What cultural significance does the "six measures of barley" have in Ruth 3:17? Setting in the Narrative • Ruth meets Boaz at the threshing floor at Naomi’s instruction (Ruth 3:1-6). • Boaz promises to pursue redemption the very next day. • Before Ruth leaves, “he measured out six measures of barley and placed it on her. Then she went into the city” (Ruth 3:15). • Ruth tells Naomi, “He gave me these six measures of barley, for he said, ‘Do not go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed’ ” (Ruth 3:17). Barley’s Everyday Importance • First grain harvested each spring (Leviticus 23:10-11). • Staple food for common people; a practical, generous gift. • Often used as payment (Leviticus 27:16; 2 Kings 7:1). • Symbol of God’s provision; Israel’s return from famine now marked by abundance. Custom of the Bride-Price Gift • In Hebrew culture the groom (or his representative) gave a tangible pledge to the bride’s family, demonstrating ability and intent to provide (Genesis 24:53; Exodus 22:16-17). • Boaz’s barley parallels Abraham’s servant giving costly gifts to Rebekah’s household—an early signal of upcoming marriage. Why Exactly Six Measures? • Scripture states simply “six,” without naming the unit; the literal number carries weight. • Six suggests work yet unfinished—rest comes on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3). Boaz will secure Naomi and Ruth’s “rest” (Ruth 3:1) the next morning, completing what the six cannot. • The load was substantial (roughly 60-80 lbs if “seah” is intended), underscoring Boaz’s strength and generosity while still realistic for Ruth to carry with his help (Ruth 3:15). • Naomi had lamented, “The LORD has brought me back empty” (Ruth 1:21). Six measures directly reverse that emptiness; covenant kindness (ḥesed) now fills her home. Cultural Messages Packed into the Gift • Provision: immediate food for the household until redemption is finalized. • Protection: Boaz publicly aligns himself with Ruth and Naomi, warding off gossip and rival claimants. • Promise: a non-verbal pledge that his words will be matched with deeds—he will not “rest until the matter is settled” (Ruth 3:18). • Public honor to Naomi: a future mother-in-law was to be respected by the suitor; Boaz’s words focus on her welfare. Connections to Other Scriptures • Proverbs 18:16—“A man’s gift opens doors for him.” Boaz’s gift clears the path for legal negotiations. • James 2:15-16—faith shown by practical provision; Boaz’s faith in the LORD moves him to tangible care. • John 6:9-13—Jesus multiplies barley loaves, again turning scarcity into abundance for His people. Spiritual Threads for Today • God’s redemption always arrives with real provision; grace meets needs we can taste and carry. • Generosity confirms commitment—words of kindness are authenticated by costly action (1 John 3:18). • The “six measures” invite believers to look forward to the “seventh,” ultimate rest found in our kinsman-redeemer Jesus Christ (Matthew 11:28-30). |
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