And he told her, "Bring the shawl you are wearing and hold it out." When she did so, he shoveled six measures of barley into her shawl. Then he went into the city. And he told her, “Bring the shawl you are wearing and hold it out.”Boaz’s instruction provided a practical way for Ruth to carry the grain, while also displaying his care for her needs. Her shawl, an outer garment commonly used for warmth and carrying goods, became the means by which he supplied her household. Boaz continued to act honorably toward Ruth, protecting her reputation while showing generosity to her and Naomi. Ezk 16:8 Then I passed by and saw you, and you were old enough… When she did so, he poured in six measures of barley and placed it on her. The barley was a substantial gift, sufficient to assure Naomi that Boaz had not sent Ruth away empty-handed. It also served as a visible pledge of his intention to pursue the matter of redemption without delay. Boaz’s provision anticipated the fuller security Ruth and Naomi would receive through his lawful action at the city gate. His faithful care points forward to Christ, who does not leave His people empty but provides what is needed for their salvation and preservation. 2Ki 4:42-44 Now a man from Baal-shalishah came to the man of God… Then he went into the city. Boaz returned to Bethlehem to address the responsibility he had accepted. The city gate was the proper public setting for legal decisions, witnesses, and transactions concerning family property and redemption. His prompt action revealed integrity: he would not claim Ruth apart from the Lord’s law or bypass the nearer redeemer. Rut 4:1 Meanwhile, Boaz went to the gate and sat down there.… Persons / Places / Events 1. RuthA Moabite widow who has shown loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and has come to Bethlehem. Her actions and character are central to the account. 2. Boaz A wealthy and influential relative of Naomi's late husband, Elimelech. He is a kinsman-redeemer, a role that involves protecting the interests of needy family members. 3. Naomi Ruth's mother-in-law, who has returned to Bethlehem after the death of her husband and sons. She plays a guiding role in Ruth's actions. 4. Bethlehem The setting of the account, a town in Judah where Ruth and Naomi have returned during the barley harvest. 5. The Threshing Floor The location where Ruth approaches Boaz at night, following Naomi's instructions, to seek his protection and provision. Teaching Points Generosity and ProvisionBoaz's act of giving Ruth six measures of barley demonstrates the biblical principle of generosity. As believers, we are called to provide for those in need, reflecting God's provision for us. Faithfulness and Loyalty Ruth's loyalty to Naomi and her willingness to follow her instructions exemplify faithfulness. In our relationships, we should strive to be loyal and trustworthy, honoring commitments. God's Sovereignty and Plan The unfolding events in Ruth's life show God's sovereign hand at work. Even in difficult circumstances, we can trust that God is orchestrating events for His purposes and our good. Role of a Kinsman-Redeemer Boaz's role as a kinsman-redeemer is a foreshadowing of Christ's redemptive work. Just as Boaz redeems Ruth, Christ redeems us, bringing us into His family. Obedience and Initiative Ruth's obedience to Naomi and her initiative in approaching Boaz teach us the importance of taking action in faith. We should be proactive in following God's guidance in our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Boaz's generosity in Ruth 3:15 reflect the biblical principle of caring for others, and how can we apply this in our own lives?2. In what ways does Ruth's loyalty to Naomi challenge us to evaluate our own commitments and relationships? 3. How does the concept of a kinsman-redeemer in Ruth's account point to the redemptive work of Christ in the New Testament? 4. What can we learn from Ruth's obedience and initiative in approaching Boaz, and how can we apply these lessons in our walk with God? 5. How does the setting of Bethlehem in Ruth's account connect to its significance in the broader biblical account, particularly in the life of Jesus? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 25:25This verse outlines the role of a kinsman-redeemer, which is central to Boaz's actions in the account of Ruth. Proverbs 31:10-31 The description of a virtuous woman parallels Ruth's character, highlighting her diligence and loyalty. Matthew 1:5 Ruth is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus, showing her significance in the lineage of Christ.
People Boaz, Naomi, RuthPlaces BethlehemTopics Barley, Bring, Cloak, Covering, Grain, Hands, Hast, Held, Hold, Keepeth, Laid, Layeth, Mantle, Measured, Measures, Measureth, Poured, Robe, Shawl, Six, Stretching, Town, Vail, WearingDictionary of Bible Themes Ruth 3:15-17Library June 23 EveningShall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?--RUTH 3:1. There remaineth . . . a rest to the people of God.--My people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.--There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at rest.--They . . . rest from their labours. The forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and … Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path September 4 Morning Whether Christ Received his Own Body and Blood? Whether the Judicial Precepts Regarding Foreigners were Framed in a Suitable Manner? Jesus' Feet Anointed in the House of a Pharisee. Ruth Links Ruth 3:15 NIVRuth 3:15 NLT Ruth 3:15 ESV Ruth 3:15 NASB Ruth 3:15 KJV Ruth 3:15 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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