Ruth 3: Grace That Leads to Rest

Redemption begins with the Redeemer’s grace and is received by faith that trusts His promise, obeys His Word, and rests under His wings of mercy.

Context

Ruth 3 moves the story of redemption from providence to personal relationship. After Ruth’s faithful gleaning in Boaz’s field (chapter 2), Naomi instructs her to approach Boaz, their kinsman-redeemer, in humble faith. The chapter unfolds like a quiet yet powerful picture of how grace invites faith to act. Naomi’s plan, Ruth’s obedience, and Boaz’s response all reveal the same truth we see fulfilled in Christ—redemption begins with the Redeemer’s grace and is received by faith that trusts and obeys. What began as famine and loss in Moab now blossoms into hope and rest in Bethlehem, the very place where Christ, our Redeemer, would later be born (Luke 2:4–7).

Proposition

Rest under Christ’s redeeming grace by trusting His promise and obeying His Word.

Naomi’s Plan for Ruth (3:1–5)

Naomi urges Ruth to seek rest in Boaz, a near kinsman. She had heard of his kindness and trusted his willingness to redeem. Naomi’s counsel mirrors how believers come to Christ not through human schemes but through faith in God’s revealed plan (Romans 10:17). Faith is not self-initiated—it is the natural response to hearing of the Redeemer’s grace. Ruth’s obedience shows that true faith acts on what it knows of God’s goodness.

Ruth’s Approach to Boaz (3:6–9)

Ruth’s actions at the threshing floor were not an attempt to manipulate Boaz but to express trust in his integrity. When she asked him to “spread your wings over your servant” (3:9), she was claiming the promise of refuge under God’s covenant love (Ruth 2:12). This beautifully parallels how a sinner calls on the Lord for salvation (Romans 10:13). Faith comes humbly, not claiming merit, but appealing to mercy. Ruth’s posture at Boaz’s feet captures the spirit of every believer who kneels before Christ and says, “Be my Redeemer.”

Boaz’s Promise and Provision (3:10–15)

Boaz blesses Ruth for her faithfulness and purity, promising redemption while ensuring it is done lawfully through the nearer kinsman. His integrity reflects Christ’s perfect righteousness. Jesus fulfilled every demand of the law before redeeming us (Matthew 5:17). Boaz’s gift of six measures of barley shows his provision and his intent to finish what he began. In the same way, Christ gives believers the Holy Spirit as the pledge of our redemption (Ephesians 1:13–14). Redemption is not an uncertain hope—it is a guaranteed outcome secured by the Redeemer’s character.

Naomi’s Confidence in Boaz’s Redemption (3:16–18)

When Ruth returned, Naomi declared with confidence, “The man will not rest until he has settled the matter this day.” Those words echo the assurance believers have in Christ. Our Redeemer will not rest until He completes the work of redemption He began (Philippians 1:6). Naomi’s confidence encourages us to wait in faith, resting in the certainty that Christ is faithful to fulfill every promise.

Invitation

Every person apart from Christ stands outside the Redeemer’s covering, vulnerable to judgment and without true rest. Like Ruth, you have heard of the Redeemer’s grace—His kindness shown when He died for our sins and His power displayed when He rose again (Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4). He invites you to come, not with your own righteousness, but with humble faith. Call on the name of the Lord and trust His promise to save (Romans 10:9–13). Just as Boaz willingly redeemed Ruth, Jesus willingly redeems all who come to Him in faith. His grace is greater than your sin, His righteousness is enough to satisfy every demand of justice, and His resurrection secures eternal life for all who believe. The Redeemer who began His work of grace will not rest until He brings you safely home to Himself.