Chapter 3 Introduction
J. Deering, AncientPath.net

INTRODUCTION

Chapter three breaks down into many small pieces. We have elected to treat each of these pieces, even though some are only one sentence long, as individual paragraphs. The reasoning is that each of these little packages of information can stand alone as an independent thought.

Chapter three starts with Naomi's "Plan" for putting Ruth forward to Boaz in a marriage proposal. In these four verses Naomi will prepare Ruth, a gentile, for meeting (and proposing marriage to) her (Ruth's) kinsman-redeemer.

As you consider this chapter please do not make the mistake of seeing an immoral secret meeting of two lustful lovers. Remember that the Book of Ruth shows forth the Character of God and His love for His people in bringing them back into fellowship with Him. As you look at these verses you should see nothing but God and His character. If you see other things here they may come as a result of your knowledge of our culture and time. Take time in reading the introduction and commentary material on each paragraph that you may understand the time and culture to which they belong.

Ruth goes and encounters Boaz and makes her proposal for marriage to Boaz, however there is a problem that they both must consider – there is another who has the family rights to marry Ruth.

Boaz promises Ruth that he will do everything he can to make sure that she has the opportunity to marry and redeem her family's heritage and name.

When she next talks with Naomi, her mother-in-law, Naomi tells her "Wait, my daughter, until you know how the matter turns out; for the man will not rest until he has settled it today."

As we consider the spiritual implications of this chapter we are faced with the journey of forgiveness, and salvation for that matter. When searching for redeemer we will be looking for the one who will willingly take on these responsibilities. If we are searching for forgiveness then what value would it have to us if we were approaching one who can forgive if he is not willing to forgive.  Whether we see this part of the story as revealing the nation of Israel's approach to the LORD God for forgiveness and return to His fellowship, or we see the Believer's approach during the process of confession to our Father God, we ought to see the returning to Him in fellowship after a bout with sin, is returning not only to a God who CAN forgive, bur returning to a God who WILLINGLY forgives.

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2012-11-20