1
Then Naomi, her mother-in-law, said to her, “My daughter, should I not seek a place of rest for you, that it may be well with you?
2
Now then, is not Boaz, with whose young women you have been working, our relative? Behold, tonight he is winnowing barley on the threshing floor.
3
Wash yourself therefore, anoint yourself, put on your best clothes, and go down to the threshing floor. But do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.
4
And when he lies down, observe the place where he lies; then go in, uncover his feet, and lie down there. He will tell you what you should do.”
5
And Ruth said to her, “All that you say I will do.”
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So she went down to the threshing floor and did exactly as her mother-in-law had commanded her.
7
When Boaz had finished eating and drinking, and his heart was glad, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of barley. Then the woman came quietly, uncovered his feet, and lay down there.
8
At midnight the man was startled and turned over; and behold, a woman was lying at his feet.
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He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wing over your servant, for you are a kinsman-redeemer.”
10
Then he said, “May you be blessed by the LORD, my daughter. You have shown this kindness even more than at first, in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich.
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And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all the people of my town know that you are a worthy woman.
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And now it is true that I am a kinsman-redeemer, yet there is another redeemer nearer than I.
13
Remain here tonight, and in the morning, if he will redeem you, good; let him redeem you. But if he is not willing to redeem you, then as the LORD lives, I will redeem you. Lie down until morning.”
14
So she lay at his feet until morning; then she rose before one could recognize another, for Boaz said, “Let it not be known that a woman came to the threshing floor.”
15
And he said, “Bring the cloak you are wearing and hold it out.” So she held it out, and he measured out six measures of barley and put it on her. Then he went into the city.
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When she came to her mother-in-law, her mother-in-law said, “How did it go, my daughter?” Then she told her all that the man had done for her
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and said, “These six measures of barley he gave me, for he said, ‘You must not go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’”
18
Then her mother-in-law said, “Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out; for the man will not rest until he has settled the matter today.”
🌙👩❤️👨👣 Summary of Ruth 3 – Ruth at Boaz’s Feet: A Request for Redemption
Ruth 3 describes a bold yet respectful act, as Ruth approaches Boaz to ask for redemption — not only in a legal sense, but also personally. This is one of the most beautiful pictures of humility and grace meeting together.
📌 1. Naomi Plans a Way (verses 1–5)
- Naomi said to Ruth:
“Should I not seek a home for you, that it may be well with you?”
- She advised Ruth to approach Boaz quietly at the threshing floor, after Boaz had finished working and eating.
- Ruth was told to express her intention in a symbolic way: uncover Boaz’s feet and lie down there — an act of asking for protection and redemption, not a sexual approach.
- Ruth answered:
“All that you say to me I will do.”
🎯 Naomi was not merely trying to arrange a marriage for Ruth, but seeking full restoration — and Ruth obeyed with humility.
📌 2. Ruth Approaches Boaz (verses 6–13)
- Ruth followed the plan with calmness and respect.
- When Boaz awoke and was startled, Ruth said:
“Spread your wing (or: your covering) over your servant, for you are a redeemer.”
- Boaz was impressed by Ruth’s integrity:
“You have shown greater kindness than the first, because you did not go after young men…”
- Boaz was willing to redeem, but there was a nearer kinsman-redeemer by law. He promised to take care of the matter.
🎯 Boaz shows that true love also honors law and integrity — not merely emotion.
📌 3. Boaz Gives a Sign of Kindness (verses 14–18)
- Before Ruth went home, Boaz gave her six measures of barley, as a sign of goodwill and protection.
- Naomi, hearing the news, reassured Ruth:
“That man will not rest until he has settled the matter today.”
🎯 When love and responsibility come together, God uses them as a beautiful means of redemption.
📖 Main Lessons
- Faith and courage go together under God’s guidance.
- Ruth did not wait passively — she actively sought redemption, with courtesy and humility.
- Boaz showed grace, but also legal integrity.
- Naomi played an important spiritual role: a mentor who guided with wisdom.
- God blesses bold decisions that are filled with godliness.
✨ Spiritual Meaning (New Testament)
“…He has clothed me with the robe of salvation…”
“…as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings…”
“In Him we have redemption through His blood…”
🎯 Ruth portrays a soul coming in trust to the Redeemer, and Boaz is a picture of Jesus — full of love, just, and quick to act.
“Spread your wing over your servant…” – Ruth 3:9
“I will do everything you say…” – Ruth 3:11
“He will not rest until he has settled this matter.” – Ruth 3:18
