Taken Under His Wings - July 22

Read Ruth 3:6-10

So she went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in-law had commanded her. And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. Then she came softly and uncovered his feet and lay down. At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and behold, a woman lay at his feet! He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” And he said, “May you be blessed by the LORD, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich.”

Reflect

Has anyone ever taken you “under their wing”? What did that look like? How did they help you?

When I was young, I was “under the wings” of my parents. They ensured that I was safe, loved, and cared for. Now, I’m the parent and it’s my turn to take my own kids under my wing. Of course, they are all getting older now. They won’t be under my protective wings for much longer. But as long as they need me, I’m here.

Maybe you’ve had some mentors who took you under their wings. Older people with experience showing you the ropes, giving advice, and supporting you as you learned and grew. There is a certain comfort in knowing that we don’t have to have everything figured out. We know we can ask for help because other people care and want us to be successful.

Earlier, in Ruth 2:12, Boaz praised Ruth for all that she had done for Naomi. He said, “The LORD repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!”

Today, Ruth asked Boaz to be the means through which God would reward her and protect her. She asked him to spread his wings over her and be her redeemer. In other Bible versions, it translates Ruth’s request as “spread your covering over your maid” (NASB 1995) or “spread the corner of your garment over me” (NIV).

Now, that’s not how we would propose marriage today but that is exactly what Ruth was asking for. In the Hebrew culture of that time for a man to “spread his wings” over a woman was a euphemism for marrying her. When a man spread his garment (his “wings”) over a woman, it was a picture of the provision and protection that he was promising to provide for her in marriage. Ruth was asking Boaz to take her under his wing.

What was his response? Did he accept her proposal? Well, I have to leave you in suspense until the next study. For now, think about how the Lord takes us under His wings. In Psalm 17:8, David prayed to God: “Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.” In Psalm 91:4 the psalmist says that the Lord will “cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.” Now, the pinions are the outer wings of a bird and a buckler is a small, round shield that was usually worn on a warrior's forearm. Notice the symbolism of protection here.

Ruth was seeking Boaz’s protection in marriage. Likewise, we have to seek the Lord’s protection in salvation. Jesus once lamented: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!”

Friends, if we come to Jesus, He will spread His garment over us. He will take us under His wing. He will provide salvation for us and protect us from sin and death. He will make us His. Have you asked Him to take you under His wing yet?

Respond

Lord, thank You for the provision and protection that I have found under Your wings. You are my refuge and your faithfulness is my shield. I am grateful to be Yours forever. Amen.

Reveal

Do you know someone who is seeking security in something or someone other than God? Share with them that you have found eternal safety under His wings.