How does Ruth 3:5 illustrate the importance of following wise counsel? Text of Ruth 3:5 “‘I will do everything you say,’ Ruth answered.” Immediate Narrative Context Naomi, a seasoned Israelite widow, has discerned God’s providential opening through Boaz, their kinsman-redeemer (goʾel). She instructs Ruth on the precise steps to take at the threshing floor (Ruth 3:1-4). Ruth’s reply in verse 5—total, unqualified acceptance—signals that she values Naomi’s insight above her own instinct, culture, or comfort. Naomi as a Model of Godly Counselor 1. Experience: Naomi has lived through famine, migration, bereavement, and return; she recognizes the subtleties of covenant law (Leviticus 25:25; Deuteronomy 25:5-10). 2. Theological literacy: She interprets circumstances through Yahweh’s hesed (Ruth 2:20). 3. Righteous motive: Her counsel seeks Ruth’s “rest” (Heb מָנוֹחַ, security) in a God-approved marriage, not personal gain. Scripture consistently commends counselors who possess godly character (Proverbs 20:18; 2 Chron 22:4 shows the ruin of ungodly counsel). Ruth as a Learner Who Heeds 1. Teachability: A Moabitess by birth, Ruth subordinates her background to Israel’s revelation (Ruth 1:16-17). 2. Faith in action: Her immediate obedience converts theory into practice (James 2:22). 3. Humility: Submission precedes exaltation (1 Peter 5:5-6); Ruth’s descent to the threshing floor precedes her rise to the lineage of kings. Legal and Theological Underpinnings of Naomi’s Plan • Kinsman-redeemer: Protects family inheritance (Leviticus 25:23-25). • Levirate principle: Sustains the deceased husband’s name (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). Boaz embodies both roles, prefiguring Christ, the ultimate Redeemer (Galatians 4:4-5). Wise counsel aligns with God’s revealed structures. Biblical Principle: Blessing Through Obedience to Wise Counsel Ruth 3–4 records four cascading blessings that flow directly from verse 5’s compliance: 1. Immediate favor—Boaz calls her “a woman of noble character” (Ruth 3:11). 2. Public vindication—elders ratify the union (Ruth 4:9-12). 3. Familial restoration—Naomi gains a grandson (Ruth 4:14-16). 4. Messianic impact—Obed → Jesse → David → Christ (Ruth 4:18-22; Matthew 1:1-16). Obedience to wise counsel participates in redemptive history. Cross-Scriptural Reinforcement • Proverbs 11:14; 15:22; 19:20—counsel prevents collapse and ensures success. • Exodus 18:17-24—Moses prospers by heeding Jethro. • 1 Samuel 25—David blesses Abigail for restraining him. Ruth 3:5 sits within a canonical chorus urging receptivity to godly advice. Archaeological and Textual Confirmation 1. Dead Sea Scroll 4QpaleoRuth (mid-1st c. BC) contains Ruth 3:5 with only orthographic variance, underscoring textual stability. 2. Threshing-floor complexes unearthed at Tel Rehov match the seasonal, communal setting described. 3. The Moabite Stone (9th c. BC) corroborates Moab’s geographical and ethnic realities, situating Ruth historically. 4. Tel Dan stele confirms the “House of David,” anchoring Ruth’s genealogy in verifiable history. The material record consistently converges with the biblical narrative, lending weight to Naomi’s law-based counsel. Contrast: The Folly of Disregarding Counsel Judges 21:25 depicts societal chaos when “everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” Saul’s ruin (1 Samuel 15) exemplifies selective obedience. Scripture juxtaposes Ruth’s blessing with such tragedies to underscore the stakes. Practical Application for Modern Readers • Seek mentors steeped in Scripture and proven character. • Test counsel against the whole counsel of God (Acts 17:11). • Respond with prompt, comprehensive obedience, trusting God for outcomes. • Recognize that private decisions have multigenerational impact. Gospel Connection Ruth’s obedience leads to Boaz’s redemptive act; believers who heed the Father’s counsel to “listen to Him” (Matthew 17:5) find the greater Redeemer, Jesus Christ, who rose bodily (1 Corinthians 15:3-8) and secures eternal rest for all who obey the call of faith (Hebrews 5:9). Summary Ruth 3:5 illustrates that wise counsel, rooted in God’s revelation, invites humble obedience that God richly rewards—historically, spiritually, and eternally. |
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