Trey Corry

Grace Bible Church

“Redeeming Love”

Ruth 3:1-18

Ruth 3 teaches us that determined, loyal love prompts one's request for redemption and determined, loyal love also grants redemption!

I. Loving kindness prompts our request for redemption (3:1-10).

a. Naomi planned for Ruth’s redemption as a wife (3:1-4). NAOMI’s Plan

i. Naomi intended redemption to give Ruth security (3:1, cf. 1:9).

ii. Naomi’s instructions prepared Ruth for a sexual encounter (3:2-4).

1. Naomi considered Boaz a husband PROSPECT (3:1-2).

2. Timing (2:23, 3:8), Place (3:2, 4), Preparations (3:3a), Boaz’s State (3:3b), initial encounter (3:8-9a)

3. Naomi knows how to persuade men

iii. Despite Naomi’s insight, CAUTION needed here with regards to her advice …

1. Descriptive, not prescriptive (Jacob’s multiple wives & concubines)

(God’s blessing doesn’t prove wisdom!)

2. Naomi’s plan doesn’t come from one who has faith in God.

3. Modesty can be very cultural

4. Ruth’s actions actually are noble and completely selfless. Here’s why …

b. Ruth requested Naomi’s redemption from Boaz as a concubine (3:5-10). RUTH’s Plan

i. Ruth initially followed Naomi’s instructions (3:5-7 … 8).

ii. Ruth then changed the nature of her request of redemption (3:9).

1. [Ama] vs. [Isha] distinction displayed nature of request (HOW).

2. “Spread your covering” represent request = Protection & Marriage

3. [Goel] institution provided basis for request (WHY).

(Deliver person/thing from injustice (murder) or poverty)

iii. Boaz praised Ruth’s loyal love for Naomi (3:10).

1. Ruth’s offer as an [ama] ensured Naomi’s provision, NOT Ruth’s.

2. Ruth’s limiting her choice to Boaz ensured Naomi’s seed/inher.

3. “Hesed” = Determined faithfulness or loyal, enduring love

a. Ruth’s “hesed” (1:16-18a)

b. God’s “hesed” (cf. Micah 7:18-20, Ps 136:23-26)!

c. God’s love in NT (John 3:16, Romans 5:8, Eph 2:4, 1 John 4:10)

c. Application: God’s love ought to prompt our request for redemption!

i. Request your own redemption!

ii. Request the redemption of others!

Enduring, determined love will request other’s redemption!

Do you have a heart and compassion for those who need redemption?

Does the mess of people’s lives repel you or does it pierce your heart to desire their deliverance?

How persistent and determined are you to love those needing redemption? Will you hang in?

In fact Boaz requests their redemption in 2:12 and then grants it himself!

II. Loving kindness grants redemption to come (3:11-18).

a. Boaz promised to ensure Ruth’s redemption (3:11-14).

i. Ruth and Boaz’s actions were fully upright.

ii. Ruth’s redemption was not required by the Law but granted by love (3:13).

b. Boaz provided Ruth a down payment in anticipation of consummation (3:15-18).

i. Boaz provided barley as a guarantee (3:15-17).

ii. Ruth and Naomi waited for redemption’s consummation (3:18a).

iii. Boaz would not rest until redemption was settled (3:18b).

c. Ultimately Boaz reflects Christ who redeems us and provides a pledge (Eph 1:13-14).

d. Application: Be available to answer your prayer request! Be like Boaz!

i. Integrity (word & follow through)

ii. Restraint (body)

iii. Protection (reputation)

In chapter 4 Boaz will marry Ruth and ensure Naomi’s provision all at the same time!

As we await the redemption of Ruth, we are reminded that God is absolutely in control. We get the privilege of seeing behind the scenes as God’s hand orders history and brings a fullness back to Naomi’s life.