Redemption Unfolding

Introduction

There is a moving story of a young boy who lived with his grandmother. When their house caught fire, he was upstairs in his room. The grandmother tried to work her way through the flames to rescue him, but perished in her efforts. Those on the ground heard the boy’s cries, but only one set out to rescue him. That man climbed the iron drainpipe and returned with the boy’s arms wrapped tightly around his neck. A few weeks after the tragedy, a public hearing was set to determine who should have custody for this young boy left alone in the world. Several respected citizens charitably offered to open their homes to him each presenting a good reason they should be granted guardianship. Then, in the midst of the deliberations, a stranger walked to the front of the room and revealed scarred hands. Instantly the boy leaped from his seat and ran to embrace this man who had saved his life – burning his hands in the process. The others withdrew their arguments. The scarred hands had spoken clearly. Today in Ruth 3:6-13 we will study the next scene in a story of redemption. As the various elements of the story unfold, we see many examples of good character, and begin to glimpse the shadowy foretelling of a future Redeemer who would give Himself to free His people.

Observation

Pray

Before reading today’s passage, stop and spend time praying. Ask God to show you what the passage says and what it tells you to do today to live in a way that will please and honor the Lord.

Read Focus Verses

Ruth 3:6-13 is the passage for today’s study. Read it and notice what is going on.

Read in Context

Before considering the passage in depth, read Ruth 3:1-5 to get some extra context on what is going on in the story.

Whose Plan

Whose plan is Ruth acting on in today’s story?

Where?

Where does the story take place?

How Well?

According to verse 6, how well did Ruth carry out Naomi’s instructions?

A Happy Night

How is Boaz’s condition described in verse 7?

Night Post

Where was Boaz’s night post according to the passage?

Ruth’s First Act

What did Ruth do first to get Boaz’s attention?

Your Own Words

If you were recounting the story, how might you recount the moment in verse 8?

Surprise

What was Boaz’s response when he was surprised and afraid?

Ruth’s Reply

What is Ruth’s reply to Boaz’s question?

Keyword – Redeemer

This symbol will help the words for the kinsman redeemer stand out.

Redemption

Mark the words ‘kinsman,’ ‘relative,’ ‘redeem,’ and ‘redeemer’ and any other words in Ruth 3:6-13 that speak of Boaz’s relationship to Ruth as kinsman redeemer.

Boaz’s Promise

What does Boaz promise to Ruth?

Complication

What complication to Naomi and Ruth’s plan does Boaz mention in verse 12?

Interpretation

A Little Word

Consider for a minute, what difference is there between the little word ‘all’ in verse 6 and the word ‘some’?

Boaz’s Frame of Mind

Look a little deeper at the word used to describe Boaz’s state of mind that night.

A Happy Heart

See what Proverbs 15:13 says about a happy heart.

Naomi’s Choice

What can you learn about dealing with people well from Naomi’s choice of times for Ruth to approach Boaz?

Self-Restraint

Verse 8 tells us that Boaz was afraid and surprised. What can you learn from his godly example of self-restraint?

Ruth’s Request

Take a moment to look into the word Ruth used to ask Boaz to be her kinsman redeemer.

Boaz’s Benediction

Boaz used the same word in Ruth 2:12 when He said that she had come to trust under the Lord’s ‘wings.’

Significance

By asking Boaz to take her under his protection and care, what was Ruth asking him to do in regard to her?

Kinsman Redeemer

Read Deuteronomy 25:5-10 to learn more about what is going on in this section of the story of Ruth.

More About the Redeemer

Notice the different roles of the kinsman redeemer delineated by the Law as outlined on this helpful webpage.

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Ruth’s Proposal

Why did Ruth ask Boaz to marry her?

The Redeemer

Look at the word ‘kinsman’ which Ruth uses to refer to Boaz in her request.

Greater Kindness

Boaz praises Ruth for showing greater kindness to her husband’s family now than she had shown to them before, by being willing to marry Boaz to raise up seed to the family instead of marrying a younger man. What previous kindnesses had she shown?

Suitable Partners

Read 1 Kings 11:1-2 to learn about who the Israelites were not to marry.

Why?

Why does God say the Israelites were not to marry people from these other lands including Moab?

Virtuous

So when Boaz tells Ruth that he is willing to redeem and marry her because everyone in town knew that she was a virtuous woman, what was he referring to?

OK

Based on the reason God gave for not marrying Moabites, why was it OK for Boaz to marry Ruth?

Redeemer

Read Titus 2:11-14 and look for who is the Redeemer.

Foreshadowing

The kinsman redeemer in the Old Testament Law was a picture of whom?

Meaning

What does it mean that Jesus redeems His people?

Application

Response

When Boaz was startled and afraid he had control over himself such that he asked questions. How can you apply this example in your life today?

Redeemer

Is Jesus Christ your Redeemer? Have you admitted that you are in bondage to sin, realized that you cannot free yourself, and asked Christ to redeem you to God? Why or why not?

Wrapup

Closing

We hope this study has given you an increasing understanding of the biblical idea of redemption.

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