v. 2—Boaz is winnowing his harvest, separating the chaff. This winnowing was the last phase of the harvest.
v. 3—Wash yourself, anoint yourself, put on your raiment. Before Ruth could see Boaz she had to do the aforementioned. She must be suitably attired (inwardly and outwardly). So we must also be before we can see God.
See Hebrews 12:14—“Follow peace with all men and believers without which no man shall see the Lord.”
Consecrating: Ruth abandoned herself to Boaz. We must do likewise to Christ.
Change of garments—garments of salvation and righteousness.
v. 4—He will tell you what you shall do. “If you know these things, happy are you if you do them.” Ears must be sensitive to God’s voice.
v. 5—I will do all you say. Surrender.
v. 6—And did all that her mother-in-law told her. “Obedience is better than sacrifice.”
v. 7—She came softly, and uncovered his feet, and lay down. The place of humility and reverence.
Mary, the sister of Martha—Luke 10:38-42.
The woman of the city—Luke 7:36.
v. 9—I am Ruth your handmaid (servant).
Ruth’s request: “Spread your skirt over me.” This was the Oriental symbol of protection. This action of Boaz is typical. Our heavenly Boaz is represented here.
The Lord takes notice of us. He crowns our life with blessing as He woos us towards Him. As we come to Him in humility and lay ourselves at His feet, He spreads His mantle over us.
In the first instance He saves us, at other times He protects us. Illustrate: Ruth 2:12, Psalm 17:8.
Thou art a virtuous woman.
All the city knew that she was a good woman. Ruth was a virtuous woman. Boaz also was a virtuous man.
His conduct as well as that of Ruth was exemplary.
Naomi continues to counsel Ruth. Ruth follows the counsel and advice of Naomi.
Shall I not seek rest for you?
Naomi is just about to reveal her plans of how Ruth could find rest. Up to this point Ruth had had a life of toil, while she had satisfaction from recent events, she did not have rest. The rest that Naomi sought would only come after Ruth was married to Boaz.
Rest when applied to the believer is in two aspects:
1. There is the present aspect.
The Spirit-taught person can have rest. In the same way as the Israelites left the wilderness and entered into Canaan and had rest, a believer can enter a spiritual sphere and have rest here and now.
2. There is the future aspect.
When we are at home with the Lord: after the Judgment Seat, the Marriage, then comes REST. Sweet, eternal, perfect rest.