“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” — Matthew 23:37
Ruth 3 is a breathtaking chapter in the grand love story between Ruth and Boaz, filled with deep spiritual significance that points us to Jesus. At the heart of this chapter is the theme of redemption and covering—a beautiful foreshadowing of how Christ, our Bridegroom, gathers and covers His people under His wings.
1. Ruth’s Bold Request: Seeking the Kinsman-Redeemer
The chapter begins with Naomi, Ruth’s mother-in-law, instructing Ruth to present herself to Boaz in a manner that follows the Jewish custom of requesting redemption through marriage. Ruth is to wash, anoint herself, dress in her best attire, and go to the threshing floor where Boaz is working.
This scene paints a picture of a prepared bride approaching her redeemer. Just as Ruth was instructed to cleanse and present herself, believers in Christ are called to prepare our hearts and approach Jesus, our Kinsman-Redeemer, in humility and faith.
2. Lying at His Feet: A Gesture of Submission and Trust
In verse 7, Ruth waits until Boaz is asleep, then quietly lays at his feet. This act was not one of seduction but of deep humility, acknowledging Boaz’s role as a redeemer. In Israelite custom, for a woman to place herself at a man’s feet and request his garment to cover her was an appeal for marriage and protection.
This is where we see the Gospel shining through. Like Ruth, we too must come to the feet of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. We come in humility, recognizing that we need Him to cover us. It is not by our works but by His grace that we are accepted.
3. “Spread Your Wing Over Your Servant” (Ruth 3:9)
When Boaz wakes up, he is startled to find Ruth at his feet. Ruth then makes a powerful request:
“Spread your wing over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” (Ruth 3:9, ESV)
The phrase “spread your wing” carries a profound meaning. The Hebrew word kanaph (כָּנָף) means wing or garment—it symbolizes protection, covenant, and belonging. In Ezekiel 16:8, God uses similar language when He speaks of His covenant with Israel:
“I spread My wing over you and covered your nakedness. Yes, I swore an oath to you and entered into a covenant with you, and you became Mine.”
Ruth is essentially asking Boaz to redeem her by taking her as his bride and covering her under his protection. This is a picture of what Jesus does for us.
4. Jesus, The Bridegroom Who Covers Us
In Matthew 23:37, Jesus laments over Jerusalem, longing to gather His people under His wings as a hen gathers her chicks. This reflects His deep, sacrificial love for us. When we come to Him in faith, He spreads His wing over us, covering our sins, shielding us from judgment, and making us His own.
Boaz, as Ruth’s redeemer, is a type of Christ. He does not reject Ruth but responds with grace. He assures her that he will take the necessary steps to redeem her. Likewise, Jesus does not turn us away. Instead, He welcomes us into His covenant and makes us His bride.
5. The Assurance of Redemption
Boaz tells Ruth in verse 11:
“Do not be afraid, my daughter. I will do for you all that you ask.”
This promise echoes the words of Christ. When we come to Him, we do not have to fear rejection. He will redeem us, not because we are worthy, but because He is loving and faithful.
Boaz also tells Ruth that while he desires to redeem her, there is another relative who must first decline the right to do so (Ruth 3:12-13). This points to the fact that Jesus came in perfect order—fulfilling the law before bringing grace. He is our rightful Redeemer because He has met all the requirements of righteousness.
6. Resting in the Redeemer’s Promise
At the end of Ruth 3, Naomi tells Ruth:
“Sit still, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today.” (Ruth 3:18)
This is a call to trust in the Redeemer. Naomi knew that Boaz would not delay in securing Ruth’s redemption. Likewise, we can have full assurance that Jesus, our greater Boaz, has already completed our redemption through His death and resurrection.
We do not need to strive anxiously; we can rest in His finished work.
Conclusion: Come Under His Wing
The story of Ruth and Boaz is a breathtaking picture of how Jesus, our Bridegroom, takes us—outsiders, broken, and empty—and brings us under His covering.
- He cleanses us. (Ephesians 5:25-27)
- He redeems us. (1 Peter 1:18-19)
- He covers us with His righteousness. (Isaiah 61:10)
- He gathers us under His wings. (Psalm 91:4)
Have you placed yourself at the feet of Jesus? Have you asked Him to spread His covering over you? His invitation remains open—He is the Bridegroom who longs to cover you with His love, grace, and eternal protection.
Come and rest under His wings today.
