Ruth 3 Devotional

Not Sent Back Empty

““Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, for you are a kinsman-redeemer.””Ruth 3:9 (BSB)

Naomi, who once spoke only of emptiness, now plans for Ruth's future. She sends her to the threshing floor at night, and Ruth asks Boaz to spread the corner of his garment over her, because he is a kinsman-redeemer (3:9). A kinsman-redeemer was a close relative with the right to buy back a family's land and keep a dead man's name alive (4:3-5). Ruth is asking for marriage, and for rescue for the whole family. Boaz blesses her and promises that if the nearer relative will not redeem her, he will (3:10-13).

He sends her home with six measures of barley, so that she will not return to Naomi with nothing (3:15-17). The woman who said the LORD had brought her back empty (1:21) is receiving more than grain. Then Naomi tells Ruth to wait, because Boaz will not rest until the matter is settled (3:18). Waiting is bearable when the outcome rests with someone pledged to act, and the God behind this story keeps his word more surely than Boaz ever could.

To think about: What are you waiting on right now, and how does God's faithfulness to his promises help you wait?