The Verse
King James Version (KJV): And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.
New International Version (NIV): Now Boaz, with whose women you have worked, is a relative of ours. Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor.
English Standard Version (ESV): And now is not Boaz our relative, with whose young women you were? See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor.
Introduction
The book of Ruth is a beautiful story of love, loyalty, and redemption. Ruth, a Moabite woman, chose to stay with Naomi, her mother-in-law, even after the death of her husband. Ruth’s faithfulness is rewarded when she meets Boaz, a close relative of Naomi who eventually marries her and redeems her from her sorrow. Our verse today, Ruth 3:2, is part of the unfolding love story between Ruth and Boaz, and a pivotal point in Ruth’s life.
This verse is not just a narrative moment in a historical story; it’s a metaphorical representation of how God, our divine Kinsman-Redeemer, provides for us and pulls us out of our circumstances. Let’s delve deeper and unearth the jewels hidden in this verse.
Historical Context
The book of Ruth was written in the time of the Judges, a period of turmoil and disobedience in Israel. The aim of this book is to highlight God’s providence and faithfulness even in the hardest of times. This verse is at the heart of the narrative, where Naomi, Ruth’s mother-in-law, points out Boaz as a potential husband for Ruth.
Key Word Analysis
Boaz: The name Boaz means “strength” or “swiftness”. In the story, Boaz represents a kinsman-redeemer, a protector, and provider.
Relative: The Hebrew word for relative or kindred used here is ‘מֹדַעְתֵּנוּ’ (moda’atenu), which implies a close familial relationship.
Winnowing: Winnowing is the process of separating wheat from chaff. It symbolizes a time of decision and separation.
Spiritual Insight
Through this verse, we understand that God, like Boaz, is our close relative, our Kinsman-Redeemer who can rescue us from our dire circumstances. Just as Boaz winnowed barley, separating the grain from the chaff, God also separates the good from the bad in our lives.
Life Application
As modern readers, we can take comfort in knowing that God, our Boaz, is closely related to us and cares for us. He wants to redeem us from our situations and provide for our needs. When we are going through a ‘winnowing’ season, we should remember that God is at work, separating the wheat from the chaff in our lives.
What Jesus Might Say About This Verse
“Beloved, just as Ruth found her kinsman-redeemer in Boaz, you too have found yours in Me. I am closer than a brother and have redeemed you with my precious blood. Remember, even in your winnowing season, I am there, separating the wheat from the chaff in your life to bring forth a bountiful harvest.”
Prayer Prompt
Lord, thank you for being our Boaz, our Kinsman-Redeemer who saves us and provides for us. Help us to trust You in our winnowing seasons, knowing that You are working everything for our good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: Who was Boaz?
Ans: Boaz was a wealthy landowner of Bethlehem, and relative of Naomi. He is also one of the main characters in the Book of Ruth.
Ques: What does it mean that Boaz was a relative?
Ans: Boaz being a relative means that he was a kinsman-redeemer, someone who had the right to redeem a relative in trouble according to the Law of Moses.
Ques: What is the significance of winnowing?
Ans: Winnowing is the process of separating grain from chaff. Spiritually, it represents God’s work of separating the good and the bad in our lives.
Ques: How does this verse relate to Jesus?
Ans: Just as Boaz was a kinsman-redeemer to Ruth, Jesus is our Kinsman-Redeemer who saves us from our sins.
Related Verses
Leviticus 25:25: If thy brother be waxen poor, and hath sold away some of his possession, and if any of his kin come to redeem it, then shall he redeem that which his brother sold.
Matthew 3:12: His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
1 Peter 1:18-19: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
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