And she said, "He gave me these six measures of barley, for he said, 'Do not go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.'" And she said,Ruth faithfully reported Boaz’s kindness to Naomi, keeping her mother-in-law informed about the outcome of the evening at the threshing floor. Their shared concern reflects the family loyalty that has governed Ruth’s actions since she came to Bethlehem. Rut 2:18 She picked up the grain and went into the town,… “He gave me these six measures of barley, Boaz’s generous gift provided immediate help for Naomi and Ruth and assured Naomi that he had not forgotten her need. Naomi had returned to Bethlehem grieving that the Lord had brought her back “empty” (Ruth 1:21), yet the barley in Ruth’s hands marked the beginning of God’s restoration. Boaz’s provision also revealed his willingness and ability to act as their kinsman-redeemer. Rut 2:17 So Ruth gathered grain in the field until evening.… for he said, Boaz deliberately connected the gift with Naomi’s welfare. His generosity was not an attempt to avoid responsibility but an expression of his honorable intention to pursue redemption according to the Lord’s law. 1Sa 25:18-19 Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread… ‘Do not go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’” Boaz ensured that Ruth’s return would bring evidence of care and hope to Naomi. The gift answered Naomi’s earlier emptiness and anticipated the greater fullness God would bring through the redemption of their family. Boaz’s faithful provision points forward to Christ, the Redeemer who does not leave His people empty but supplies what they cannot provide for themselves. Rut 1:21 I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back… Persons / Places / Events 1. RuthA Moabite widow who has shown loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and has come to Bethlehem to seek refuge and provision. 2. Naomi Ruth's mother-in-law, who has returned to Bethlehem after the death of her husband and sons, and is seeking security for Ruth. 3. Boaz A wealthy relative of Naomi's late husband, who is a kinsman-redeemer and has shown kindness and protection to Ruth. 4. Bethlehem The town in Judah where Naomi and Ruth have returned, and where Boaz's fields are located. 5. Threshing Floor The place where Boaz was winnowing barley, and where Ruth approached him to seek his protection and provision. Teaching Points Generosity and ProvisionBoaz's actions demonstrate the importance of generosity and provision for those in need. As Christians, we are called to be generous and to care for the vulnerable in our communities. Faithfulness and Loyalty Ruth's loyalty to Naomi and her faithfulness in seeking Boaz's protection reflect the virtues of commitment and trust in God's provision. We are encouraged to remain faithful in our relationships and trust in God's plan for our lives. God's Sovereignty and Redemption The account of Ruth and Boaz illustrates God's sovereignty in orchestrating events for His purposes. It reminds us that God is at work in our lives, even in difficult circumstances, and that He is our ultimate Redeemer. Cultural and Legal Context Understanding the cultural and legal context of the kinsman-redeemer helps us appreciate the depth of Boaz's actions and the significance of Ruth's request. It challenges us to understand and apply biblical principles in our own cultural context. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Boaz's generosity in Ruth 3:17 reflect the biblical principle of caring for the poor and needy, and how can we apply this in our own lives?2. In what ways does Ruth's loyalty to Naomi and her actions towards Boaz demonstrate the qualities of a virtuous woman, and how can we cultivate these qualities in our own character? 3. How does the concept of a kinsman-redeemer in the account of Ruth point to the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ, and how does this understanding impact our faith? 4. What can we learn from the cultural and legal context of Ruth's time that can help us better understand and apply biblical principles today? 5. How does the account of Ruth and Boaz encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when we face uncertain or challenging circumstances? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 19:9-10This passage outlines the law of gleaning, which allowed the poor and foreigners to gather leftover crops. Ruth's gleaning in Boaz's field is a direct application of this law. Deuteronomy 25:5-10 This passage describes the role of a kinsman-redeemer, which is central to the account of Ruth and Boaz. Proverbs 31:10-31 The description of a virtuous woman in Proverbs can be seen in Ruth's character and actions throughout the book. Matthew 1:5 Ruth is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus, highlighting her significance in the lineage of Christ.
People Boaz, Naomi, RuthPlaces BethlehemTopics Barley, Empty, Empty-handed, Grain, Hands, Law, Measures, Mother-in-law, Nothing, Saying, SixDictionary 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 3:17 NIVRuth 3:17 NLT Ruth 3:17 ESV Ruth 3:17 NASB Ruth 3:17 KJV Ruth 3:17 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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