The Verse
King James Version (KJV): “Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman’s part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning.”
New International Version (NIV): “Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to do his duty as your guardian-redeemer, good; let him redeem you. But if he is not willing, as surely as the LORD lives I will do it. Lie here until morning.”
English Standard Version (ESV): “Remain tonight, and in the morning, if he will redeem you, good; let him do it. But if he is not willing to redeem you, then, as the LORD lives, I will redeem you. Lie down until the morning.”
Introduction
In the heart of the book of Ruth, we find a powerful verse that speaks not only of a personal promise but also reflects Christ’s redemption of mankind. Ruth 3:13 is nestled in a narrative of faith, loyalty, and divine provision. It is a declaration made by Boaz, a man of noble character, to Ruth, a Moabite woman who had chosen to follow the God of Israel. It is a promise of redemption, a theme that resonates throughout the entire Bible and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ.
Historical Context
The Book of Ruth is set during the time of the Judges, a period of instability and moral decline in Israel. Ruth, being a Moabite, was an outsider in Israelite society. However, her faithfulness to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and her willingness to worship the God of Israel, set her apart. Ruth and Naomi, both widows, found themselves in a dire situation until Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s deceased husband, acted as a redeemer by offering to marry Ruth, thus preserving the family line.
Key Word Analysis
The three key phrases in this verse are “guardian-redeemer,” “as the LORD lives,” and “I will redeem you.” The Hebrew word for “guardian-redeemer” is “goel,” indicating a kinsman with the obligation to restore the rights and possessions of a relative in trouble. “As the LORD lives” is a solemn oath, signifying the seriousness of Boaz’s promise. The phrase “I will redeem you” reflects the cultural practice of levirate marriage, but spiritually, it foreshadows Jesus’ role as our Redeemer.
Spiritual Insight
This verse reveals the love, provision, and faithfulness of God. Just as Boaz promises to redeem Ruth, God promises to redeem us through Jesus Christ. It underscores the importance of loyalty, integrity, and faith, mirrored in Boaz’s character and Ruth’s steadfast trust in God.
Life Application
We are to trust in the Lord as Ruth trusted in Boaz’s promise. Despite the challenges we face, our faith should remain unwavering in God’s promise of redemption through Jesus Christ. Like Boaz, we should also be ready to be agents of God’s love and redemption in others’ lives.
What Jesus Might Say About This Verse
“Beloved, like Boaz promised to redeem Ruth, I have redeemed you. I have paid your debt and made you part of my family. Trust in my promise, abide in my love, and you will find rest. As surely as I live, I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Prayer Prompt
Lord, just as Ruth found redemption in Boaz, may we find our redemption in Jesus Christ. Help us to trust in your promise and to extend love and grace to others as you have shown us. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: Who was Boaz in the Bible?
Ans: Boaz was a wealthy landowner of Bethlehem in Judah, and relative of Naomi’s husband’s family. He is most well-known for his kindness towards Ruth and Naomi and for being in the lineage of David and Jesus.
Ques: What does it mean to be a kinsman redeemer?
Ans: A kinsman redeemer is a male relative who had the privilege or responsibility to act on behalf of a relative who was in trouble, danger, or need.
Ques: What is the significance of Ruth in the Bible?
Ans: Ruth was a Moabite woman who displayed loyalty and faithfulness to her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi. Her story is significant as she became the great-grandmother of King David, and is also in the lineage of Jesus.
Ques: How does Ruth 3:13 relate to Jesus?
Ans: The promise of Boaz to redeem Ruth mirrors the ultimate redemption that comes through Jesus Christ. Just as Boaz acted as a kinsman-redeemer, Jesus is our Redeemer who saves us from sin.
Related Verses
Ruth 4:10: “I have also acquired Ruth the Moabite, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property, so that his name will not disappear from among his family or from his hometown.”
John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Both verses emphasize the act of redemption out of love.
Galatians 4:5: “To redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.” It touches on the theme of redemption and inclusion into God’s family as Ruth was.
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