ADULT STS LESSON 187 RUTH FINDS FAVOUR WITH BOAZ

MEMORY VERSE: “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” (Ruth 3:11).

TEXT: Ruth 3:1-18; 4:1-22

The preceding text reveals the piety and industry of Ruth. She displayed the virtues of godliness chastity and hard work as a young widow. Widowhood did not crush her will to survive and live a worthy life. For some young widows, they would have bemoaned their lot in life, become licentious, immoral and dependent. Ruth, like the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31, went into the fields to labour and fend for herself and her mother-in-law. As she ventured out, providence guided her to the field of Boaz, a near kinsman of her late husband. In this lesson, Naomi expressed concern for her marital status. She said, “…My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?” (Ruth 3:1). The rest Naomi meant is marriage and a settled life. She hinted earlier in her parting remarks to Ruth and Orpah that, “The LORD grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband”. The virtue of p”tience exhibited by Ruth eventually paid off as she was married to Boaz, a near kinsman. There is a measure of rest from acute lack that marriage grants. Apart from rest and provision, the blessedness of marriage includes protection, partnership, procreation and power of joining forces together to overcome the challenges of life. Young widows are instructed to marry to enjoy this rest (1 Timothy 5:9-16).

NAOMI’S INSTRUCTIONS TO RUTH (Ruth 3:1-5; Deuteronomy 25:5-10)

Naomi showed the concern of every true mother for her children. She called Ruth, “my daughter” because her affection and care for Naomi was endearing. Since she had consecrated her life to the God of Israel, it was proper for Noami to desire that she should be settled and blessed in a marriage union. Naomi’s concern for her happiness revealed her virtues of selflessness and care. Her plan for her daughter-in-law was not only commendable, but worthy of emulation by godly parents. Naomi revealed to Ruth that Boaz was of the same kindred with her late husband. Acting on information that Boaz ‘winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor”, she instructed Ruth to wash and anoint herself, put on her raiment and go to the threshing floor. She told her, “make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking”. She further instructed her to stealthily “uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do” (verse 4). Some Christian writers have argued on the propriety or otherwise of Naomi’s counsel to Ruth.

They alleged that the approach was at best indecent or immodest. But from the perspective of Naomi and Ruth’s virtues of chastity and piety, which they had manifested aforetime, it is fair to suggest that their action was meant to draw Boaz’s attention to his duty as a kinsman towards the wife of the dead (Deuteronomy 25:7-9). In the Jewish context, if a man married a wife and died childless, the nearest relation to the dead was required to remarry her (Deuteronomy 25:5,6). The Scripture also reveals what the wife of the deceased was to do when the near kinsman-redeemer showed unwillingness to comply. “And if the man like not to take his brother’s wife, then let his brother’s wife go up to the gate unto the elders, and say, My husband’s brother refuseth to raise up unto his brother a name in Israel, he will not perform the duty of my husband’s brother.

Then the elders of his city shall call him, and speak unto him: and if he stand to it, and say, I like not to take her; Then shall his brother’s wife come unto him in the presence of the elders, and loose his shoe from off his foot, and spit in his face…” (Deuteronomy 25:7-10). Naomi was sure that if Ruth obeyed her instruction, he would do the needful. These Old Testament practices require spiritual application today. For example, Abraham’s instruction to his servant to take a wife for his son, Isaac, from among his kindred only serves to remind believers not to marry unbelievers (Genesis 24:2-4; Deuteronomy 7:3,4; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18). Having seen the sincerity and affection of Naomi for her welfare and happiness, Ruth demonstrated obedience. “And she said unto her, All that thou sayest Unto me I will do.”

RUTH’S PROPOSAL AND BOAZ’S ADHERENCE TO THE WORD OF GOD (Ruth 3:6-14; Genesis 39:9)

After receiving instruction from Naomi, Ruth “went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her”. At midnight, Boaz discovered the uninvited guest. To his question, “Who art thou?”, he got the proposal, “I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman”. Being a godly man himself, Boaz realised the import of the proposal and his own responsibility as a near kinsman. He was discerning enough to understand the message that Ruth’s gesture conveyed.

Boaz’s response was polite and tender. He began by heaping compliments on Ruth. “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.” Boaz referred to her act of kindness in her choice to follow Naomi to become a member of God’s covenant people. The second kindness was her willingness to offer herself as a bride to him even when she could decide to find a young and rich husband outside the law and custom of the people of Israel. Boaz made a plain and truthful explanation on the rightful order of a near kinsman. He would not outwit the nearest kinsman in the matter, but gave Ruth a comforting assurance that if the nearest kinsman would not redeem her, he would do so.

No doubt, Boaz was ready to maintain his righteousness and integrity in the land. Though nothing went wrong between them, he knew the implication of being seen with a woman on the floor in the night. He was conscious of the presence of God as revealed in his response to Ruth. Believers need to be wise and transparent during courtship. God expects Christian singles and intending couples to be holy in all their dealings. The steps taken by Ruth in approaching Boaz cannot be a pattern for present-day believers. It should be interpreted in the context of the culture and times in which they lived.

