How does Ruth 3:15 demonstrate Boaz's integrity and generosity towards Ruth?

Context of the Verse

Ruth 3:15: “And he told her, ‘Bring the shawl you are wearing and hold it out.’ When she did so, he shoveled six measures of barley into her shawl and put it on her. Then he went into the city.”

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The Setting Matters

• Night at the threshing floor, an isolated place (Ruth 3:6–7)

• Ruth has sought Boaz as kinsman-redeemer (Ruth 3:9; cf. Leviticus 25:25)

• Cultural norms could easily be misunderstood, yet Boaz acts honorably

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Integrity on Display

• Immediate protection of Ruth’s reputation

– Sends her away before daylight (Ruth 3:14) to avoid gossip

– Takes the initiative, not exploiting her vulnerability (Proverbs 11:3)

• Faithfulness to covenant law

– Acknowledges a nearer kinsman (Ruth 3:12–13), refusing shortcuts

– Upholds God’s commands about sexual purity (Exodus 20:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:3–4)

• Personal responsibility

– “He went into the city” (3:15): Boaz will resolve the legal matter promptly at the gate (Ruth 4:1–10)

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Generosity Overflowing

• Six measures of barley—likely 60–90 lbs—far beyond daily need

– Provides tangible care for Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 2:18; Proverbs 19:17)

• Assurance for Naomi

– Ruth doesn’t return “empty” (Ruth 3:17), reversing Naomi’s earlier lament (Ruth 1:21)

• Symbol of forthcoming redemption

– A down payment pointing to full restoration (Ephesians 1:14 parallels God’s pledge in Christ)

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Character Lessons from Boaz

• Godly men honor women, especially the vulnerable (James 1:27)

• True generosity meets physical needs and calms anxious hearts (2 Corinthians 9:8)

• Integrity acts quickly and transparently, trusting God for the outcome (Psalm 37:3–5)

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Foreshadowing Greater Redemption

• Boaz’s actions prefigure Christ, our ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer (Titus 2:14)

• As Boaz covers Ruth with provision, so Christ covers believers with righteousness (Isaiah 61:10)

Boaz’s measured barley and measured conduct together proclaim: authentic faith expresses itself in practical generosity and uncompromised integrity.