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A Study of Ruth
By Adam Bartlett
Chapter 3
1: Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?
2: And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.
3: Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.
4: And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.
5: And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do.
Naomi wanted what would be best for Ruth, spiritually and physically. To find a "rest" and that it may be "well" with her. It is very interesting that these two words were used by Naomi. The "rest" spoken of was a Hebrew word that even though used to relate to physical rest was also used to signifying a spiritual rest. A rest that was needed after following pagan gods and realizing their failure to produce true spiritual peace. After exhausting ourselves in this dreadful world looking for the answers in life we realize after coming to Christ that all peace lays within His Word. The book of Hebrews says it this way:
Hebrews 4:
3: For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
4: For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.
5: And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
9: There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
10: For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
I often wonder how people that do not know the Lord can make it each day with all the pressures of life. It is hard enough for me knowing the truth and promises of God, it is unimaginable to me how a person can handle the daily stress. There is a peace in God and even as Christians we fail to enter into it and lay all our cares at His feet as He instructed us to do. We try to bear all the burdens ourselves instead of laying them at his feet and allowing Him to handle our affairs. That is why the hearts of many fail and the love will wax cold. If we cannot see that transpiring in the world everyday then we are blind to all reality.
There is also a peace for that spiritual desire to worship and serve that is placed within every soul that breathes. When we were created we were given a hunger that we cannot explain that calls for us to worship. Even if the enemy wins over some souls and they fall prey to pagan worship it is still there, that drive to acknowledge a higher power. Just as a young person seeks to find that one love to fulfill them, that spiritual void is there until we find Christ. What peace to finally find it and know that we don't have to continue looking. I could not imagine being single in today's world, it is scary to even think about it. Trying to find true love in this world would be a daunting task to say the least and would leave you restless.
When you find that one true love there is peace of mind knowing that you don't have to worry about them going after other lovers. If you look back in the Bible as God tried to nurture His chosen people it was full of uncertainty on their part to Him. What a testimony to have for God to have confidence in our devotion to Him.
The second thing Naomi said was that it would be "well" with her. That is also a Hebrew word with an interesting meaning. It was a word used to acknowledge God in a covenant relationship with His people. Naomi was in this relationship with God and understood its importance and wanted it for Ruth. A relationship is what it is all about; it is not about "religion" as some think. Relationship requires spending time with each other and developing that bond and closeness that fosters trust and willing obedience. What a contrast to the "mechanical" Christians being bred in churches today. There are many Christians today that do not know how to start this vital part of their spiritual being. Remember what Samuel said to Saul:
1 Samuel 15:
22: And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
23: For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry…
God doesn't want us going through the motions (religion) He wants our hearts, our obedience, He wants our unrestrained devotion to Him.
Naomi now instructs Ruth to cleanse herself and anoint herself and go to the "Redeemer." The word used was "wash" and it is also a Hebrew word which indicated the ritual cleansing done for purification. Today it relates to the same thing as us recognizing our sinful condition and acknowledging it and understanding the need for a savior (redeemer). Just as the Prodigal Son "realized" his condition and confessed it to himself it was not enough until he made the trip to the "father" to make it right. We can acknowledge our condition but we must go to the one that can do something about it.
There is an old hymn that says; "At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the light and the burden of my heart rolled away." It is at the cross at the feet of Jesus that we must fall and seek forgiveness and mercy, and it is there that you will find it. I am reminded of the woman that came in to where Jesus was and did nothing but weep on His feet and wipe the tears with her hair. If we could only get a picture of that humility and put our pride aside and fall at the feet of Jesus every day. In Luke 8:35 there was a man that was possessed with demons and when Jesus cast them out they came and found him sitting at Jesus' feet.
We should give instruction to new converts as Naomi, go and sit at Jesus' feet and learn of Him. It shows a willingness to submit and once we do then He will tell us what we are to do. Notice that Naomi did not say, "Go, run to the best preachers in town and see what they have to say." Or "Go to this church or that church, or better yet just recite the prayer of Jabez." She directed Ruth to the only place that she could find true rest for her soul and that is at the feet of the Redeemer. Too many Christians want the answers and want all the blessings but never place themselves at the "Feet" of the Lord. Too many Christians are more willing to sit at the feet of a 'man' and listen to what he says and most of the time that man is not at the feet of the Lord either.
