Ruth 3:18
"Wait, my daughter," said Naomi, "until you find out how things go, for he will not rest unless he has resolved the matter today."
Wait, my daughter
The word "wait" in Hebrew is "שְׁבִי" (shevi), which implies a sense of sitting or dwelling in patience. Naomi's instruction to Ruth to "wait" is not merely about the passage of time but involves a posture of trust and expectation. In the biblical context, waiting often signifies a deep reliance on God's timing and providence. Naomi, addressing Ruth as "my daughter," reflects a deep familial bond and affection, emphasizing the care and guidance she provides. This phrase invites believers to embrace patience and trust in God's unfolding plan, recognizing that His timing is perfect.

until you find out how things go
This phrase suggests a period of uncertainty and anticipation. The Hebrew root for "find out" is "יָדַע" (yada), meaning to know or perceive. It implies an active engagement in understanding the outcome of events. Naomi's counsel to Ruth is to remain observant and discerning, trusting that the resolution will become clear. Historically, this reflects the cultural practices of the time, where outcomes were often awaited with hope and faith. For modern readers, it serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and hopeful, trusting that God will reveal His purposes in due time.

for he will not rest
The phrase "will not rest" indicates Boaz's determination and sense of responsibility. The Hebrew word "שָׁקַט" (shaqat) means to be quiet or at peace. Boaz's commitment to resolving the matter reflects his integrity and dedication to fulfilling his role as a kinsman-redeemer. This phrase highlights the biblical principle of diligence and faithfulness in one's duties. It serves as an encouragement to believers to pursue their responsibilities with the same fervor and commitment, trusting that God honors such dedication.

unless he has resolved the matter today
The word "resolved" comes from the Hebrew "כָּלָה" (kalah), meaning to complete or finish. Boaz's intention to resolve the matter "today" underscores the urgency and importance of the situation. In the cultural context, this reflects the legal and social obligations of a kinsman-redeemer to act swiftly and justly. For contemporary readers, it is a call to action, reminding us of the importance of addressing our responsibilities promptly and with integrity. It also points to the immediacy of God's intervention in our lives, encouraging us to trust that He is actively working to bring about His purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ruth
A Moabite widow who has shown loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and has come to Bethlehem to seek refuge and a new life.

2. Naomi
Ruth's mother-in-law, who guides Ruth in her interactions with Boaz, seeking security and provision for her.

3. Boaz
A wealthy relative of Naomi's late husband, who acts as a kinsman-redeemer for Ruth, showing kindness and integrity.

4. Bethlehem
The setting of the account, a town in Judah where Ruth and Naomi have returned after the famine in Moab.

5. Kinsman-Redeemer
A cultural and legal role in ancient Israel, where a close relative could redeem a family member in distress, often by marrying a widow to preserve the family line.
Teaching Points
Trust in God's Timing
Naomi's advice to Ruth to "wait" emphasizes the importance of trusting God's timing and provision. In our lives, we must learn to be patient and trust that God is working behind the scenes.

The Role of a Redeemer
Boaz's willingness to act as a kinsman-redeemer is a foreshadowing of Christ's redemptive work. Just as Boaz was willing to resolve the matter for Ruth, Jesus resolves our spiritual needs through His sacrifice.

Active Waiting
While waiting, Ruth had already done her part by following Naomi's instructions and approaching Boaz. Similarly, we should be proactive in our faith, doing what we can while trusting God for the outcome.

Community and Support
Naomi's guidance to Ruth highlights the importance of seeking wise counsel and support from our faith community. We are not meant to navigate life's challenges alone.

Integrity and Responsibility
Boaz's commitment to resolve the matter "today" reflects his integrity and sense of responsibility. As believers, we are called to act with integrity and fulfill our commitments promptly.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Naomi's advice to Ruth to "wait" challenge or encourage you in your current circumstances?

2. In what ways does the concept of a kinsman-redeemer in Ruth's account point to the redemptive work of Christ in the New Testament?

3. How can you practice "active waiting" in your life, balancing trust in God's timing with taking responsible actions?

4. What role does community play in your spiritual journey, and how can you seek or provide support like Naomi did for Ruth?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to act with integrity and responsibility. How did that experience shape your faith and witness to others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 25:25-28
Discusses the role of a kinsman-redeemer in redeeming land, which provides background for Boaz's actions.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Encourages trust in the Lord's timing and guidance, similar to Naomi's advice to Ruth to wait and see how God will work through Boaz.

Psalm 37:7
Calls for patience and trust in God's plans, paralleling Naomi's counsel to Ruth to wait for Boaz's actions.
Avoid Over-Haste in the Plans of LifeJ. McNeill.Ruth 3:18
Duty Done At the Right TimeA. Thomson, D. D.Ruth 3:18
Sit Still!J.R. Thomson Ruth 3:18
Wailing Upon ProvidenceC. Ness.Ruth 3:18
People
Boaz, Naomi, Ruth
Places
Bethlehem
Topics
Completed, Daughter, Except, Fall, Falleth, Finished, Happens, Learn, Matter, Nothing, Replied, Rest, Settle, Settled, Sit, Till, To-day, Turns, Wait
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ruth 3:18

     5933   restlessness
     5977   waiting
     8328   quietness

Library
June 23 Evening
Shall 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
Sit still, my daughter.--RUTH 3:18. Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither be fainthearted.--Be still, and know that I am God.--Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?--The loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. Mary . . . sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.--Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.--In returning and
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

Whether Christ Received his Own Body and Blood?
Objection 1: It seems that Christ did not receive His own body and blood, because nothing ought to be asserted of either Christ's doings or sayings, which is not handed down by the authority of Sacred Scripture. But it is not narrated in the gospels that He ate His own body or drank His own blood. Therefore we must not assert this as a fact. Objection 2: Further, nothing can be within itself except perchance by reason of its parts, for instance. as one part is in another, as is stated in Phys. iv.
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Judicial Precepts Regarding Foreigners were Framed in a Suitable Manner?
Objection 1: It would seem that the judicial precepts regarding foreigners were not suitably framed. For Peter said (Acts 10:34,35): "In very deed I perceive that God is not a respecter of persons, but in every nation, he that feareth Him and worketh justice is acceptable to Him." But those who are acceptable to God should not be excluded from the Church of God. Therefore it is unsuitably commanded (Dt. 23:3) that "the Ammonite and the Moabite, even after the tenth generation, shall not enter into
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Jesus' Feet Anointed in the House of a Pharisee.
(Galilee.) ^C Luke VII. 36-50. ^c 36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. [We learn from verse 40 that the Pharisee's name was Simon. Because the feast at Bethany was given in the house of Simon the leper, and because Jesus was anointed there also, some have been led to think that Luke is here describing this supper. See Matt. xxvi. 6-13; Mark xiv. 3-9; John xii. 1-8. But Simon the leper was not Simon the Pharisee. The name Simon was one of the most common among the Jewish
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Ruth
Goethe has characterized the book of Ruth as the loveliest little idyll that tradition has transmitted to us. Whatever be its didactic purpose--and some would prefer to think that it had little or none-it is, at any rate, a wonderful prose poem, sweet, artless, and persuasive, touched with the quaintness of an older world and fresh with the scent of the harvest fields. The love--stronger than country--of Ruth for Naomi, the gracious figure of Boaz as he moves about the fields with a word of blessing
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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