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Commentary on Ruth 3 verses 14–18
We are here told, I. How Ruth was dismissed by Boaz. It would not have been safe for her to go home in the dead of the night; therefore she lay at his feet (not by his side) until morning. But as soon as ever the day broke, that she had light to go home by, she got away, before one could know another, that, if she were seen, yet she might not be known to be abroad so unseasonably. She was not shy of being known to be a gleaner in the field, nor ashamed of that mark of her poverty. But she would not willingly be known to be a night-walker, for her virtue was her greatest honour, and that which she most valued. Boaz dismissed her, 1. With a charge to keep counsel (Rut 3:14): Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor, and lay all night so near to Boaz; for, though they needed not to care much what people said of them while they were both conscious to themselves of an unspotted purity, yet, because few could have come so near the fire as they did and not have been scorched, had it been known it would have occasioned suspicions in some and reflections from others. Good people would have been troubled, and bad people would have triumphed, and therefore let it not be known. Note, We must always take care, not only to keep a good conscience, but to keep a good name: either we must not do that which, though innocent, is liable to be misinterpreted, or, if we do, we must not let it be known. We must avoid not only sin, but scandal. There was likewise a particular reason for concealment here. If this matter should take wind, it might prejudice the freedom of the other kinsman's choice, and he would make this his reason for refusing Ruth, that Boaz and she had been together. 2. He dismissed her with a good present of corn, which would be very acceptable to her poor mother at home, and an evidence for her that he had not sent her away in dislike, which Naomi might have suspected if he had sent her away empty. He gave it to her in her veil, or apron, or mantle, gave it to her by measure. Like a prudent corn-master, he kept an account of all he delivered out. It was six measures, that is six omers as is supposed, ten of which made an ephah; whatever the measure was, it is probable he gave her as much as she could well carry, Rut 3:15. And the Chaldee says, Strength was given her from the Lord to carry it; and adds that now it was told her by the spirit of prophecy that from her should descend six of the most righteous men of their age, namely, David, Daniel, his three companions, and the king Messiah.
II. How she was welcomed by her mother-in-law. She asked her, "Who art thou, my daughter? Art thou a bride or no? Must I give thee joy?" So Ruth told her how the matter stood (Rut 3:17), whereupon her mother, 1. Advised her to be satisfied in what was done: Sit still, my daughter, till thou know how the matter will fall (Rut 3:18) - how it is decreed in heaven, so the Chaldee reads it, for marriages are made there. She had done all that was fit for her to do, and now she must patiently wait the issue and not be perplexed about it. Let us learn hence to cast our care upon providence, to follow that and attend the motions of it, composing ourselves into an expectation of the event, with a resolution to acquiesce in it, whatever it be. Sometimes that proves best done for us that is least our own doing. "Sit still, therefore, and see how the matter will fall, and say, Let it fall how it will, I am ready for it." 2. She assured her that Boaz, having undertaken this matter, would approve himself a faithful careful friend: He will not be at rest till he have finished the matter. Though it was a busy time with him in his fields and his floor, yet, having undertaken to serve his friend, he would not neglect the business. Naomi believes that Ruth has won his heart, and that therefore he will not be easy till he knows whether she be his or no. This she gives as a reason why Ruth should sit still and not perplex herself about it, that Boaz had undertaken it, and he would be sure to manage it well. Much more reason have good Christians to be careful for nothing, but cast their care on God, because he has promised to care for them: and what need have we to care if he do? Sit still, and see how the matter will fall, for the Lord will perfect that which concerns thee, and will make it to work for good to thee, Psa 37:4, Psa 37:5; Psa 138:8. Your strength is to sit still, Isa 30:7.
