भाष्य सध्या फक्त इंग्रजीत उपलब्ध आहे. मराठी भाषांतर प्रगतीपथावर आहे.
Ruth 3 — Thou Art a Near Kinsman
Naomi instructs Ruth to approach Boaz at the threshing floor and make her appeal for redemption. Ruth uncovers his feet and lies down. When Boaz wakes, Ruth asks him to spread his skirt over her, since he is a near kinsman. Boaz blesses her, agrees to act, but reveals there is a nearer kinsman who has first right. He promises to settle the matter and sends her home with grain.
“Spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.”
— Ruth 3:9
- v.1-5 Naomi's plan
- v.6-13 Ruth's appeal at the threshing floor
- v.14-18 Boaz sends her home with grain and a promise
Spread thy skirt over thine handmaid — the same word for skirt as wings in 2:12. Ruth asks Boaz to become the answer to the prayer he prayed over her. To spread one's skirt over a woman was a symbolic act of marriage and protection (Ezekiel 16:8).
Ruth's appeal is bold but proper. She is not seeking seduction but redemption — invoking the law of the kinsman-redeemer. Her request is for the covenant protection of marriage, claiming Boaz's legal obligation and his demonstrated kindness.
A virtuous woman — Hebrew eshet chayil, the same phrase used in Proverbs 31:10 (who can find a virtuous woman?). Ruth's reputation throughout the city is one of virtue. Interestingly, the book of Ruth follows Proverbs in the Hebrew Bible ordering — making Ruth the living example of the Proverbs 31 woman.
Boaz's immediate willingness — I will do all that thou requirest — shows his readiness to redeem. The redeemer was willing before he was even asked; the asking only released what his heart already intended.
A complication — there is a nearer kinsman with first right of redemption. Boaz will not act improperly; he will follow the proper legal order even though it risks losing Ruth to another.
Boaz's integrity. He could have simply taken Ruth, but he honors the law and the rights of the nearer kinsman. True character does the right thing even when the right thing is costly and risky. He trusts God with the outcome.
Sit still... until thou know how the matter will fall. Naomi's wisdom. Having done all that could be done, Ruth must now wait and trust. The waiting is active trust, not passive resignation.
The man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing. Boaz would not rest until the redemption was secured. The redeemer is more committed to the redemption than the redeemed. A picture of Christ, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross (Hebrews 12:2), not resting until salvation was accomplished.
After you have done all you can, sit still until you know how the matter will fall. There is a time for action and a time for trusting waiting. Ruth made her appeal; now she had to wait while the redeemer worked. When you have done what you can in a situation, hand the outcome to God and rest. The Redeemer will not rest until the matter is finished.
Ruth asking Boaz to spread his skirt over her is the sinner appealing to Christ for covenant covering. And Boaz's words — that he will not be in rest until he have finished the thing — anticipate Christ's own commitment to finish redemption. On the cross He cried It is finished (John 19:30). The Redeemer did not rest until the redemption was complete. Boaz is the shadow; Christ is the substance.
Shall I not seek rest for thee? Naomi seeks Ruth's security and settled future. The Hebrew word for rest (manoah) means a settled home, a place of belonging. Naomi's love seeks Ruth's permanent welfare.
The older woman now works for the younger's good. The relationship that began with Ruth sacrificing for Naomi (chapter 1) now sees Naomi laboring for Ruth. Covenant love flows both directions over time.