Bible Text: Ruth 3:1-18 | Preacher: Pastor Joe Ricchuiti | Series: Finding Rest, Ruth

1.  Chapter three is the turning point of the Book of Ruth.  The fortunes of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz will change.  Up until 2:20 Naomi is in a depressed state, but now her sadness and emptiness gives way to hope and she thinks of others. She is concerned to provide a home for Ruth a “place of rest” where she will be well-provided for and find security and comfort.  Remarriage, previously given up by Ruth, now become again a possibility. Home should be a place of rest and peace, comfort and security. To promote that goal, in our homes, we must control our schedules; offer forgiveness to each other, watch our words (James 3; 1 Peter 3), and resolve anger and conflict.

2.  Boaz is nudged to carry out his role as “go-el,” that is of kinsman-redeemer (Leviticus 25:25-28; Deuteronomy 25:5-12).  “Go-el” is an important theological concept in the Book of Ruth, mentioned some 13 times.  The purpose of the Kinsman-Redeemer law was to protect and provide for widows and poor relatives; and to protect the title to the property which each tribe and family had been given by God.  The redeeming kinsman was not required to redeem, but was expected to.

3.  Ruth, for her part, is being called into a deeper place of trust and faith in God.  She believes God and lives responsibly, but from chapter three on she is called to a new level of commitment, one that would require her to leave her comfort zone and to risk the misunderstanding of both Boaz and the townspeople.

4.  Chapter three also is filled with ambiguities about what happened at the threshing floor.  Would Ruth and Boaz act in accordance with their character?  Would they be in the dark what they are in the light?  Would they act with integrity? The answer will come later in the chapter.