, he will be winnowing barley tonight on the threshing floor. Therefore wash yourself, anoint yourself, get dressed, and go down to the threshing floor; but don’t make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. It shall be, when he lies down, that you shall note the place where he is lying. Then you shall go in, uncover his feet, and lay down. Then he will tell you what to do.”
– Ruth 3:1-4
As I read this chapter, I think about what it must have taken for Naomi to have the hope she had. It takes hope to prepare for the redemption God has promised you and your family. She had lost so much in such a short amount of time. Naomi had hope because Ruth was there; if Ruth had left when she had the chance, Naomi would not have had the hope she had in chapter three.
How Ruth responds to Naomi’s instructions reminds me of Esther and how she trusted and obeyed her Uncle. It took a lot of faith and courage for Ruth to obey Naomi and reach out to Boaz and ask him to redeem her. They did not demand redemption; instead, they trusted in the process.
Even though Naomi and Ruth had been through a devastating season, I believe their faith had grown the more God provided for them. Even when Naomi lost everything, Ruth stayed, and she planted a seed of faith into the heart of Naomi. Naomi lost her husband and two sons, but she did not lose everyone close because Ruth was faithful to Naomi, and Ruth was faithful to God.
He said, “You are blessed by Yahweh, my daughter. You have shown more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, because you didn’t follow young men, whether poor or rich. Now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do to you all that you say; for all the city of my people knows that you are a worthy woman. Now it is true that I am a near kinsman. However, there is a kinsman nearer than I. Stay this night, and in the morning, if he will perform for you the part of a kinsman, good. Let him do the kinsman’s duty. But if he will not do the duty of a kinsman for you, then I will do the duty of a kinsman for you, as Yahweh lives. Lie down until the morning.”
– Ruth 3:10-13
Our Request is a Reflection of Our Heart
In the past, I know my prayers have looked like demands filled with entitlement. When approaching God, I have said, “This is what you promised, so why isn’t it happening?” Of course, The Lord is gracious and merciful, and over the years, I have learned while there are promises we can lean on – this does not create a path for us to be entitled and to forfeit humility and reverence from our approach when we make the request. Life is humbling when we realize God’s sovereignty is much bigger than our wants and demands.
Ruth had every right to demand redemption from Boaz, but she approached him with reverence and respect, knowing he could say “no.” This shows the wisdom Ruth and Naomi had gained throughout this trial. The Bible doesn’t say why Naomi’s husband and sons died, and we know Naomi was bitter. However, the sovereignty of God had shown them wisdom on how to live their life in the world as widows.
When she came to her mother-in-law, she said, “How did it go, my daughter?” She told her all that the man had done for her. She said, “He gave me these six measures of barley; for he said, ‘Don’t go empty to your mother-in-law.’”Then she said, “Wait, my daughter, until you know what will happen; for the man will not rest until he has settled this today.”
– Ruth 3:16-18
If we allow life to teach us these lessons, we will find the peace that passes all understanding. Naomi and Ruth not only had faith and courage, but they also had humility. We cannot control a lot in this world, and I think the pandemic showed the reality of this to the world. But we can trust in The Lord to protect. We must remember not to test Him and lean into His sovereignty over everything we face.
Ruth Chapter 3 Life Application Questions
- What has God taught you about His sovereignty?
- Do you still trust God despite your circumstances?
- Write down one request you have for God right now. What would you like for Him to redeem in your life?
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