“Ruth’s Boldness And Humility” - 1/19/25
In obedience to Naomi’s instructions (Ruth 3:1-4), Ruth displayed remarkable courage as she ventured to the threshing floor where the men were and found the spot where Boaz would sleep (v. 4, 6-7). Having found the place, she went in and laid at his feet. “At midnight,” Boaz was startled to find a woman lying at his feet (v. 8). This courageous act initiated the conversation between Ruth and Boaz concerning the rights of the kinsman, marriage, and the rest (v. 8-14). He then ensured she left before others knew she was on the threshing floor (v. 14).
The event in Ruth 3 does not match the culture we live in today. I am sorry to say some in our Western culture have read things into this night that are not there. We are not to read anything sexual or sinful into this account. In a few words, Naomi seems to be pushing this exchange since Boaz has done nothing (it seems) to offer or suggest he might like to marry Ruth. Naomi has Ruth go to the threshing floor at night to have this talk with Boaz. Perhaps a late-night talk was their only chance to be alone and talk privately; seeing this “mighty man of wealth” (Ruth 2:1) was probably busy all day during the harvest.
Thus, Ruth follows Naomi's instructions and lays at his feet (Ruth 3:4, 7-8). Please understand she is not “throwing herself” at him. She is, instead, laying at his feet in humility. This act (in addition to her words) tells him, “I am a near kin and would like to be married” (v. 9). The phrase “spread your skirt over your handmaiden” (v. 9) is interesting. In a traditional Jewish marriage ceremony, the groom will take his garment and “spread his skirt” over his wife to symbolize his protection for her. It is also called “spreading his wings” over her. Therefore, when Ruth requests this to be done that night on the threshing floor, she is asking to be Boaz’s wife!
Our culture typically has the husband ask the wife (propose) for her hand in marriage. It is unusual for the woman to ask the husband. It was the same here. She took a significant risk to go to the threshing floor and propose to Boaz, but she did it at Naomi’s request (Ruth 3:5-6). Thankfully, she did this, and we see the good that came from making this bold move. This section of Ruth teaches us several valuable lessons, enlightening us about the dynamics of boldness, humility, and trust in God's plan.
One lesson we learn is that boldness and humility can occupy the same space! A portion of people today will equate boldness with arrogance or other sinful attitudes. This is incorrect (Prov. 29:23). As is seen in Ruth 3, boldness and humility complement each other. We note this as Ruth boldly went to Boaz’s place and asked to be wed. At the same time, she laid at his feet in humility, awaiting his answer, not demanding he acquiesce to her (Ruth 3:6-9). As Christians, we need to be bold and humble like Ruth (Prov. 28:1; Heb. 10:19-20). We need to be bold in our speech (I Thess. 2:2; Acts 4:13, 29, 31, 9:29, 14:3; Eph. 3:11-12, 6:18-19). Deacons in the congregation are to be bold (I Tim. 3:13). We also need to ask forgiveness from God humbly. In so doing, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace …” (Heb. 4:16)!
At the same time, we never forget that “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:4). Yes, God gives grace to the humble (Jas. 4:6; I Pet. 5:5). Thus, we must humble ourselves before God and He will exalt us in due time (I Pet. 5:6). Boldness and humility are not exclusive. Instead, fit together harmoniously in the life of a Christian. Ruth shows us this.
Another lesson we see is the connection between God and Boaz regarding “spreading his wings.” Remember, in Ruth 2, Ruth was noted for trusting in God’s “wings” (v. 12). Boaz praised her for trusting in God and serving Him during her time of hardship. Now, we see her again trusting in someone else and putting herself under his “wings”! The imagery between Ruth 2:12 and 3:9 cannot be denied. Here, again, is more proof her actions on the threshing floor that night were not sinful but were the actions of someone looking for help and appealing to the only one who could provide it.
Similarly, today, if we are to be saved (Mk. 16:16), we can only turn to One person to make that happen (Jn. 14:6). Since this is true, I need to come humbly, yet boldly trust in the promises of the Lord who said when I do as the Lord told me I can be saved! What a beautiful image is portrayed between Boaz and Ruth. How much more do we need to go to Jesus and ask Him to “spread His wings” over us so that we might be protected, safe, and finally see Heaven when this life is over!
- Jarrod M. Jacobs