Ruth said, "I will do as you have said" because she had seen the steadfastness in Naomi and believed that what she had was real and wanted to find it also. I pray that our witness is just as powerful and impacting as Naomi was to Ruth.
Vs. 6-13
6: And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her.
7: And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down.
8: And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet.
9: And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.
10: And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.
11: And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.
12: And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.
13: Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning.
It says that Ruth "came softly" and lay down at his feet. The Prodigal Son came in fear and with the attitude that he would become as a hired servant if that is what it took. In Luke 18:14 it was the man that could not even look up to heaven as he prayed, but in sincere repentance looking down and beating his chest asked for forgiveness that was heard of God. I have a real problem with these people that want to teach that we should "demand" things from God. They do not "KNOW" God! If the Holy Spirit truly pierces your heart you will be a crumpled mess realizing your condition and come "softly" and humbly. We go to the "Redeemer" fully exposed, he knows our condition, he knows what we have done, and so we come softly and place ourselves at His disposal and mercy.
Ruth was in no condition to come demanding that Boaz take her and marry her and do it now because "I deserve what it mine."
At "midnight" the Redeemer acknowledges her. We are assuredly at that midnight hour and we need more than ever to bring the Ruth's of this world to the Redeemer's feet. The angel is just waiting for the command to blow that trumpet and we need to be in an urgent frenzy trying to reach the lost. When a person is all alone and cannot take the pressures of sin and the world anymore. When they are at the end of their rope and see no way out, and it is the midnight hour, we need to let them know that there is hope.
The redeemer asks, "Who are you?" Already knowing the answer but wanting us to acknowledge our situation. The Holy Spirit is gentle in the sense that He will not force anyone to do what is not in their heart. But if the heart is willing and sincere He will help you when all you can do is sob sincerely because the reality of it all encompasses you. Just as the man in Luke 18 could do nothing more than beat his chest and say, "have mercy on me a sinner." There is more excitement in the heavenlies over one sinner that repents than over the ninety-nine that do not need it.
Ruth acknowledges who she is, knowing that Boaz already knew all about her and what she had done and been through. Ruth says, "I know my situation and that you are the only one that can help me and I humbly come to you asking if you will spread your mercy out over me and cover me?" She placed her faith in his ability to protect her and keep her and the family name from perishing. Asking in a sense, "you know me and all that is involved, will you still marry me?"
Boaz blesses her because of her commitment to what was right. He acknowledges to her that she could have followed the way of the world as Orpah had, but she chose what was right and stayed the course. Because of her actions the entire town knew that she was a virtuous woman. She was already developing her witness and what a great start she had because of honesty, sincerity, humbleness, and commitment. Boaz also agreed to do what was right according to the law, Deut. 25, and redeems her and gives her peace of mind saying sleep on till morning. It is in my hands now so relax and let me do my work in this situation. How much more peace we could have if we just allowed the Redeemer to do His part instead of worrying about if it was going to get done.
Vs. 14-18
14: And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor.
15: Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city.
16: And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her.
17: And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law.
18: Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day.
Boaz was concerned for Ruth's reputation and that someone might think that something inappropriate had taken place even though it was completely innocent. As Christians we must always be careful to not put ourselves in a position that may cause undue harm to our witness. As innocent as our intentions may be the enemy is always looking for an opportunity to scar our witness. Remember Joseph and Potiphar's wife, Gen. 39, the enemy will even send snares your way sometimes to try to help you lose your witness.
He sends her away with a blessing, the barley to take to Naomi. It was also a sign or pledge that he would do what he had said. Naomi asked an interesting question, "Who are thou, my daughter?" What she was saying was, are you redeemed or are you still the same Ruth that left here? Ruth gives her testimony as to what the redeemer had done for her. We should always be free with our testimony as to what the Lord has done for us because our testimony is a powerful tool. In Revelation 12:11 it says that they overcame by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. You don't have to memorize all the scriptures to lead someone to the Lord, give them your testimony and tell them what God has done for you. Those that had known your past will be won by seeing the difference in your life and knowing that what you are saying is true.
Ruth Chapter 4
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