“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 (KJV)
“Naomi said to her, ‘Be patient, my daughter. Until we hear what happens, for the man won’t rest until he has dealt with this today.'” – Ruth 3:18 (NLT)
“Naomi said, ‘Take it easy, my dear. Don’t worry; it’s all in hand. He won’t rest until he’s settled things today.'” – Ruth 3:18 (MSG)
What Does Ruth 3:18 Mean?
Ruth 3:18 is filled with wisdom and patience that showcases the significance of hope and trust in the Lord. In this verse, Naomi advises Ruth to wait patiently, reminding her that Boaz, who is their kinsman-redeemer, will take care of the matter at hand. This verse demonstrates how crucial it is for us to trust in God’s timing during times of uncertainty. We can sometimes feel anxious about what comes next, but having faith, like Ruth, shows our reliance on God’s plan, no matter how cloudy our future may appear.
Waiting is hard! Just think about how Ruth might have felt at that moment. She had taken such brave actions by going to Boaz to present her case for being redeemed. She made a bold step of faith, but after doing this, she needed to trust that Boaz would respond wisely and in her favor. Naomi’s words were a balm for Ruth, allowing her to find peace as she let Boaz take the lead. Waiting does not mean being passive; it can also mean that we are actively trusting God’s plans for us. We must remind ourselves that everything unfolds in His perfect timing, and we should be ready, like Ruth, to embrace the outcomes that await us.
Ruth 3:18 Explanation and Commentary
In this commentary, we will explore several aspects of both Naomi and Ruth’s characters. Naomi, as Ruth’s mother-in-law, plays a guiding role in this narrative. She is wise and understanding, acknowledging that after making bold moves, it’s essential to let things unfold. Naomi tells Ruth to “sit still,” which signifies that she wants Ruth to find peace right where she is. This advice is equally beneficial for us today as it encourages us to find rest in situations we can’t control.
We live in a world that often demands swift actions and immediate results. Society encourages us to take matters into our own hands, and while proactive behavior can often be justified, there are times when waiting is the healthiest approach. Naomi’s instructions remind us that some things need time to develop. The phrase “the man will not be in rest” is reassuring as it implies Boaz understands the importance of fulfilling his responsibilities as a kinsman-redeemer. He knows he has a commitment, and it’s part of his character to follow through on it.
As we reflect on Ruth’s position, we can see that she is in a vulnerable state. Having lost her husband, she sets out on a journey that is filled with uncertainties. Her relationship with Naomi showcases the bond that can develop through trials and shared experiences. Ruth is not just waiting; she is anchored by the hope instilled in her by her mother-in-law. This encourages us to build strong relationships in our lives, where we can support each other through similar waiting periods.
Ruth’s commitment to Naomi signifies loyalty and love. It reminds us that we should uplift our families and friends, encouraging them in moments of uncertainty. We are called to be like Naomi, providing wisdom through patience and reassurance while our loved ones navigate challenging situations. When we engage in this process, we cultivate an atmosphere of trust and love, knowing that just as God was faithful to Ruth, He is faithful to us.
Context of Ruth 3:18
The Book of Ruth is a beautiful narrative set during the time of the Judges in Israel. This period was marked by uncertainty and chaos. The story begins with Naomi, a woman who faced significant loss—the deaths of her husband and sons. Alongside her daughters-in-law, she decided to return to Bethlehem, where she had previously lived with her family. Upon returning, she encouraged Ruth, her Moabite daughter-in-law, to find a new life, but Ruth chose to stay loyal to Naomi.
In the context of Ruth 3, we find Ruth and Naomi strategizing about Ruth’s future. Ruth is instructed to go and meet Boaz on the threshing floor, an act that could be seen as risqué at the time but was an appeal to Boaz as their kinsman-redeemer. We must understand that this story is not just about romantic love; it is about faith and God’s provision through relationships. Naomi’s direction and Ruth’s obedience illustrate faith in action. Ruth needed to wait and trust Boaz to respond appropriately, which connects with Naomi’s statement in 3:18 about him taking care of the matter quickly. Contextualizing this verse allows us to see the depth of God’s provision through human relationships.
As believers, we are encouraged to look at these narratives and apply the lessons to our lives. Waiting isn’t passive; it’s an opportunity for us to grow in faith. During times of uncertainty, it is crucial to remember that God sees and knows our circumstances. When we wait, we prepare ourselves to embrace His blessings, just like Ruth waiting for Boaz’s decision.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Ruth 3:18
Let’s break this verse down to see what each part brings to our hearts. “Sit still, my daughter” illustrates a moment of stillness where we can reflect. It beckons us to pause our anxieties and distract ourselves from the whirlwind of uncertainty that life can often present. The imagery here encourages us to just breathe and trust God with the outcomes, even if we desire results immediately.
The phrase “until thou know how the matter will fall” conveys a sense of expectancy and hope. It might remind us of waiting for an answer after we’ve prayed or inquiring about something we put in motion, like a job application. “Knowing” implies that clarity will come in due time. Whether it takes a day, a week, or longer, assurance will be given through God’s provision. We can think of times in our own lives when we acted in faith and felt a sense of peace as we waited for outcomes, knowing we were heading in the right direction.
Finally, when Naomi says, “the man will not be in rest until he has finished the thing this day,” we see a portrayal of determination. This statement illustrates Boaz’s character and commitment to do what is right. God’s provision often comes through people like Boaz, who act swiftly and faithfully. We need to learn to recognize and trust that God uses others to fulfill His plans for us. There is beauty in Boaz’s willingness to take action, and this part of the verse provides reassurance that someone has our interests at heart.
Lessons to Learn From Ruth 3:18
Ruth 3:18 teaches us powerful lessons about patience and positioning ourselves for God’s provision.
First, we learn that there is strength in waiting. In a time when we are often pressured to make decisions quickly, we must learn that waiting can be a place of preparation. It presents us an opportunity to seek God’s wisdom and direction. This lesson can apply across various aspects of our lives, from relationships to career decisions.
Second, we understand the importance of community. Naomi and Ruth had a unique relationship rooted in love and trust. Community matters, and we should build bonds where we can seek guidance and share burdens. Having a support system is essential as we journey through life, especially when uncertainty grips us.
Third, we grasp the power of faith. Ruth acted with faith, believing that she was being led to the right person in Boaz. We should always seek God’s guidance in our decisions and maintain faith that He has our best interests at heart. Like Ruth, we must recognize the importance of being courageous in our actions while also allowing God’s plan to unfold.
Final Thoughts
Ruth 3:18 offers us a profound reminder that waiting is an active process. We can learn from Ruth’s journey that patience, faith, and community can guide us through the uncertainties of life. In our moments of waiting, let’s remember to engage with our support networks and lean into our faith for comfort and guidance. God’s plan for us is always good, and He is working behind the scenes, much like He was with Boaz and Ruth.
As we reflect on this narrative, let us encourage one another to wait in peace, knowing that God is faithful. If you are interested in further exploring the themes of faith and courage, be sure to check out more topics on the Bible Repository. We can journey through God’s Word together, finding inspiration in each story we encounter and applying its truths to our lives.