Chapter 3
Well, what do we make of the opening 4 verses of this chapter? Here Naomi is effectively suggesting that Ruth prostitute herself. Are you prepared to offer-up your self-righteous virtue for your redemption? And one must always listen to their mother-in-law (at least with one ear), if you want a peaceful household.
Verses 7 through 9 show that there is a joy in a job well done and a good meal. Sleep comes easily to the truly justified. But when Ruth asks Boaz to take her under his wing we are not only encouraged to take care ‘as a mother hen her chicks’, but also should heed Malachi 4:2 where the Sun of Righteousness rises with healing in His wings as one ‘closer than a brother’.
Boaz then reminds us not to chase after the appearances of security, for God is our shield and buckler, and with Jesus we are virtuous. There is an interesting concept hinted at in verses 12 and 13. If Jesus is our kinsman-redeemer, then who is the one that was closer yet did not give us comfort? The answer could be satan, whom humanity, through Adam, chose instead of God. But he comes only to ‘kill, steal and destroy’ and is the ‘Father of Lies’.
Then in verses 14 and 15 we see that in God’s eyes we are innocent of our attitudes against Him, and that He richly rewards those who awaken to His presence (1 Timothy 4:10b). And in 17 the prompting that a gift is always welcome, may soothe ruffled feathers, and could open many opportunities. As the saying goes: It’s easier to catch flies with honey than vinegar. And “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son” (John 3:16). Then we see that Jesus did all that was needed for our redemption, after which He sat at the right hand of God in His Rest.
