What is the meaning of Ruth 3:7? After Boaz had finished eating and drinking • Harvest time in Israel was marked by fellowship meals celebrating God’s provision (Deuteronomy 16:13-15). • Boaz, a righteous landowner (Ruth 2:1), partakes gratefully, echoing Solomon’s counsel: “Go, eat your bread with joy and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works” (Ecclesiastes 9:7). • His participation underscores that prosperity, enjoyed within God’s boundaries, is good (1 Timothy 4:4-5). and was in good spirits • The phrase signals contentment, not drunken excess. Boaz’s later clear-minded conversation with Ruth (Ruth 3:10-13) proves sobriety. • Scripture distinguishes gladness from debauchery: “Do not get drunk on wine… but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). Boaz models this balance. he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain • Owners often slept beside threshing floors to guard the crop (1 Samuel 26:7). • Choosing the end of the pile positions Boaz as both watchman and servant—he protects what God has supplied. • Psalm 4:8 captures his rest: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” Then Ruth went in secretly • Naomi’s guidance (Ruth 3:3-4) sends Ruth at night to avoid public misunderstanding or embarrassment (Proverbs 11:2). • The secrecy highlights Ruth’s humility; she seeks redemption, not attention (Matthew 6:3-4). • God often works in quiet moments (1 Kings 19:11-12). uncovered his feet • A symbolic, non-sensual act: exposing Boaz’s feet would awaken him in the chill, ensuring private conversation. • It also hints at the coming request: “Spread the corner of your garment over me” (Ruth 3:9), echoing Ezekiel 16:8 where the LORD covers His bride as a pledge of covenant care. • Thus, Ruth positions herself under Boaz’s protection, in line with the kinsman-redeemer mandate (Leviticus 25:25; Deuteronomy 25:5-10). and lay down • Ruth waits quietly for Boaz to respond—a picture of trust (Psalm 37:7). • The scene is charged with promise yet wholly pure; Scripture records no impropriety, stressing both characters’ integrity (Ruth 3:11). • Their posture foreshadows Christ, the ultimate Redeemer, who receives the needy who come to Him (Matthew 11:28-29). summary Ruth 3:7 portrays a providential midnight meeting. Boaz, satisfied after honoring God for the harvest, rests near his grain, while Ruth, acting in faith and modesty, positions herself for redemption. Every detail—his contented heart, her discreet approach, the symbolic uncovering—sets the stage for a righteous covenant that will secure Ruth’s future and advance God’s redemptive plan all the way to David and, ultimately, to Christ (Matthew 1:5-6, 16). |
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