How does Ruth 3:2 connect to the concept of redemption in Ephesians 1:7? Setting the Scene in Ruth 3:2 “And now, is not Boaz our kinsman with whose maidservants you have been? Behold, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor.” (Ruth 3:2) • Naomi points Ruth to Boaz as “our kinsman” (Hebrew go’el, kinsman-redeemer). • The threshing floor—where grain is separated from chaff—becomes the backdrop for an act of rescue and restoration. • Everything in the verse anticipates decisive, redeeming action that will change Ruth’s future. Boaz: The Kinsman-Redeemer Foreshadowed • Legal right – A go’el could buy back family property and raise up offspring for a deceased relative (Leviticus 25:25; Deuteronomy 25:5-10). • Personal relationship – Redemption had to come from a near relative, not a stranger. • Costly grace – Boaz would spend his own resources to secure Naomi’s land and marry Ruth (Ruth 4:9-10). • Motivated by covenant love – Boaz’s compassion mirrors God’s steadfast love (ḥesed) described throughout Scripture (Psalm 136). Ephesians 1:7: Redemption Fulfilled in Christ “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.” (Ephesians 1:7) • Redemption means liberation by payment of a price. • The price is “His blood,” pointing to the cross as historical, literal payment (1 Peter 1:18-19). • The result is full forgiveness, not partial relief, “according to the riches of His grace.” • Redemption is presently possessed—“we have”—not a distant hope. Parallels Between Boaz and Jesus • Nearness – Boaz: a biological relative. – Jesus: took on flesh and became our Brother (John 1:14; Hebrews 2:14-17). • Initiative – Boaz goes to the city gate and acts publicly (Ruth 4:1-11). – Jesus goes willingly to the cross (John 10:17-18). • Payment – Boaz pays silver to redeem land. – Jesus pays with His own blood (Colossians 1:20). • Purpose – Boaz restores Naomi’s inheritance and gives Ruth a future heir. – Jesus secures an eternal inheritance for every believer (Ephesians 1:14; 1 Peter 1:3-4). • Resulting rest – Ruth rests at Boaz’s feet and later in his home (Ruth 3:18; 4:13). – Believers rest in Christ’s finished work (Hebrews 4:9-10). Why the Threshing Floor Matters • Winnowing separates wheat from chaff, picturing judgment and purification (Matthew 3:12). • At night, Ruth approaches Boaz in humility; by morning she is covered and secured (Ruth 3:9, 15). • Likewise, sinners come to Christ in darkness and arise clothed in His righteousness (Isaiah 61:10; Romans 13:14). Living in the Light of Redemption • Confidence—Redemption is accomplished; nothing more needs to be paid. • Identity—Just as Ruth became “the wife of Boaz,” believers belong to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2). • Hope—Boaz and Ruth’s union produced Obed, leading to David, and ultimately to Jesus (Ruth 4:17; Matthew 1:5-6). The redeemed today are woven into God’s unfolding story. • Gratitude—“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15). |
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