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SUMMARY
Ruth 3:16 vividly portrays the highly anticipated return of Ruth to Naomi following her pivotal encounter with Boaz at the threshing floor. This moment captures Naomi's anxious and hopeful inquiry, not about Ruth's physical identity, but about the crucial outcome of her bold venture. In turn, Ruth provides a comprehensive and transparent account of Boaz's honorable actions and promising commitment, meticulously detailing "all that the man had done to her," thereby setting the stage for the dramatic resolution of their family's plight and the securing of their future through the kinsman-redeemer.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse serves as the immediate narrative bridge following Boaz's sending Ruth away with six measures of barley, a tangible symbol of his provision and commitment, coupled with his solemn promise to resolve the matter of redemption the very next day, as detailed in Ruth 3:15. Ruth's discreet return to Naomi's house in the early morning hours marks the culmination of Naomi's audacious and carefully orchestrated plan, which was meticulously laid out at the beginning of the chapter in Ruth 3:1-4. The entire third chapter masterfully builds suspense around the clandestine events of the night, and Ruth's detailed report in this verse is crucial for informing both Naomi and the reader of the successful initial steps toward the redemption of their family line, thereby preparing the ground for Boaz's decisive and public actions at the city gate in the subsequent chapter, Ruth 4.
Historical & Cultural Context: The setting at the threshing floor, while unconventional for such an encounter, was strategically chosen. Threshing floors were typically located outside the village, offering a degree of seclusion for nighttime work, yet they were also public enough for men like Boaz to sleep there to guard the harvested grain. The act of a woman approaching a man in this manner, particularly at night, would ordinarily carry scandalous implications. However, Naomi's carefully crafted instructions and Ruth's obedient, yet bold, execution, combined with Boaz's unimpeachable character, transform a potentially compromising situation into one of integrity, covenant faithfulness, and profound respect. Central to the entire book is the concept of the "kinsman-redeemer" (Hebrew: goel), a custom deeply embedded in Israelite law and tradition, which mandated the preservation of family lineage, property, and the protection of vulnerable family members. This custom is elucidated in legal texts such as Leviticus 25 concerning land redemption and Deuteronomy 25:5-10 regarding the raising of an heir. Naomi's urgent question to Ruth in this verse profoundly reflects the paramount societal importance of a woman's marital status and economic security in ancient Israelite culture.
Key Themes: Ruth 3:16 powerfully encapsulates several core themes that permeate the book of Ruth. Anticipation and Hope are palpably present in Naomi's urgent and deeply significant question, revealing her fervent yearning for Ruth's "rest" or secure future, a desire she articulated at the chapter's outset in Ruth 3:1. Naomi's inquiry is not a literal question of physical identification but an anxious query about Ruth's changed prospects, reflecting the profound hope that the night's events have moved them decisively closer to a secure and stable future. Trust and Transparency are vividly displayed in Ruth's immediate, full, and unreserved disclosure to Naomi, which profoundly reinforces the exemplary and profound bond between the two women. This open and honest communication is absolutely vital for the narrative's progression and profoundly underscores the strength and depth of their familial connection. Furthermore, the verse highlights the Progress of Redemption, as Ruth's comprehensive report confirms Boaz's decisive and honorable actions toward fulfilling the sacred role of the goel, thereby meticulously setting the stage for the formal and public act of redemption that will culminate in Ruth 4.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The narrative in Ruth 3:16 masterfully employs Dialogue to propel the plot forward and reveal profound character depth. Naomi's opening question, "Who [art] thou, my daughter?" is a potent example of a Rhetorical Question, as it is not a literal inquiry about identity but a loaded question about status and outcome, powerfully conveying her deep anxiety and hopeful anticipation. Ruth's immediate and full response demonstrates profound Transparency and reinforces the unwavering Trust that defines the exemplary bond between the two women, a central and recurring theme throughout the entire book. The concise mention of "the man" is a form of Ellipsis or Anaphora (subtly referring back to Boaz, whose actions have been the central focus of the preceding narrative), serving as a narrative shorthand that indicates both characters and the reader are fully aware of the subject. The entire exchange between Naomi and Ruth skillfully builds Suspense, as the reader, much like Naomi, eagerly awaits the crucial details of the night's events and their far-reaching implications for the future.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 3:16 stands as a profound testament to the providential working of God, subtly yet powerfully guiding events through the faithfulness, courage, and wise counsel of His people. Naomi's proactive and strategic guidance, coupled with Ruth's trusting obedience and daring initiative, are instrumental in moving the narrative inexorably towards its redemptive conclusion. The verse underscores the vital importance of community, mutual support, and unwavering loyalty, particularly within familial bonds, as Naomi and Ruth navigate their vulnerable and precarious circumstances together. It also highlights the intricate interplay of divine sovereignty interwoven with human agency; while God is not explicitly mentioned in this specific verse, His unseen hand is undeniably orchestrating and guiding the unfolding events, bringing about a secure and blessed future for those who were once marginalized and destitute. The transparent and open communication between Ruth and Naomi models a healthy, trusting, and interdependent relationship, which is absolutely essential for navigating life's inherent uncertainties and faithfully pursuing God's overarching purposes.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 3:16 profoundly invites us to reflect on the indispensable nature of trust and transparency within our most intimate and significant relationships. Naomi's anxious, yet hopeful, question and Ruth's immediate, full, and unreserved disclosure model an exemplary level of mutual respect, reliance, and vulnerability. In our own lives, this passage challenges us: Are we willing to humbly seek wise counsel from trusted mentors and spiritual guides, and are we equally willing to be transparent and open about our own situations, even when it means revealing our vulnerabilities or uncertainties? This verse also speaks powerfully to the importance of waiting with hopeful anticipation for God's divine purposes to unfold, even after we have taken courageous and perhaps unconventional steps of faith. Naomi's strategic patience and Ruth's unwavering obedience, despite the potentially scandalous nature of their actions, ultimately lead to a secure and blessed future. We are powerfully reminded that God frequently works through ordinary people and their faithful, often daring, choices to bring about extraordinary and redemptive outcomes. This passage deeply encourages us to act with integrity, courage, and unwavering trust in God's sovereign provision, even when the path ahead appears uncertain or fraught with risk.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does Naomi ask, "Who [art] thou, my daughter?" if she clearly knows it's Ruth?
Answer: Naomi's question is not a literal inquiry about Ruth's physical identity, as she undoubtedly recognized her beloved daughter-in-law. Instead, it functions as a profound idiom or a rhetorical question expressing deep anxiety and hopeful anticipation about Ruth's status or the outcome of her encounter with Boaz at the threshing floor. Naomi is essentially asking, "What is your situation now? Has your status changed for the better? Have you secured a path to marriage and security?" This reflects the immense societal importance of a woman's marital and economic security in ancient Israelite society and Naomi's profound, maternal concern for Ruth's future, aligning perfectly with her earlier expressed desire for Ruth to find "rest" or security (Ruth 3:1). Her question is a poignant and urgent expression of her eagerness to know if their bold and carefully planned venture has succeeded in securing Ruth's future.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The compelling narrative of Ruth, culminating in Ruth 3:16 with the promise of impending redemption, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Just as Boaz, a man of immense wealth, honor, and integrity, willingly steps into the sacred role of goel to redeem Ruth and restore the family line of Elimelech, so too does Christ, who is eternally rich in grace, truth, and divine glory (John 1:14), willingly humble Himself and become poor to redeem a spiritually bankrupt humanity (2 Corinthians 8:9). Ruth's profound vulnerability, destitution, and desperate need for a redeemer beautifully mirror humanity's universal spiritual destitution and our inherent inability to redeem ourselves from the pervasive bondage of sin (Romans 3:23). Boaz's solemn promise to act decisively at the city gate (Ruth 3:18) finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Christ's decisive and sacrificial act on the cross, where He paid the ultimate price for our redemption, securing our freedom and adoption (Colossians 1:13-14). Through Christ, we, like Ruth, are miraculously brought from a state of insecurity, spiritual barrenness, and alienation into a secure, eternal inheritance and a new, divine family, becoming co-heirs with Him in glory (Romans 8:17) and part of the very lineage that ultimately leads to the King of kings and Lord of lords (Matthew 1:1-16). The profound hope and secure future anticipated in Ruth 3:16 are fully, perfectly, and eternally realized in the person and redemptive work of Jesus, our compassionate, faithful, and ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer.