Ruth 3:9

And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.

Ruth 3:9 (KJV)

Context

The book of Ruth tells the story of a Moabite woman named Ruth who chose to stay with her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi, after the death of their husbands. Ruth’s faithfulness and commitment lead her to become the great-grandmother of King David and eventually a part of the genealogy of Jesus Christ.

In ancient Israel, when a man died without a son, a close male relative, known as a kinsman-redeemer, had the duty to care for the widow and continue the family line. Boaz was such a relative of Ruth’s deceased husband. At the threshing floor, Ruth approached Boaz at night and made a significant request, asking him to take her under his protection.

Meaning

Ruth’s request to have Boaz spread his skirt over her carries deep symbolic meaning. In biblical times, the corner or wing of a garment represented protection and authority. By asking Boaz to spread his skirt over her, Ruth was essentially requesting that he exercise his role as her kinsman-redeemer and take her under his care. It was a humble way of expressing her desire for marriage and the security that would come with it.

In her response to Boaz, Ruth identifies herself as his handmaid, acknowledging her humble position and demonstrating her submissive nature. Despite being a Moabite and a foreigner, she recognizes Boaz’s authority as a near kinsman and places herself under his care. Her words are not forwardness but a legal and cultural appeal for redemption.

Biblical connections

This moment prefigures Christ, our ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer. Just as Boaz spread his garment over Ruth to protect and redeem her, Christ spreads His righteousness over believers, redeeming them from sin. The Hebrew idiom for spreading the skirt is a picture of marriage protection and provision, pointing to the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Application

Ruth’s example teaches us to approach God with boldness and humility. She took a courageous step in making her request to Boaz, trusting in his faithfulness. Likewise, we can be bold in approaching God with our needs, confident that He is faithful to fulfill His promises. Ruth’s trust in God’s provision is evident throughout the book, and we can learn to rely on God’s guidance even in difficult circumstances.

Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi and her willingness to leave her homeland demonstrate her commitment to God’s people. This reminds us of the importance of faithfulness and selflessness in our relationships. We are also encouraged to act as redeemers in our own spheres, showing kindness and protection to those in need, reflecting God’s character.

Reflection

Ruth’s request to Boaz was not merely a personal plea but a step of faith in God’s redemptive plan. Her humility and boldness led to the lineage of David and ultimately to Jesus Christ. As we consider her example, we are invited to approach Christ with the same humility and faith, trusting in His redemptive work. We can rest in the assurance that He is our near Kinsman-Redeemer, who willingly takes us under His care and secures our future.