Session 13
Ruth 3:8-13; 4:13-17
Memory Verse: Colossians 1:14
There will be seasons on this fallen earth, especially those times of trial and tribulation, when it feels like God is distant. We might even be tempted to believe that He is absent. Yet, it’s often during such times that He does His greatest work. Hard circumstances force us to depend on Him more, which allows His strength to shine through us in ways that just don’t happen when things are going smoothly.
This simple book of Ruth begins in a period of desperate famine and tragic death. Doubts and disobedience led a Jewish family into a strange land. However, as God would orchestrate events, it closes against a backdrop of harvest and the celebration of a new birth. Those who were broken are restored, and God used an unlikely couple to pave the way toward ultimate redemption!
As you prepare for this lesson, think of an event which seemed devastating, but ultimately revealed God’s work in your life. Spend some time thanking God for working all things out for your good and His glory (Rom. 8:28). Consider sharing this story with the adults in your study and asking them to contribute their stories as well.
Nobody likes feeling helpless and insecure during crises. People often struggle to ask for help. Some isolate and withdraw from others, making things worse. Crises challenge our faith to the point that we may wonder if God is in control or cares about our situation. Social media allows people to put on their best face, hide, and pretend they have it all together. Down deep, everyone knows they need something more than what society offers. God has answered the world’s cry with an ultimate solution. (PSG, p. 118)
The book of Ruth is a truly great love story. On the surface, it shares how a young, peasant Gentile woman found an unlikely mate in an older, wealthy Jewish man. Digging much deeper, though, we see a reflection of a compassionate and generous Christ, loving and receiving those who can’t help themselves.
As Ruth’s kinsman-redeemer, Boaz took her as his wife; and, together, they became part of the genealogy of Christ. As our Redeemer, Christ took us as His bride by paying a price that we could never pay-His precious blood.
At their initial meeting, Boaz supplied the needs of Ruth and Naomi (2:17). Boaz also arranged protection for Ruth in the fields, making sure his men did not harass her as she gleaned.
Boaz acknowledged Ruth’s steadfast loyalty to her mother-in-law, along with her upright character. He was impressed by how she cared for Naomi and her willingness to seek security humbly and appropriately. Here, redemption is revealed in Ruth and Naomi’s security, along with Boaz’s commitment to preserving their dignity and hope.
Needless to say, Naomi was thrilled with Boaz’s kindness-so much so that she hatched a plan. Food alone was not enough. Ruth needed a husband to provide security and companionship. In addition to that, as a young woman, she could still raise a family.
Boaz’s commitment to act as Ruth’s kinsman-redeemer, contingent upon the approval of a closer relative, underscores a structured process of redemption that adheres both to personal virtue and
societal norms.
As Boaz married Ruth, they provided a lasting symbol of God’s redemption and His ability to make something new from the ashes of loss and despair. Initially, the residents of Bethlehem may have viewed Ruth with suspicion as a Moabite, a foreigner with no inheritance or influence in their culture. However, as God moved in her life, Ruth found acceptance and inclusion. The birth of Obed ignited joy that surpassed individual triumphs and had a powerful impact on the entire community.
More personally, Naomi experienced transformation and spiritual renewal. Once enveloped in bitterness, holding her grandson reminded her that God was still alive and still at work. For her, Obed became a living testament to God’s restorative power.
The effect of this love story between Ruth and Boaz continues to resonate today. God specializes still in meeting needs and solving problems. And the image of a kinsman-redeemer reminds us that God met our greatest needs by sending humanity’s Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
As you read Ruth 3:8-13; 4:13-17, take notice of how God worked through Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz to unfold His sovereign plan. (PSG, p. 119)
EXPLORE THE TEXT
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.”
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.
Despite being relatively new to Yahweh worship and the Lord’s covenant with Israel, Ruth displayed a solid understanding of the kinsman-redeemer. For this, the credit probably goes to Naomi, who masterminded this late-night meeting. She also had instructed Ruth to follow Boaz’s instructions once she revealed the purpose of her presence (3:4).
Boaz responded with joy and amazement. First, he proclaimed a word of grace over her: May the Lord bless you. Rather than treating her like an outcast Gentile, Boaz set the stage for the important steps to come with a positive acceptance of her proposal.
