Ruth 3:1–18 — At the Redeemer's Feet

At the Redeemer’s Feet

Ruth 3 begins with Naomi seeking “rest” for Ruth. Earlier Naomi had told her to return to Moab to find that rest (1:8-9), but now she understands that Ruth’s future is the redemption provided through the God of Israel. Ruth obeys Naomi’s instructions, goes to Boaz, and makes a bold but righteous appeal: “Take your maidservant under your wing, for you are a close relative” (3:9). The woman who had already taken refuge under the wings of the LORD now asks Boaz to become the human instrument of that refuge. Ruth places herself at the feet of the redeemer and trusts him to do what she cannot do for herself.

Boaz responds with kindness and a solemn promise. He is willing to redeem Ruth, but he will do it the right way because another relative has a prior claim. He will not ignore God’s requirements in order to accomplish this redemption. In this, Boaz points to Jesus Christ, our greater Redeemer. Christ did not save us by setting aside God’s righteous requirement through the Law; He fulfilled it. He became our Kinsman, taking on flesh, and paid the price of our redemption through His own blood.

The chapter ends with a beautiful statement from Naomi. Naomi tells Ruth, “Sit still, my daughter… for the man will not rest until he has concluded the matter this day” (3:18). Ruth can rest because the redeemer will not rest until the work is finished. That is where this passage points us to Christ again. Our salvation does not depend on our ability to finish the work, but on the Redeemer who has already declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30).
Join us Sunday as we consider what it means to come in faith, to rest at the Redeemer’s feet, and to trust Him to accomplish what we never could.