Spread His Garment
READ
Today’s scene unfolds in the darkness of night, but it illuminates the brightness of Ruth's character. Following Naomi's counsel, Ruth approaches Boaz with a bold request that could have been easily misunderstood or rejected. She's essentially proposing marriage by asking him to "spread his garment" over her—a symbolic gesture of protection and commitment in their culture.
Let’s take a moment to read Ruth 3:9-11:
“Who are you?” he asked.
“I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family.”
“The Lord bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character.
REFLECT
Ruth's courage is breathtaking. As a foreign widow with no social status, she was taking an enormous risk. If Boaz had been dishonorable or if her request had been rejected, she could have faced shame, gossip, or worse. But sometimes love requires us to be vulnerable, to step out in faith even when we can't see the outcome.
Notice that Ruth doesn't just ask for protection—she acknowledges Boaz as a "guardian-redeemer." She understands the legal and social implications of what she's requesting. A kinsman-redeemer had the responsibility to marry a deceased relative's widow to carry on the family name and protect the family property. Ruth is asking Boaz to fulfill this sacred duty, but she's also making it clear that she wants him specifically.
Boaz's response reveals his character too. He calls her request a "kindness" and praises her for not pursuing younger men. He recognizes that Ruth could have had other options, but she chose him—not just for security, but as an act of honor toward Naomi's family and their customs.
This passage shows us that sometimes God's provision requires our participation. Ruth couldn't just wait passively for things to work out. She had to take a step of faith, make her needs known, and trust God with the results. Her boldness wasn't presumptuous—it was faithful action based on godly counsel and pure motives.
Ruth's approach also demonstrates wisdom in relationships. She was direct but respectful, bold but humble. She made her intentions clear while honoring Boaz's position and character. There's something beautiful about honest communication wrapped in genuine respect.
RESPOND
Take a moment to process what God might be leading you to do in light of what you read.
When has God called you to take a bold step of faith, even when the outcome was uncertain?
How do you balance waiting on God's timing with taking faithful action?
What does it look like to pursue relationships with both courage and wisdom?
REST
Take a moment to rest in God’s presence and consider one thing you can take away from your time reading, then close your devotional experience by praying:
Lord, give me Ruth's courage to step out in faith when You call me to action. Help me trust You with the outcomes of my obedience. Guide me in relationships that honor You and others. Amen.