Ruth 3:13

Stay here tonight, and in the morning, if he wants to redeem you, good. Let him redeem you. But if he does not want to redeem you, as surely as the LORD lives, I will. Now lie here until morning."

Study Bible

Stay here tonight
In the context of ancient Israel, it was customary for travelers to seek shelter for the night, especially in rural areas like Bethlehem. Boaz's invitation for Ruth to stay was a gesture of protection and care, ensuring her safety from potential harm. This reflects the cultural norms of hospitality and protection for women, especially widows, who were vulnerable in society.

and in the morning, if he wants to redeem you, good. Let him redeem you.
The concept of redemption here refers to the Levirate marriage and the role of the kinsman-redeemer (goel), a practice outlined in Deuteronomy 25:5-10. This law provided for a close relative to marry a widow to preserve the family line and property. Boaz acknowledges the presence of a closer relative who has the first right to redeem Ruth, demonstrating his integrity and adherence to the law.

But if he does not want to redeem you, as surely as the LORD lives, I will.
Boaz's oath "as surely as the LORD lives" underscores the seriousness and binding nature of his promise. This phrase is a common biblical expression used to affirm truthfulness and commitment (e.g., 1 Samuel 14:39). Boaz's willingness to redeem Ruth if the closer relative declines highlights his role as a type of Christ, who redeems humanity out of love and commitment.

Now lie here until morning.
Boaz's instruction for Ruth to remain until morning was likely for her protection and to avoid any scandal or misunderstanding that might arise from her leaving in the middle of the night. This reflects the cultural importance of maintaining a woman's reputation and the care Boaz had for Ruth's well-being. It also signifies a period of waiting and trust in God's provision, paralleling the believer's trust in God's timing and plan.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Boaz
A wealthy landowner in Bethlehem, Boaz is a relative of Naomi's deceased husband, Elimelech. He is a man of integrity and kindness, playing the role of a kinsman-redeemer for Ruth and Naomi.

2. Ruth
A Moabite widow who has shown great loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi. She seeks protection and provision through the custom of levirate marriage by approaching Boaz.

3. Naomi
Ruth's mother-in-law, who has returned to Bethlehem after the death of her husband and sons. She guides Ruth in seeking Boaz as a kinsman-redeemer.

4. Bethlehem
The setting of the account, a town in Judah where Naomi and Ruth return and where Boaz's fields are located.

5. Kinsman-Redeemer
A cultural and legal role in ancient Israel where a close relative could redeem a family member in distress, often by marrying a widow to preserve the family line.

Teaching Points

Integrity and Honor
Boaz's response to Ruth's request demonstrates his integrity and commitment to doing what is right. In our lives, we should strive to act with honor and integrity, even when faced with complex situations.

God's Provision
The account of Ruth and Boaz illustrates God's provision and faithfulness. We can trust that God will provide for our needs, often in unexpected ways.

Loyalty and Faithfulness
Ruth's loyalty to Naomi and her willingness to follow her guidance is a powerful example of faithfulness. We are called to be loyal and faithful in our relationships, reflecting God's faithfulness to us.

Redemption and Hope
The role of the kinsman-redeemer points to the greater redemption found in Christ. Just as Boaz redeems Ruth, Jesus redeems us, offering hope and restoration.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Boaz's response to Ruth in Ruth 3:13 reflect his character, and what can we learn from his example about integrity and responsibility?

2. In what ways does the concept of a kinsman-redeemer in Ruth 3:13 foreshadow the redemptive work of Christ in the New Testament?

3. How does Ruth's approach to Boaz demonstrate her faith and trust in God's provision, and how can we apply this trust in our own lives?

4. What role does Naomi play in guiding Ruth, and how can we seek and offer godly counsel in our relationships today?

5. How does the account of Ruth and Boaz encourage us to see God's hand at work in our circumstances, even when the outcome is uncertain?

Connections to Other Scriptures

The concept of a kinsman-redeemer is also seen in Leviticus 25, which outlines the responsibilities of a redeemer in terms of property and family.

The account of Ruth and Boaz is echoed in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1, highlighting the importance of their union in the lineage of Christ.

The theme of redemption is central to the New Testament, particularly in the writings of Paul, who speaks of Christ as our ultimate Redeemer.