Ruth 3:9-13

9 “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^[a] of our family.”

10 “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.

11 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.

12 Although it is true that I am a guardian-redeemer of our family, there is another who is more closely related than I.

13 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.”

Ruth 3:9-13 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO RUTH 3

In this chapter we have a proposal of Naomi to Ruth, with advice and directions to get Boaz for her husband, Ru 2:1-4. Ruth's obedience to the instructions she gave her, Ru 2:5-7, the notice Boaz took of her, and the conversation that passed between them, Ru 2:8-13 the dismission of her in the morning to her mother-in-law with a gift, to whom she returned, and acquainted her with what had passed, Ru 2:14-18.

Cross References

• 1. Ezekiel 16:8
• 2. ver 12; S Ruth 2:20
• 3. S Judges 17:2
• 4. S Joshua 2:12
• 5. Proverbs 12:4; Proverbs 14:1; Proverbs 31:10
• 6. ver 9; S Ruth 2:20
• 7. Ruth 4:1
• 8. Deuteronomy 25:5; Ruth 4:5; Matthew 22:24
• 9. S Numbers 14:21; Hosea 4:15; Judges 8:19; Jeremiah 4:2
• 10. Ruth 4:6

Footnotes

• [a]. The Hebrew word for "guardian-redeemer" is a legal term for one who has the obligation to redeem a relative in serious difficulty (see Lev. 25:25-55); also in verses 12 and 13.