R3-10: How Ruth Is The Perfect Picture Of An OBEDIENT Gentile Believer To God’s Instructions

“‘Then, when he lies down, take note of where he’s lying; later, go in, uncover his feet, and lie down. He will tell you what to do.’ She responded, ‘I will do everything you tell me.’”-Ruth 3:4

What did Naomi mean when she told Ruth that after she uncovers Boaz’s feet “he will tell you what to do”?

And notice Ruth’s response:

Like an obedient child faithfully obeying her mother Ruth says: “I will do everything you tell me”.

What’s going on here?

Was this referring to some kind of customary engagement protocol or something?

The answer is actually quite simple.

Ruth was a Moabite and not familiar with the Hebrew ways.

And remember, the whole purpose of attempting to get Boaz to marry Ruth was based on the idea that Boaz was her GO’EL or Kinsman Redeemer.

So it’s all of the unique nuances and social intricacies involved in approaching a potential Kinsman Redeemer for help that Naomi was likely referring to.

Of course, Ruth being a gentile had zero understanding of any of this.

Naomi’s plan would get the ball over the net into Boaz’s side of the court so he would recognize what was being asked of him (to fulfill his duties as a GO’EL).

But from that point on, Ruth would be in Boaz’s hands and would have to depend on his instructions about what to do next.

And of course, whether Naomi’s plans for Ruth would be successful or not all hinged on whether Boaz would agree to step up and become her Kinsman Redeemer or not.

So there’s a huge takeaway here and it’s all connected to Ruth’s humble attitude towards her Hebrew mother-in-law Naomi.