This is Spoken Gospel.

We are dedicated to seeing 
Jesus in all of scripture.

In each episode, we see what’s 
happening in a Biblical text

and how it sheds light
on Jesus and his gospel.

Let’s jump in.

Ruth and Naomi have just discovered that 
Boaz is one of their family’s “redeemers.”

In Israel, a “redeemer” has a social and legal responsibility
to care for poor relatives, particularly widows.

In her current status, Naomi will have 
to sell her family’s land to survive.

But if Boaz marries Ruth, 
their problems will be solved!

Through Boaz, an end to their
emptiness seems like it might come true.

But Ruth is also a widow as well
as poor, infertile, and a foreigner.

It’s not clear that Boaz will even 
entertain Ruth as a possible partner.

So, Naomi comes up with a clever but risky 
plan to secure a marriage proposal from Boaz.

Ruth needs to get dressed 
up, put on expensive perfume,  

and then wait for Boaz to 
fall asleep after a big meal.

She should then uncover his 
feet and lay down next to him.

This plan is clever because Naomi 
waits until Boaz is full and happy.

Uncovering his feet means that at some point
in the night, Boaz will wake up from the cold and—

surprise—see beautiful Ruth
humbly lying at his feet.

But this plan flirts on the edge of inappropriate: a man and
a woman alone at night, sleeping together and
hidden from view. Ruth even “uncovers” him.

The sexual tension is as thick as the consequences 
if Boaz takes this plan the wrong way.

But Ruth agrees to
do what Naomi suggests.

But Ruth goes off-script.

When Boaz wakes up and sees her, 
Ruth does not wait for his response.

Instead, Ruth proposes not only marriage 
but redemption for Naomi and her legacy.

Ruth calls Boaz a “redeemer.”

She wants Boaz’s hand in marriage, not so much for her
benefit but Naomi’s. Naomi’s family line
will end without Boaz’s help.

But if Boaz marries her, Ruth’s child will become
Naomi’s heir and Naomi’s land will remain in her family.

Boaz is overwhelmed by
Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi.

Not only has she left
her homeland for her,  

she’s also willing to leverage her marriage for 
Naomi’s good and happiness rather than her own.

Boaz wants to say yes,
but there is a problem.

There is another redeemer who 
needs the opportunity to weigh in.

[music]

Throughout Ruth and Naomi’s story, there’s an
important Hebrew word that’s crucial to understand.

It’s probably translated
as “kindness” in your Bible.

We’re told Ruth showed Naomi 
kindness by leaving her homeland.

Boaz showed Ruth kindness by
lavishly giving food to her and Naomi.

Boaz calls Ruth’s marriage 
proposal an act of kindness too.

Kindness in Ruth doesn’t just mean being nice, but being
loyal. And beyond being loyal, it means sacrificial loyalty.

It costs Ruth a lot to
leave her homeland.

Ruth’s proposal to Boaz means she’s 
giving up marrying for love or money.

And as we will see in the next chapter, accepting 
this marriage proposal costs Boaz financially—

not to mention whatever social cost that might 
come from marrying an infertile outsider.

The first time this type of kindness is mentioned in the
Bible is when God describes himself to Israel on Mt. Sinai.

God says he is loyal and steadfastly kind. He will love
Israel no matter the cost to himself.

In Ruth and Boaz, we see a 
living picture of God’s kindness,  

but we also see a living picture 
of Jesus’ love toward us.

Out of loyalty to God’s
promises of steadfast kindness,

Jesus left his homeland and married
a bride at great cost to himself.

And just like Ruth didn’t propose to
Boaz because he was handsome or rich,  

Jesus did not join himself with us because we are the best or
the brightest. Jesus died for us because he is kind and loyal.

He’s kind toward people in need, 
and loyal to the promises he made.

So, do you need kindness from God?

Do you want the Lord’s sacrificial 
mercy to meet your needs?

Then be like Ruth.

Lie at his feet and propose.

Boldly tell him what’s on
the line if he doesn’t act—

and be confident in the God who is more
kind than Boaz and will give you all you need.

May the Holy Spirit open your eyes to 
see God who covers you with his wings.

And may you see Jesus’ loyal kindness as he 
emptied himself so that we can become full.