The Night of Waiting: Trusting in God’s Plan
"Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning." - Ruth 3:13
In the poignant narrative of Ruth chapter 3, we encounter a moment of suspense and hope, encapsulated in Boaz’s words to Ruth in Ruth 3:13 (KJV): "Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning." This verse invites us into a deep understanding of anticipation, waiting, and the unfolding of God's divine providence.
At the heart of this scripture is a promise—a promise that is founded upon the understanding of kinsmanship, redemption, and the critical role of faithfulness. Ruth had approached Boaz, her kinsman-redeemer, in a time when she was vulnerable and had lost much. She was a Moabite, a foreigner in Israel, who had suffered the loss of her husband, yet she displayed extraordinary courage by seeking security under the wings of Boaz. Her initiative was both bold and faith-filled, embodying a trust that stretched beyond her circumstances.
Boaz's response to Ruth illustrates his integrity and deep understanding of the law pertaining to kinsman-redeemer duties. By telling Ruth to "tarry this night," he exemplifies patience and faith in action. He did not rush to make a decision but was willing to wait for the right course of action. In this moment of waiting, we see a beautiful picture of trust—trust in God’s timing and God’s provision.
Waiting is often the most challenging part of our journey in faith. It tests our resolve and trust in God's plan. When we wait, we might feel an overwhelming urge to act, to take matters into our own hands, or to rush outcomes according to our timelines. Yet, waiting, as Boaz encourages Ruth, can be a transformative experience, filled with peace knowing that God is working behind the scenes. It teaches us reliance on God’s wisdom rather than our own understanding.
In the context of our lives today, how often do we find ourselves in the
"night" seasons? Situations that seem dark, discouraging, and filled with uncertainty? When faced with life transitions, challenges, or dilemmas, we too may need a gentle reminder to lie down until the morning and trust that God is orchestrating our paths. Psalm 27:14 reminds us: “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.”
The assurance Boaz gives to Ruth is also significant—he states, "as the LORD liveth." This declaration invokes the unchanging nature of God. It is a reminder that God lives and actively engages in our lives. His promises are true, and He is faithful to fulfill them even when we cannot see the way forward. In essence, when we are faced with waiting, we are also invited to consider the strongholds of faith. Are we clinging to God’s promises? Are we leaning into His presence, waiting for divine revelation and direction?
As we reflect on Ruth’s story, may we also take comfort in knowing that every night of waiting draws us closer to God’s morning of promise. Whether it be for relationships, provision, or direction, may we be encouraged to tarry, to trust, and to rest in the assurance that God is at work. Let us pray for the courage to embrace the night, knowing a dawn filled with hope awaits.
In our own lives, take a moment today to identify what areas cause us the most anxiety or impatience. As we lay them down, embody the awareness that while we wait, God is not idle; He is actively maneuvering our circumstances for His glory and our good. Like Ruth and Boaz, may we find hope in God's design, trusting in His perfect timing.
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Ruth 3:13 - "Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning."
"Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning." - Ruth 3:13
Ruth 4:13 - "¶ So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son."
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 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."
"¶ So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son." - Ruth 4:13
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
"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
"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."
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."
"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."
"¶ 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."
Ruth 3:7 - "And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down."