College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
Ruth 3 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 3
Naomi's instructions to Ruth. When the barley harvest was nearly completed, Naomi instructed Ruth to go to the threshing floor for the feast. Since Boaz was a near kinsman, Naomi thought he should enter into a Levirate marriage with Ruth. With typical mother-love, she helped Ruth to make herself as appealingly feminine as possible. She had also advised her to bide her time and to approach Boaz in modesty.
Boaz honors Ruth's request. Boaz received Ruth's proposal and complimented her on her honorable conduct. He did not go outside the Law, however, and reminded Ruth of the presence in the community of one who was closer of kin than he was himself. He asked Ruth to stay with him for the rest of the night in order to protect her from any harm and promised her he would inquire of the other man's intentions in this matter.
Ruth's return to Naomi. Boaz was careful to protect Ruth's reputation and asked her to leave the threshing floor early in the morning before the light was sufficient for anyone to know who it was leaving the threshing floor. When Naomi heard what happened, she was pleased; and she assured Ruth of Boaz's sincerity by saying he would not rest until he had found out what the other kinsman would do.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
A worthy woman who can find? (Proverbs 31:10). A good woman is to be praised. High in the list of great women of the Bible stand Ruth and Naomi. Naomi challenged Ruth's faith to see if she would be willing to leave all in order to find a home in Israel. When Ruth proved steadfast, Naomi did everything she could to guide her daughter-in-law in finding a happy life among God's chosen people. By Naomi's good grace, Ruth not only found a place to glean, but eventually was enabled to find an honorable husband. Every young woman needs a mother-in-law like Naomi.
2.
A good name is better than riches (Proverbs 22:1). Ruth did not have a rich family who could demand a great dowry for her. She came to Boaz from a foreign country and lived among the people as a widowed stranger. Her conduct won for her a good reputation. On account of this, she found a place to work in the fields of Boaz; and when she reminded Boaz of his responsibility as a near kinsman, he was amazed at her deep understanding of the Law, He complimented Ruth for being honorable in the matter, He also was anxious to protect her good reputation by sending her away before anyone could recognize her when she left the area.
3.
The king's business requires haste (1 Samuel 21:8). Naomi believed Boaz was an industrious man. She told Ruth to wait patiently for Boaz because she knew he would attend to the matter right away. Boaz was a good man, and he was rich not only in this world's goods but also towards God. He would never hear God say, thou fool to him as did the rich man in the parable of Jesus (Luke 12:13-21). He would do what was expected of him without delay.
TEN QUESTIONS ON CHAPTER 3
1.
Where was Boaz winnowing grain?
2.
Where did Ruth lie down?
3.
What did Ruth ask Boaz to do for her?
4.
Did Boaz scold Ruth for coming to his threshing floor?
5.
What kind of woman did Boaz say all the people in the city knew Ruth to be?
6.
Why did Boaz not marry Ruth immediately?
7.
In what did Boaz put grain for Ruth?
8.
How much grain did Boaz give Ruth?
9.
What kind of grain did Boaz give her?
10. How long did Ruth stay with Boaz?