Ruth 3:1  “…My daughter, shall I not seek security for you…”
Not sure how long a time has passed.  Previous chapter ends with the note that Ruth gleaned from Boaz’s fields through barley and wheat harvests, but Naomi will mention that Boaz is busy winnowing barley.  This could have happened just after that first day of gleaning, and the aforementioned comments were foretelling that she stayed with Boaz.  Or some time could have passed whereby Naomi realizes that Boaz does indeed have an interest and affection for Ruth although he hasn’t yet acted upon it.  As Ruth was still a young woman, Naomi wanted her to be able to marry again and raise her own family, not be a widow all her life.

4  “…uncover his feet, and lie down…”
Act of submission.  She was putting herself under his protection as her kinsman redeemer.  She was also apparently submitting herself to him for marriage.

5  “…All that you say to me I will do”
More insight into Ruth’s character.  It is never mentioned that she questioned what Naomi asked her to do.  All of her statements show complete trust.

9  “…under your wing…”
Text note says this may be translated as spread the corner of your garment over your maidservant.  According to commentary, this was the act of offering protection to one who had submitted to you or requested protection in this manner.

10  “…you have shown more kindness at the end than at the beginning…”
Was unsure of the reference here, the direction of the kindness shown.  Checked several commentaries.  Most agree Boaz is referring to Ruth’s kindness toward her husband’s family as wife and daughter-in-law and now by following God’s law to raise up children in her former husband’s name by marrying the kinsman redeemer although she was still a young woman and would normally seek a younger mate than Boaz.

13  “…if he does not want to perform the duty for you, then I will perform the duty for you…”
Boaz shows his integrity as well.  He lets her know there is a relative closer than himself.  He follows God’s plan even if it means he doesn’t satisfy his own interests.

14  “…Do not let it be known that the woman came to the threshing floor”
I don’t think this is anything secretive or inappropriate.  Since Ruth came to Boaz, and he knew he wasn’t the closest relative, I think he wanted it kept secret so that no one would assume that impropriety had taken place.

17  “…Do not go empty-handed to your mother-in-law”
Not sure about this.  He could have been showing further kindness to her and Naomi, or it may have been a way of letting Naomi know he was accepting Ruth and the responsibilities she represented.  Could also be a form of marriage tradition.  He gives her a gift and she accepts, loosely making a marriage covenant.  Since he mentioned not going empty handed to her mother-in-law, perhaps it was something of a gift to Naomi for the marriage.  Commentaries aren’t sure either.  They offered different ideas.

18  “…the man will not rest until he has concluded the matter this day”
Naomi knew Boaz had committed himself to following through with what he promised Ruth.

I hope you enjoy reading and studying His word.  May it accomplish what He desires.  Please feel free to comment or post questions.  Thanks for reading!

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.