Ruth 3:8–9: “Now it happened at midnight that the man was startled, and turned himself; and there, a woman was lying at his feet. And he said, ‘Who are you?’ So she answered, ‘I am Ruth, your maidservant. Take your maidservant under your wing, for you are a near kinsman.'”

May 8th, 2023 by Pastor Ed in devotional

To our modern, Western cultural way of thinking, it seems like Naomi asked Ruth to act in a presumptuous, unladylike way. But in reality she was acting strictly in accordance with the law and society of Israel at that time. This was how in that culture a younger woman would make a proposal. In other words, it would be taken as a clear indication of Ruth’s desire to marry Boaz. He, being an older, gracious, godly man, would not have presumed to initiate marriage with a younger woman unless she first showed interest in this way.

Ruth asked Boaz in very clear terms to marry her, to provide and protect her: “take your maidservant under your wing.” Boaz had used the same term in chapter 2 when he described God’s protection of her: “under whose wings you have come for refuge.” The image is of the way a mother bird protectively spreads her wings over her baby; it carries the idea of spreading wings over someone, offering the protection that comes through relationship.

We notice that the basis of her request was that Boaz was a near relative; and according to God’s law, he could assume the responsibility of marrying her. It is interesting that she wasn’t asking him to respond emotionally, but rather to the call of God in his life. It sounds strange to our ears, but it was in accordance with God’s law. And, therefore, it was the wise and safe thing to do. We find here a perfect picture of what happens when we come to Jesus Christ and accept His sacrifice for us; He brings us under His wing—His protection.

“LORD, we want to live today in the center of Your will for us. Cleanse us and use us we ask.”