Finding Refuge Under His Wings: A Devotional on Ruth 3:9
"And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman." - Ruth 3:9
In the narrative of Ruth, we witness a beautiful story of loyalty, love, and redemption. The moment captured in Ruth 3:9 is pivotal, revealing the heart of Ruth and the grace of Boaz—her noble kinsman redeemer. The verse states: "And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman."
This passage encapsulates a profound moment of vulnerability and trust. Ruth, a Moabite widow, approaches Boaz, a man of standing in Bethlehem, in the dead of night, laying bare her intentions and her heart. In this culture, it was customary for a woman to seek refuge under the protection of a kinsman; however, the implications of her request carried deeper significance. By asking Boaz to spread his skirt over her, Ruth was not only seeking physical safety and provision but was also expressing a desire for acceptance and a longing for belonging.
The phrase "spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid" is rich in meaning. It symbolizes a wish for protection and the hope of a future that includes family and security. This act serves as a metaphor for what it means to be enveloped in God's care. Just as Ruth sought shelter under Boaz's wings, we are invited to seek refuge under the loving and protective wings of God.
Psalm 91:4 beautifully articulates this imagery: "He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler." Here, we find reassurance in knowing that God desires to protect His people just as Boaz had the ability—and the right—to provide for Ruth. When we feel vulnerable, exposed, or abandoned like Ruth, we can approach God with the same courage to express our needs.
Ruth’s boldness in approaching Boaz reflects her understanding of her position—not just as a foreigner but as a desperate woman seeking hope amidst her trials. She defines her identity not just by her losses but by her willingness to grasp the promise of a new beginning. In the same way, we are reminded that our identity is not determined by our past or our hardships but is rooted in our relationship with Christ. As believers, we are co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), and just as Ruth was a near relative, we have been drawn near through the sacrifice of Jesus.
The response of Boaz to Ruth’s plea is equally significant. Rather than rebuffing her, he acknowledges her request and the honor of being her kinsman redeemer. The grace he extends exemplifies the loving-kindness of God. In our own lives, when we step out in faith, acknowledging our weaknesses and looking to God for refuge, we too often find that God is more than willing to respond with grace and provision. He affirms us in our insecurities and calls us beloved.
As we meditate on this verse, we should ask ourselves two pivotal questions: Who are we approaching for refuge in our lives? Are we, like Ruth, willing to lay ourselves before God and ask for His protection? The invitation is extended. When we say to God, "spread Your wings over me," we invite Him into every area of our lives—our fears, struggles, and even our aspirations.
Therefore, let us lay our worries before Him, trusting in His promise to provide for us. Let us also reach out to others, like Ruth, embracing community—the church—as a means of experiencing God’s refuge. As we seek and find refuge under His wings, we can carry forth this example of love and grace to those around us, becoming instruments of His peace and redemption.
In conclusion, Ruth 3:9 is not just an ancient story; it is a timeless reminder of our need for God’s sheltering presence. May we have the courage to lay our hearts before Him, trusting that He will spread His wings over us and provide all that we need.
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Ruth 3:9 - "And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman."
"And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman." - Ruth 3:9
Ruth 2:3 – "So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters."
Ruth 1:3 - "And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons."
Ruth 3:1 - "Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?"
Ruth 3:5 - "And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do."
Ruth 3:8 - "¶ And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet."
Ruth 3:12 - "And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I."
Ruth 3:6 - "¶ And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her."
Ruth 3:2 - "And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor."
Ruth 1:9 - "The LORD grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept."
Ruth 3:17 - "And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law."
Ruth 4:3 - "And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's:"
Ruth 4:9 - "¶ And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi."
Ruth 3:3 - "Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking."
Ruth 2:3 - "And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech."
"And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I." - Ruth 3:12
"Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day." - Ruth 3:18
"And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her." - Ruth 3:16
Ruth 3:11 - "And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman."
Ruth 3:18 - "Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day."
"And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons." - Ruth 1:3
Ruth 3:14 - "¶ And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor."
Ruth 3:16 - "And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her."
Ruth 3:15 - "Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city."
"¶ And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet." - Ruth 3:8
Ruth 3:10 - "And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich."
Ruth 3:7 - "And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down."
"And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do." - Ruth 3:5
"And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman." - Ruth 3:11