In Ruth 3 What Does Ruths Boldness In Approaching Boaz Teach Us About Faith And Trust In Gods Provision?
Ruth’s Boldness on the Threshing Floor: Faith, Trust, and God’s Provision
The third chapter of Ruth is a captivating account filled with cultural intrigue, personal risk, and deep spiritual lessons. Ruth’s bold approach to Boaz on the threshing floor is not only a pivotal moment in her life but also a profound example of faith and trust in God’s provision.
The Historical and Cultural Setting
In ancient Israel, the practice of levirate marriage (see Deuteronomy 25:5 ASV) provided for a widow by allowing a close relative to redeem her and continue the family line. Naomi, Ruth’s mother-in-law, recognized Boaz as a potential redeemer and instructed Ruth to make her intentions known (Ruth 3:1).
Ruth’s Act of Faith
Ruth’s actions—going to Boaz at night, uncovering his feet, and lying down—were bold and risky. She was a Moabite, a foreigner, and a woman of humble means. Her approach required courage and a willingness to trust both Naomi’s guidance and God’s providence.
And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself; and, behold, a woman lay at his feet. And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thy handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thy handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman. - Ruth 3:8-9 ASV
To “spread your skirt” was a request for protection and redemption—a symbolic appeal, not a romantic advance. Ruth’s words reveal humility (“thy handmaid”) and bold faith in God’s law of provision.
Trust in God’s Provision
Ruth’s boldness was not presumption but trust in the character of Boaz and, ultimately, in God’s faithfulness to provide. Boaz recognizes her noble character and responds with kindness:
And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou sayest; for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a worthy woman. - Ruth 3:11 ASV
This moment reflects God’s heart for the vulnerable. Ruth, who had left her homeland and trusted in the God of Israel (Ruth 1:16 ASV), was now stepping out in faith, believing that God would provide for her future.
Lessons for Today: Faith and Trust in God’s Provision
- Faith Acts Boldly: True faith often involves stepping into uncertainty, trusting that God is able to provide for our deepest needs (Hebrews 11:6 ASV).
- God Honors Humble Boldness: Ruth’s humility and boldness are not contradictory. God honors those who humbly seek His will and act courageously when prompted by faith (James 4:6 ASV).
- God’s Provision May Come Through Others: Like Ruth, we may be called to trust God’s provision through the means He provides, including people He places in our lives. Boaz became the instrument of God’s redemption for Ruth, foreshadowing Christ, our ultimate Redeemer (Titus 2:14 ASV).
Seeing Christ in Ruth’s Story
Boaz’s willingness to redeem Ruth points us to Jesus Christ, who redeems all who come to Him in faith. Just as Ruth approached Boaz with humility and boldness, we are invited to draw near to Christ, trusting in His grace and provision for our salvation:
Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need. - Hebrews 4:16 ASV
Conclusion
Ruth’s boldness in approaching Boaz teaches us that faith and trust in God’s provision are not passive. Faith sometimes calls us to step out with humility and courage, believing that God is both able and willing to provide for our needs. Through Ruth’s story, we see a God who is faithful, a Redeemer who is gracious, and a faith that acts boldly in trust.