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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 3:17 captures a pivotal moment of hopeful anticipation, as Ruth returns to Naomi and presents the tangible proof of Boaz's commitment: six measures of barley. This verse serves as Ruth's direct report, confirming the success of Naomi's strategic plan and solidifying the promise of future provision and redemption. It is a powerful affirmation of Boaz's generosity and his serious intent to fulfill his role as kinsman-redeemer, signaling a dramatic shift from scarcity to abundance for the two vulnerable women.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse immediately follows Ruth's bold and unconventional encounter with Boaz at the threshing floor, an event meticulously orchestrated by Naomi, as detailed in Ruth 3:1-4. After Ruth, following Naomi's precise instructions, lay at Boaz's feet and then requested him to spread his cloak over her—a symbolic gesture of protection and marriage (Ruth 3:9)—Boaz acknowledged her virtue and promised to act as her kinsman-redeemer, though noting there was a closer relative (Ruth 3:10-13). As a concrete pledge of his serious intent and to ensure Ruth and Naomi were provided for, Boaz gave Ruth a significant amount of barley before sending her home before dawn, to avoid any suspicion (Ruth 3:15). Ruth 3:17 is Ruth relaying this crucial detail to Naomi, solidifying the hope that their desperate situation would soon be resolved and confirming Boaz's honorable intentions.
Historical & Cultural Context: The narrative unfolds within the patriarchal society of ancient Israel during the period of the Judges, where widows like Naomi and Ruth were particularly vulnerable and often dependent on the kindness of others or the institution of the kinsman-redeemer (go'el). The threshing floor, while a place of work, could also be a location for significant personal interactions, especially under the cover of night, though it carried potential for impropriety, which Boaz carefully avoided. The giving of a substantial amount of barley was more than a mere gift; it was a culturally understood sign of provision, protection, and a serious pledge of intent, akin to an engagement gift or a down payment. For a woman to return "empty" would signify failure, shame, and continued destitution, whereas returning "full" would indicate success, honor, and impending security, directly contrasting Naomi's earlier lament of returning "empty" from Moab (Ruth 1:21).
Key Themes: This verse powerfully underscores Boaz's Generosity and Provision, demonstrating his abundant hesed (loyal love or kindness) towards Ruth and Naomi. The substantial gift of barley ensures their immediate sustenance and showcases his commitment to their welfare, moving beyond mere words to tangible action. It also highlights Boaz's Protective Care and Honor, as his instruction to Ruth, "Go not empty unto thy mother in law," reveals his deep concern for Naomi's reputation and his desire to publicly and privately demonstrate his acceptance of responsibility for both women. Furthermore, the barley functions as a Tangible Pledge of Redemption, serving as a physical "down payment" of Boaz's intent to fulfill his role as the kinsman-redeemer. This act foreshadows the legal proceedings and the full redemption of Ruth and Naomi's family line, which culminates in Ruth chapter 4.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several key literary devices. Symbolism is prominent, as the "six measures of barley" symbolize Boaz's tangible promise, his abundant generosity, and the impending redemption. It acts as a physical pledge, a down payment on his future commitment. The stark contrast between "empty" and "full" is also highly symbolic, representing the dramatic shift from destitution and despair to hope, provision, and security, directly referencing Naomi's earlier lament and its reversal. Dialogue is crucial, with Ruth's direct report to Naomi and her recounting of Boaz's command, which provides immediate insight into the characters' thoughts and actions, driving the narrative forward with a sense of urgency and resolution. Furthermore, the verse uses Foreshadowing, as Boaz's generous provision and his explicit desire for Ruth not to return "empty" strongly anticipate his full redemptive act in the next chapter, where he secures their future and reverses the family's misfortune.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 3:17 beautifully illustrates God's faithful providence, often working through the compassionate and responsible actions of human agents. Boaz's generous provision is not merely an act of human kindness but a manifestation of God's hesed being extended to Ruth and Naomi, fulfilling His promise to care for the vulnerable and the alien. This tangible gift of barley serves as a physical pledge, mirroring the biblical concept of a "down payment" or guarantee of a future promise, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture concerning God's covenants and His ultimate redemption. It teaches us that God's faithfulness is often expressed through concrete acts of provision and protection, bringing hope and security where there was once only emptiness.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 3:17 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us of God's intricate and often surprising ways of providing for His people. Boaz's actions exemplify a practical, tangible hesed—a loyal, covenantal love that moves beyond mere sentiment to generous, sacrificial provision. This calls us to consider how we can be channels of God's blessing in the lives of others, especially the vulnerable, by offering not just words of comfort but concrete acts of support that meet real needs. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of radical generosity, trusting that God will use our resources to meet the needs of those around us, reflecting His own character as provider. Furthermore, the verse speaks to the power of tangible pledges and promises; just as the barley was a physical sign of Boaz's commitment, our actions can serve as visible expressions of our faith and love, building trust and demonstrating the reality of God's kingdom. Finally, it reinforces the theme of divine timing and faithfulness: even in moments of uncertainty and perceived emptiness, God is at work, orchestrating events through faithful individuals to bring about His perfect plan, moving us from despair to a state of security and blessing.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the "six [measures] of barley"?
Answer: The "six [measures] of barley" is significant primarily as a tangible, substantial pledge of Boaz's serious intent and generosity. While the exact unit of measure is debated (the Hebrew simply says "six barley"), it was clearly a large amount, far more than a casual gift. It served as a physical guarantee to Ruth and Naomi that Boaz was committed to fulfilling his role as kinsman-redeemer and providing for their future. It also demonstrated his wealth and capability, assuring them that he could indeed offer the security they sought. This gift directly addressed their immediate need for sustenance and symbolized the coming abundance and restoration, marking a turning point from scarcity to provision.
Why was it so important for Ruth not to go "empty" unto Naomi?
Answer: For Ruth to return "empty" to Naomi would have signified failure, continued destitution, and shame. In the ancient Near East, a woman's security and honor were often tied to her male kin and household provision. Naomi herself had lamented in Ruth 1:21 that she had returned "empty" from Moab, having lost her husband and sons. Boaz's instruction, "Go not empty unto thy mother in law," was a deliberate act to reverse this state of emptiness for Naomi. By sending Ruth back with a substantial gift, Boaz not only provided for their physical needs but also restored their dignity, affirmed his honorable intentions, and publicly signaled that their period of hardship was coming to an end, replaced by hope and the promise of a secure future.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth 3:17, with Boaz's tangible pledge of barley, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate provision and security found in Jesus Christ, our divine Kinsman-Redeemer. Just as Boaz sent Ruth from the threshing floor not "empty" but laden with a promise of future abundance, so too Christ, after His redemptive work on the cross, sends His people forth not empty, but filled with the Holy Spirit—the tangible "down payment" or "guarantee" of our future inheritance in Him (Ephesians 1:13-14). Boaz's generous act of provision for Ruth and Naomi, moving them from vulnerability to security, mirrors Christ's infinite grace that transforms our spiritual emptiness, our destitution in sin, into fullness of life and an abundant inheritance (John 1:16 and John 10:10). The barley was a physical sign of Boaz's commitment and power to redeem; the indwelling Spirit is the spiritual sign of Christ's accomplished redemption and His eternal covenant with us (2 Corinthians 1:22). Through Christ, we are brought from a state of spiritual poverty and alienation to a secure, rich, and eternal relationship with God, never to return "empty."