What does Ruth 3:18 mean?
"Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day." - Ruth 3:18
Ruth 3:18 (KJV) reads, "Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day."
The book of Ruth is a beautiful story of loyalty, love, and faithfulness. It takes place during the time of the Judges in Israel and tells the story of a Moabite woman named Ruth who demonstrated exemplary loyalty and devotion to her mother-in-law Naomi. After the death of their husbands, Ruth chooses to stay with Naomi instead of returning to her own people, and she becomes the great-grandmother of King David.
In Ruth 3:18, Naomi is speaking to Ruth after she has followed Naomi's instructions to go to the threshing floor and uncover the feet of Boaz, a relative of Naomi's who could potentially redeem Ruth and Naomi's family estate. This verse captures the essence of Naomi's confidence in the plan she has orchestrated and her assurance to Ruth that Boaz will not rest until he has resolved the matter.
One of the key themes in this verse is the concept of trust and patience in God's timing. Naomi's encouragement for Ruth to "Sit still" reflects the idea that sometimes, we have to be patient and wait for the unfolding of God's plan. It is a message of faith and trust that God is at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events for His glory and the good of His people. This echoes the words of Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
Additionally, the verse also highlights the qualities of diligence and perseverance. Naomi's assurance that Boaz will not rest until he has finished the matter indicates his commitment to righteousness and his sense of responsibility towards Ruth and Naomi. This reflects the character of a man who is earnest in his duties and faithful to fulfill his promises, a quality that Boaz demonstrates throughout the book of Ruth.
Furthermore, the verse also carries a message of hope and encouragement. By assuring Ruth that Boaz will take care of the matter that very day, Naomi is instilling hope in Ruth's heart. This hope serves as a reminder that God is faithful to fulfill His promises, and that He is always working behind the scenes to bring about His purposes.
Symbolically, Naomi's words can be seen as a representation of God's provision and protection. As Naomi reassures Ruth that Boaz will not rest until the matter is resolved, it reflects the divine assurance that God is always at work on behalf of His people, even when it may not be immediately visible. It reminds us that God's timing is perfect, and His plans are always to prosper and not to harm us (Jeremiah 29:11).
In conclusion, Ruth 3:18 conveys a powerful message of trust, patience, diligence, and hope. It serves as a reminder to trust in God's timing, to be diligent in our responsibilities, and to remain hopeful in His provision. It is a verse that encourages us to wait on the Lord, knowing that He is always at work on our behalf.
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Ruth 3:18 - "Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day."
"Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day." - Ruth 3:18
Ruth 4:18 - "¶ Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron,"
Ruth 3:9 - "And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman."
Ruth 1:18 - "When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her."
"¶ Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron," - Ruth 4:18
Ruth 2:3 – "So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters."
Ruth 1:3 - "And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons."
Ruth 3:1 - "Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?"
Ruth 3:5 - "And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do."
Ruth 3:8 - "¶ And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet."
Ruth 3:12 - "And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I."
Ruth 3:6 - "¶ And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her."
Ruth 3:2 - "And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor."
Ruth 3:17 - "And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law."
Ruth 4:3 - "And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's:"
Ruth 3:3 - "Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking."
Ruth 2:3 - "And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech."
"And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I." - Ruth 3:12
Ruth 2:18 - "¶ And she took it up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed."
"And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her." - Ruth 3:16
Ruth 3:11 - "And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman."
"And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons." - Ruth 1:3
Ruth 3:14 - "¶ And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor."
Ruth 3:16 - "And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her."
Ruth 3:15 - "Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city."
"When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her." - Ruth 1:18
"¶ And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet." - Ruth 3:8
"And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman." - Ruth 3:9
Ruth 3:10 - "And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich."