What does Ruth 3:15 mean?
"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." - Ruth 3:15
Ruth 3:15 in the King James Version of the Bible states: "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 he went into the city."
The book of Ruth is a beautiful and moving story of loyalty, love, and redemption. The verse Ruth 3:15 occurs in the latter part of the book, during a pivotal moment in Ruth's life. To fully understand the meaning of this verse, it is important to understand the context in which it occurs.
The book of Ruth is set during the time of the judges in Israel, a time of moral and spiritual decline in the nation. The story revolves around a woman named Ruth, a Moabite widow who chooses to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, rather than return to her own people. Ruth's loyalty to Naomi is the central theme of the book, as she follows Naomi to Bethlehem and takes on the role of provider for them both by gleaning barley in the fields of a man named Boaz.
In chapter 3, Ruth's mother-in-law, Naomi, comes up with a plan to secure Ruth's future. She instructs Ruth to go to the threshing floor where Boaz is working, and to wait until he has eaten and drunk, and then to uncover his feet and lie down. When Boaz awakens, he is surprised to find Ruth there and commends her for her loyalty to Naomi. He promises to redeem her, but there is a closer relative who has the first right to do so. Boaz gives Ruth six measures of barley to take back to Naomi and explains to Ruth the next steps in the process to secure her future.
The verse Ruth 3:15 captures this moment of provision and hope for Ruth. Boaz instructs Ruth to bring her veil, likely symbolizing her identity and connection to Naomi, and he measures out six measures of barley as a token of his commitment to provide for her and Naomi. This act of generosity and provision is symbolic of the wider themes of loyalty, redemption, and God's provision that weave throughout the book of Ruth.
The six measures of barley signify a significant gift, as barley was a staple crop in ancient Israel and was considered a valuable commodity. By giving Ruth this generous gift, Boaz not only provides for her immediate needs but also indicates his intention to care for her in the long term. This act of provision is an expression of Boaz's love and commitment to Ruth, foreshadowing the future marriage between them and the eventual redemption of both Ruth and Naomi.
The symbolism in this verse is rich and meaningful. It represents both Boaz's commitment to Ruth and Naomi and God's provision and faithfulness to those who trust in Him. The act of measuring out the barley and laying it on Ruth is a physical representation of Boaz's promise to care for and provide for Ruth and her mother-in-law. It also serves as a foreshadowing of the greater provision and redemption that God has in store for Ruth and Naomi.
In a broader sense, this verse also speaks to the themes of loyalty, faithfulness, and obedience to God. Ruth's unwavering loyalty to Naomi and her willingness to follow Naomi's instructions ultimately lead to her own redemption and a secure future. Boaz's act of provision demonstrates his faithfulness to God's commands to care for the vulnerable and to act justly towards others. In the same way, God's faithfulness and provision are evident throughout the story, as He orchestrates events to bring about redemption for Ruth and Naomi.
In conclusion, Ruth 3:15 is a powerful and symbolic verse that captures a key moment in the book of Ruth. It represents the themes of loyalty, provision, and redemption that run throughout the story, and it serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and provision for those who trust in Him. The verse is a beautiful encapsulation of the message of hope and restoration that is at the heart of the book of Ruth.
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Ruth 3:15 Artwork
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."
"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." - Ruth 3:15
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 2:15 - "And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:"
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."
"And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:" - Ruth 2:15
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 1:15 - "And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law."
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 4:15 - "And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him."
"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
"¶ 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 she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do." - Ruth 3:5