What is the meaning of Ruth 3:2? Now is not Boaz Naomi begins by drawing Ruth’s attention back to the man whom God has already placed in their story. Earlier we read, “Now Naomi had a relative of her husband, a man of great wealth… whose name was Boaz” (Ruth 2:1). Naomi’s question is rhetorical, almost a gentle nudge: “Remember who Boaz is.” By calling Boaz to mind, she is recalling the Lord’s provision—Boaz is no random acquaintance; he is the one the LORD used to protect Ruth in the fields (Ruth 2:8-12). Just as God provided Joseph for Israel in famine (Genesis 45:7-8), He has placed Boaz in Ruth’s life at exactly the right moment. with whose servant girls you have been working Naomi emphasizes Ruth’s existing relationship with Boaz’s household. Ruth has labored side-by-side with Boaz’s maidservants (Ruth 2:17-23). • This shared work matters: Old Testament gleaning laws (Leviticus 19:9-10) allowed the poor to gather behind harvesters, and Ruth has consistently honored those statutes. • Boaz has already praised Ruth’s diligence and kindness (Ruth 2:11-12), creating a foundation of respect and trust. • The familiarity makes Naomi’s upcoming plan less abrupt; Ruth will approach a man who already knows her sterling character, just as Esther later approached the king after months of building credibility (Esther 2:17-18). a relative of ours? Here Naomi explicitly identifies Boaz as kin. The word “relative” points to the biblical role of a kinsman-redeemer (Ruth 2:20; Leviticus 25:25). • A redeemer had both the right and the duty to rescue family members from poverty, slavery, or loss of inheritance (Leviticus 25:47-49). • By highlighting kinship, Naomi underscores that Boaz is qualified to redeem Elimelech’s land and marry Ruth, preserving the family line (Deuteronomy 25:5-6). • The question form (“is he not…?”) moves Ruth toward recognizing God’s provision—similar to how Moses reminded Israel, “Is not the LORD your God with you?” (Deuteronomy 20:1). In fact, tonight he is winnowing barley Naomi shifts from identity to timing. Harvest season is closing, and Boaz will be working late into the evening, tossing grain in the breeze to separate chaff (Judges 6:11 shows the same activity). • Winnowing required calm, usually nighttime breezes; Naomi knows Boaz’s routine. • The statement “tonight” signals urgency and a God-ordained window, echoing moments when God told His people to act “this night” (Exodus 12:42). • The setting foreshadows redemption: just as grain is purified, God is about to refine Ruth’s circumstances. on the threshing floor. The threshing floor was a communal, open space where grain was threshed and guarded overnight (1 Samuel 23:1). • It doubled as a place of celebration (Isaiah 9:3) yet also symbolized judgment and deliverance (Matthew 3:12). • Naomi’s strategy places Ruth where Boaz will be alone yet within the safety of community boundaries. • Historically, threshing floors became sites of significant covenant moments—David later purchased one that became the Temple mount (2 Samuel 24:18-25). Naomi likely senses that God is about to establish another covenant-shaping act here. summary Ruth 3:2 is Naomi’s faith-filled prompt: “God has already provided Boaz—our relative, your respectful employer—who will be working tonight at the threshing floor.” Each phrase layers truth upon truth: God’s providence (“Boaz”), Ruth’s proven character (“working with his servant girls”), covenant opportunity (“a relative of ours”), divine timing (“tonight”), and appointed place (“on the threshing floor”). The verse invites us to trust that the LORD orchestrates people, relationships, timing, and settings to accomplish redemption for His people, just as He ultimately did through Christ, our greater Redeemer. |
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