The term daughter again may reflect a significant age difference, but Boaz affirmed Ruth’s kindness because she had not pursued younger men. Many younger women would have not sought out older husbands. Ruth, however, had proven that she was not “most women.” She had demonstrated incredible kindness toward Naomi. Now, she was extending kindness toward Boaz.
Pray Scripture using Colossians 1:14. Read the verse, then respond to these questions:
Thank God for providing redemption for you. Ask Him to give you the boldness you need to share His redemption with others.
During the session, invite adults to pray this Scripture as well. You and the adults in your group can also take advantage of the Explore the Bible Prayer Guide. This QR code also appears on page 72 of the Personal Study Guide.
EXPLORE THE TEXT
11 “Now don’t be afraid, my daughter. I will do for you whatever you say, since all the people in my town know that you are a woman of noble character. 12 Yes, it is true that I am a family redeemer, but there is a redeemer closer than I am. 13 Stay here tonight, and in the morning, if he wants to redeem you, that’s good. Let him redeem you. But if he doesn’t want to redeem you, as the Lord lives, I will. Now lie down until morning.”
Boaz further reassured Ruth by saying, don’t be afraid. For all of Ruth’s boldness and sterling character, she was still a vulnerable woman in a foreign land. On top of that, she found herself in the midst of an unusual situation. For her, Boaz’s words would have brought peace and comfort. It was a preview of the security he was promising as kinsman-redeemer. More important, his rejection of fear echoed God’s consistent words to His people across time (see Gen. 15:1; 26:24; 46:3; Ex. 14:13; Josh. 8:1; 10:8; Matt. 1:20;
Luke 1:13,30; 2:10).
Fear is arguably the number one hindrance that keeps believers from being who God wants them to be. It remains one of Satan’s favorite means of attack. But the Lord supplies us with power, love, and sound judgment to combat fear (2 Tim. 1:7), and His absolute love drives fear from our lives (1 John 4:18).
In addition to providing consolation, Boaz made a promise: I will do for you whatever you say. Boaz understood his responsibilities, and he was enthusiastic to bring security and resolution to Ruth and Naomi. Earlier, Naomi had challenged Ruth to do whatever Boaz instructed. Now, he guaranteed that he would make good on any request she might have.
The text does not indicate if Boaz had a physical attraction to Ruth, but her integrity was attractive. He again praised her noble character. The Hebrew word for noble character (hayil) means “strength, might, efficiency, wealth.” Interestingly, as a masculine noun, it sometimes carries a military connotation, rendered as “strength and army.” For example, Joshua and his best (hayil) soldiers fought in Joshua 10:7.
Positively speaking, Ruth was an upstanding force of nature. And her character was not hidden from others. Along with Boaz, all the people in Bethlehem knew who she was and what she had done for Naomi. In a short amount of time, she had developed a reputation for humble service and steadfast loyalty. In an era where many Israelites had rejected God and His covenant, the Moabitess Ruth was living out the most basic principles of the law for all to see.
Boaz and Ruth were on the same page, but they did face one obstacle. While Boaz was a family redeemer, another redeemer was a closer relative to Elimelech. This man would need to pass on the opportunity before Boaz could step in. With this, the ancient writer provided additional insight into Boaz’s wisdom and integrity. He did not withhold the truth from Ruth, and he was determined to resolve things according to the law, as God had intended.
For the time being, all Ruth could do was wait at the threshing floor. Nothing could be done that night, but Boaz was determined to move quickly. He promised that he would reach out to the near redeemer in the morning and begin working toward a resolution. Waiting would allow Ruth to get some rest and ensure that she did not try to travel home alone at that hour of the night.
Legally, Ruth now found herself in a “win-win” situation. Boaz noted that if the primary redeemer was willing to marry Ruth, that would be good for her. She and Naomi would have the security and protection they needed. But, if the other man deferred, Boaz was ready and willing to step into the role of kinsman-redeemer.
In case Ruth questioned his commitment, Boaz voluntarily placed himself under a vow to God: As the Lord lives. With God as his witness, he would fulfill his role by redeeming Ruth.
EXPLORE THE TEXT
13 Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. He slept with her, and the Lord granted conception to her, and she gave birth to a son. 14 The women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you without a family redeemer today. May his name become well known in Israel. 15 He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. Indeed, your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” 16 Naomi took the child, placed him on her lap, and became a mother to him. 17 The neighbor women said, “A son has been born to Naomi,” and they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.
