January 19 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Devotional

When Ruth returns home after gleaning the fields, Naomi rejoices and is very glad. The work of the Lord in Ruth’s life changes Naomi. Her disposition changes from bitterness to hope. Naomi acknowledges God’s providential hand in leading Ruth into the field of a man who is a relative (2:20). This prompts Naomi to tell Ruth, “Put on your best clothes, go to the threshing floor, and when he lies down uncover his feet and do what the man tells you to do.” Ruth proceeds, trusting Naomi’s advice is in line with the will of the Lord. First she observes carefully where the man is lying. She does not want to make a mistake. At midnight Boaz is startled awake because a woman has uncovered his feet! A woman who uncovered a man’s feet and then lay down there was proposing marriage. No wonder Boaz is startled and wants to know, “Who is this woman?”

Ruth identifies herself and explains why she has come to Boaz. She says in verse 9, “Take your maidservant under your wing, for you are a close relative.” Ruth’s faith and trust is in the Lord. In chapter 2:12, Boaz acknowledged that she had come under the refuge of the Lord’s wings. Ruth believes the Lord will use human means to provide her with refuge and protection. This is why she wants Boaz to marry her, so that he could complete his duties as the kinsman-redeemer.

The Old Testament had rules of redemption to ensure a family line did not die out. If a man died childless, his brother was to marry his widow. Their firstborn son was to be regarded as the son and heir of the dead brother. The redeemer would pay the debt and, if he himself was not married, he would wed the widow to raise an heir.

Ruth goes to Boaz at night to make her request so that no one will influence Boaz in making his decision. Ruth ventures forward in faith, believing the Lord will protect her through the work of a kinsman-redeemer.