"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 daughterThe 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 for he will not rest unless he has resolved the matter today 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 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 TimingNaomi'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 25:25-28Discusses 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.
People Boaz, Naomi, RuthPlaces BethlehemTopics Completed, Daughter, Except, Fall, Falleth, Finished, Happens, Learn, Matter, Nothing, Replied, Rest, Settle, Settled, Sit, Till, To-day, Turns, WaitDictionary of Bible Themes Ruth 3:18 5933 restlessness Library 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 3:18 NIVRuth 3:18 NLT Ruth 3:18 ESV Ruth 3:18 NASB Ruth 3:18 KJV Ruth 3:18 Commentaries Bible Hub |