The next morning, Boaz assembled ten officials at the city gate (4:1-12). When he explained the situation, the primary kinsman was interested in the land but not in marrying Ruth. He did not want to jeopardize his own inheritance.
So, Boaz stepped up. He secured Elimelech’s property, and, better yet, Ruth became his wife. This would allow the family name to continue. A story that began with three funerals ended with a wedding-and a baby. When God granted conception, Ruth gave birth to a son.
The Hebrew here suggests that Ruth was barren during her marriage to Mahlon. However, the leaders had prayed a blessing on the couple (vv. 11-12), and God responded. The writer’s word choice implies that God worked a miracle in allowing one who was barren to give birth.
In chapter one, Ruth took a leap of faith that Orpah would not take. She put her needs aside and focused on helping Naomi, faithfully believing that God would provide in the future. Over time, she made the transition from widow to foreigner to migrant worker to fiancé to wife to mother. Her movement across these seasons reminds us that God often provides through delayed gratification.
Good things come to the patient. This was true for the new mother and grandmother. When the baby came, the town’s women blessed God for not leaving Naomi and Ruth without a family redeemer. The women’s response closed the book on Naomi’s season of bitterness. She no longer could claim to be “Mara” since God had demonstrated such grace and mercy through Ruth, Boaz, and her new grandson.
The women also prayed that the child’s name become well known in Israel. This referred to the propagation of the family’s name and influence for generations to come. The idea is that the family’s name would “live on” through the baby.
The phrases renew your life and sustain you in your old age highlight the immediate and future blessings related to the child’s birth. Rather than bitterness, Naomi would experience new life and a new hope, beyond anything she previously imagined. And, while Boaz embraced the role of kinsman-redeemer, the child was a sign of God’s blessing and security for generations to come.
The women’s speech ends with praise for Ruth. Her love for her mother-in-law was obvious, making her better to you than seven sons. Some scholars suggest that seven sons represented the ideal for Jewish homes. Ruth’s character proved that, despite her background, she was even more valuable than anyone could have imagined. The birth of a son was simply icing on the cake.
Naomi held the boy and became a mother to him. The imagery is of keeping the child close to her heart and to serving as his guardian. This was not an adoption but the natural actions of a grateful grandparent, a woman who had felt so empty only a year or so earlier.
The boy was named Obed, meaning “servant.” In an interesting twist, the neighbor women-not Ruth, Boaz, or even Naomi-decided the name. In time, he would become the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David, Israel’s greatest king. And, ultimately his family line would extend to “Jesus, who is called the Messiah” (Matt. 1:5-6,16).
Review these points from Apply the Text on page 126 of the Personal Study Guide:
Guide the group to discuss the first set of questions on page 126 of the PSG. Encourage adults to find ways to encourage one another to remember God’s love and grace during difficult times. Challenge them to read and reflect on the second set of questions on page 126 of the PSG during the week ahead.
Remind adults that Ruth’s story is everyone’s story because we all need a Kinsman-Redeemer to rescue us. Briefly review the Plan of Salvation on the inside front cover of the PSG. Affirm again that you are available to talk to anyone who wants to know more about accepting the redemption Jesus offers as our Kinsman-Redeemer.
Refer back to Pack Item 9 (Handout: Praying Scripture in Joshua, Judges, Ruth). Urge adults to use the handout to guide their prayers during the week. Close the session in prayer, thanking God for providing a Kinsman-Redeemer and for the peace that only He provides. Ask Him to strengthen each person during situations of uncertainty.
During the week, send the group a text or an email, encouraging them to reflect on what they learned from the book of Ruth. Suggest they write their thoughts in a journal and review what they have written often. Remind them that they can trust God with their future even when it looks uncertain. Let the group know that the next session begins a study on the book of Romans.
In His substitutionary death on the cross He made provision for the redemption of men from sin. (See
Romans 5:6-10; Ephesians 1:7.)
Create a compare/contrast chart to study a passage.
In ancient Israel, the kinsman-redeemer pointed to the coming Messiah. Review these passages from Ruth again and consider how Boaz served as an illustration for what Jesus would do centuries later. Record your comparisons on the chart below:
Boaz as Redeemer