GIFT FROM BOAZ AND HOPE OF REDEMPTION (Ruth 3:15-18; Hebrews 9:12; John 3:16; Matthew 1:5,6)

In addition to the consolation and assurance Boaz gave Ruth, he “measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her” saying, “Go not empty unto thy mother in law”. Fair speech and comforting words without practical giving to meet the needs of the poor is not an expression of virtue. The New Testament makes this responsibility very clear. It says, “If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed” (1 Timothy 5:16). Satisfied with the feedback from Ruth, Naomi encouraged her to “Sit still… until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day”. She was sure that the promise given by Boaz had set in motion the process towards finding rest for her daughter-in-law. Believers should hold on tenaciously to the unfailing promises of God in every circumstance of life.

BOAZ, A KINSMAN-REDEEMER (Ruth 4:1-8; Leviticus 25:25; Deuteronomy 25:5-10; 1 Corinthians 14:40; Matthew 22:24)

According to the law of Moses, the nearest kinsman of the deceased was to redeem his inheritance. He was expected to perform the duties of a husband to his late brother’s wife (Deuteronomy 25:5; Mark 12:19; Luke 20:28). A nearer kinsman, whose name was not mentioned, had the first right to remarry Ruth and inherit the family land (Leviticus 25:25). “Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! Turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down” (Ruth 4:1). In the presence of the city elders, Boaz put the proposal concerning the redemption of the inheritance of Elimelech to him. He initially agreed, but when he was told that he would also marry Ruth to raise seed for the dead, he rejected the offer. “…I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar my own inheritance” (Ruth 4:6). The nearest kinsman could not redeem her probably because he felt that would spoil his own inheritance. He thought that taking Ruth would be an additional burden to him and his family. Boaz became a redeemer in two ways: he married Ruth and preserved the name of Elimelech. Also, he redeemed the family land that Naomi had sold and restored it to Elimelech’s inheritance.

BOAZ’S MARRIAGE WITH RUTH (Ruth 4:9-13; 1 Chronicles 2:12; Matthew 1:5; Deuteronomy 7:8-11; 23:3)

Consequent upon the nearest kinsman’s inability to redeem Ruth, “Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that… Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance…” (Ruth 4:9,10). The elders witnessed the transaction and blessed Boaz and Ruth. There are vital lessons from this event. One, although he was deeply interested in Ruth, Boaz patiently followed the laid down procedure of the law in handling the case. Christians should follow due process either in marriage or in resolving issues within and outside the church. Two, he showed preference for others by giving the opportunity first to the other kinsman (Romans 12:10). Christians should emulate the qualities of orderliness and selflessness in handling issues. Three, he did not attempt to do anything in secret. The elders of the city gave credence and witness to his proposed marriage. And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders said, “We are witnesses” (Ruth 4:11). Believers must watch against shady deals and every form of deceitful works. Christian bachelors and spinsters should avoid every temptation of planning secret marriages because they often lead to many untold regrets, heartaches and irreparable losses. “So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife…” (Ruth 4:13). The law of Moses had prohibited the Moabites from entering into the congregation of the Lord, even to the tenth generation (Deuteronomy 23:3). However, Ruth became an exemption because of her decision to serve the Lord. She had been incorporated into the family of God by marriage, having left her own country, people and gods to become a convert to the living God. Thus, Ruth was a witness for God to the gentiles, indicating that God had not utterly forsaken them but that in due time, they should become one with His chosen people and partake of His salvation. It follows, therefore, that those who repent and decide to follow Christ will be saved no matter their background or pedigree (Ezekiel 18:4-9; John 6:37; Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13). Ruth’s life and experiences teach us to prioritise seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness above all else (Matthew 6:33). Two, we must learn to patiently wait for God’s appointed time for our blessings. Three, we must put absolute trust in God and His promise because “…he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

BIRTH OF OBED AND GENEALOGY OF DAVID (Ruth 4:14-22; Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38; 1:58; Romans 12:15)

The birth of baby Obed was a further testament to God’s plan and programme for Ruth, Israel and indeed the world. Besides the comfort and rest which He promised those who trust Him, the Lord was also preparing the way for the coming Messiah through her. As a reward for her faithfulness, God made her to have a place in the genealogy of our Lord Jesus Christ. “And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth…” (Matthew 1:5). As the birth of a child is a just cause of rejoicing, the women came around to felicitate with Naomi and Ruth. Believers are equally enjoined to “rejoice with them that do rejoice…” (Romans 12:15). The neighbours recommended a name suitable to the circumstances of the case; and the parents and grandmother adopted it. They called his name Obed which means ‘serving’ because he was to be the nourisher of Naomi in old age (Ruth 4:15).

Our text climaxes with this fascinating account of the genealogy of David, revealing how God rewarded the consecration and devotion of Ruth, the Moabitess. “And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed, And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David” (Ruth 4:21,22). Ruth had earlier declared, “…thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God” (Ruth 1:16). Truly, she walked her talk and demonstrated that her decision to follow the Lord was real. Declaration of intention alone never endears anyone to God until it is followed by purposeful action (2 Corinthians 8:11). Sinners can have their names written in the book of life if they acknowledge their sinfulness, confess and repent of all their evil deeds, and exercise faith in the sacrifice of Christ’s atonement (Romans 10:10-13; Revelation 20:11-15).

QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW

• From the text, what kind of rest did Naomi seek for Ruth?

• How did Ruth find a place in the genealogy of Christ despite being a Moabitess?

• What can intending couples learn from the godly examples of Boaz and Ruth before wedding?

• Explain the Scripture’s stance on the responsibility of believers towards widows.

• What qualities of character can we emulate from Boaz in handling issues?

• What should be a believer’s attitude towards God’s promises?

• How can a sinner have a place in God’s kingdom?