What is the meaning of Ruth 3:9? Who are you? “Who are you?” (Ruth 3:9) • Boaz wakes in the dark on the threshing floor, startled to find someone at his feet. • His simple question highlights the need for clear identity before any covenant action can follow—similar to Genesis 3:9, where God asks, “Where are you?” inviting honest disclosure, and to John 1:38, where Jesus asks seekers, “What do you seek?” • The moment underscores God’s order: recognition must precede relationship. Ruth approaches in faith but still must be known and acknowledged. I am your servant Ruth “I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. (Ruth 3:9) • Ruth identifies herself with humility, using “servant,” not “Moabitess.” She stresses devotion over ethnicity, echoing Ruth 1:16–17 where she pledged loyalty to Naomi and Israel’s God. • Her posture mirrors other willing servants: – 1 Samuel 25:41, Abigail: “Here is your maidservant.” – Luke 1:38, Mary: “I am the Lord’s servant.” • By naming herself, she invites Boaz to see her covenant faith, not her foreign past, illustrating Galatians 3:28’s truth that in God’s family, faith eclipses former distinctions. Spread the corner of your garment over me, for you are a kinsman-redeemer “Spread the corner of your garment over me, for you are a kinsman-redeemer.” (Ruth 3:9) • Request for protection and marriage: the gesture recalls Ezekiel 16:8, where God covers Israel with His garment as a marriage covenant. • “Kinsman-redeemer” (goel) roots in Leviticus 25:25 and Deuteronomy 25:5–10—family duty to rescue, restore, and perpetuate a relative’s line. • Practical implications: – Security: Ruth seeks Boaz’s legal covering (Psalm 91:4, “under His wings you will find refuge”). – Redemption: land and lineage would pass from loss to restoration (Isaiah 54:5, “your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel”). – Foreshadowing: Boaz prefigures Christ, our ultimate Redeemer (Ephesians 1:7), who covers believers with righteousness. • Ruth’s bold faith steps beyond custom; she trusts God’s provision through His ordained redeemer. summary Ruth 3:9 moves from anonymity to covenant. Boaz’s “Who are you?” invites disclosure; Ruth responds as a humble servant, then petitions redemption through a symbolic covering that points to marriage and Messiah. The verse reveals identity acknowledged, humility expressed, and redemption sought—assuring readers that God honors faith that seeks His protective, saving embrace. |
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