EXPLORE THE TEXT
When believers face times of uncertainty, we will have to step out in faith.
8 At midnight, Boaz was startled,
turned over, and there lying at his feet was a woman!
9 So he asked, “Who are you?”
“I am Ruth, your servant,” she replied.
“Take me under your wing, for you are a family redeemer.”
10 Then he said, “May the Lord bless you, my daughter. You have shown more kindness now than before,
because you have not pursued younger men, whether rich or poor.”
Explain the role of the kinsman-redeemer in ancient Israel.
Point out that Ruth was letting Boaz know that she recognized him as her kinsman-redeemer
and was asking him to fulfill his duties by marrying her.
After hearing about Ruth’s experiences in the fields,
Naomi explained that Boaz was a family relative and possibly a kinsman-redeemer (3:1-2).
So, she told Ruth to clean up and initiate a new meeting with Boaz.
When Ruth arrived at the threshing floor, she found that Boaz had turned in for the night.
It was not unusual at the time for men to sleep with the crops, particularly for the purpose of protection.
Obviously, he was surprised, when at midnight, he discovered a young woman lying at his feet.
While this unusual move by Ruth may seem provocative to some modern readers, this was not the case.
Rather than a suggestive or seductive act, Ruth was demonstrating absolute submission.
True to her nature, she presented herself humbly: I am Ruth, your servant.
Ruth also urged Boaz to
take me under your wing
because he was a family redeemer.
The term relates to the Jewish law of kinsman redemption.
As a redeemer, Boaz had multiple responsibilities.
In addition to purchasing family land that had been forfeited (Lev. 25:25)
and restoring a relative that had been enslaved (Lev. 25:48),
redeemers were expected to marry a childless widow and carry on the family name (Deut. 25:5-10).
Take me under your wing has a broad interpretation in Hebrew,
but it seems clear that Ruth meant it as a euphemism for marriage.
The imagery suggests security and peace, especially within the context of marriage.
Ruth was urging Boaz to accept his family responsibility, which (as readers will see) he was eager to do.
Boaz’s response to Ruth’s request:
With the most tender response, Boaz called Ruth “my daughter.”
Boaz was several years older than Ruth.
This fact became evident when Boaz mentioned Ruth not pursuing younger men. .Ruth’s request for Boaz to pursue the role of family redeemer did not go unheard or ignored.
Boaz understood the situation well and expressed his delight in Ruth’s trusting him to be her husband.
The circumstance is certainly untraditional and unconventional
for modern readers, but the unfolding story of God’s redemption shows how God’s ways are not ours (Isa. 55:8).
The way the Lord works might seem mysterious,
but when God’s people walk in integrity, focused on bringing God
glory, His plans unfold beautifully. (PSG, p. 121)