Ruth 3

In God’s plan for His people, there is a plan for redemption. This is carried out symbolically through the life experience of Ruth.

• Naomi’s counsel (Acts 3:1-4)
  • Her concern for Ruth (Ruth 3:1)
    • Concern expressed before they left Moab (Ruth 1:8-9)
    • Renewed concern
  • Her strategy (Ruth 3:2-4)
    • A husband
      • Why Boaz?
      • Her confidence in Boaz (Ruth 3:4)
      • His kindness toward Ruth
      • His kinship
    • The plan
      • Ruth to present herself as a proposal
        • This was no improper
      • Boaz was present to protect his grain harvest from thieves
      • The timeframe
        • To avoid embarrassment if Boaz declined
      • This was an act of submission
• Ruth follows the counsel (Ruth 3:5-6)
  • Naomi was familiar with the customs
  • Ruth was willing to follow them
• Reaction from Boaz (Ruth 3:7-15)
  • He understood Ruth’s action as a proposal of marriage
    • He commends her for her conduct
    • He notes her kindness
      • To Naomi
      • To himself
  • He keeps matters proper (Ruth 3:11-15)
    • He notes Ruth’s virtue (Ruth 3:11)He reveals another kinsman (Ruth 3:12-13)
      • Deuteronomy 25:6-10
      Guards against gossip (Ruth 3:13-14)
    • Provides for the women (ruth 3:15)
• Ruth’s return to Naomi (Ruth 3:16-18)
  • This is to provide Naomi assurance
    • She had done things properly
    • She knew of the character of Boaz

God often uses other people to help resolve our needs.

Do you wonder how Naomi would have faired if Ruth had not returned to her?

How would Ruth work through the customs without Naomi’s guidance?

God has a plan and He works in people’s lives to bring them to completion.