What does Ruth 3:17 mean?
"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 3:17
The verse Ruth 3:17 from the King James Version of the Bible reads, "and she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law." This verse comes at the end of a pivotal moment in the Book of Ruth, a story of love, loyalty, and redemption. The verse serves as a crucial turning point in the narrative and speaks to themes of trust, provision, and the fulfillment of promises.
In order to fully understand the significance of Ruth 3:17, it is important to explore the broader context of the Book of Ruth. The story of Ruth takes place during the time of the judges in Israel, a period characterized by chaos, oppression, and moral decline. The book begins with a woman named Naomi and her family fleeing from a famine in Bethlehem to the land of Moab. Tragically, Naomi's husband and two sons die in Moab, leaving her alone with her two daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah. Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem and urges her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab and find new husbands. While Orpah chooses to remain in Moab, Ruth insists on staying with Naomi, expressing her deep love and loyalty towards her mother-in-law.
Upon their return to Bethlehem, Ruth takes on the responsibility of providing for Naomi and herself by gleaning in the fields of Boaz, a wealthy landowner and kinsman of Naomi's late husband. Through a series of events orchestrated by Naomi, Ruth finds favor in the eyes of Boaz, who ultimately becomes her kinsman-redeemer. In the passage leading up to Ruth 3:17, Naomi instructs Ruth on how to approach Boaz and claim his protection and provision as her kinsman-redeemer.
The significance of Ruth 3:17 lies in the fulfillment of a promise and the provision of God. In the verse, Ruth reports to Naomi that Boaz had given her six measures of barley, symbolizing his commitment to ensuring that she and Naomi would not go empty-handed. This act of generosity from Boaz demonstrates his willingness to fulfill his duty as a kinsman-redeemer and provide for Ruth and Naomi in their time of need.
Furthermore, the symbolism of the barley represents God's provision and faithfulness. In biblical times, barley was considered a staple food and was often associated with sustenance and nourishment. By providing Ruth with six measures of barley, Boaz not only fulfills his promise to take care of Ruth and Naomi but also becomes a symbol of God's faithfulness in providing for His people. This act of provision also foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise through the lineage of Ruth and Boaz, leading to the birth of King David and, ultimately, the birth of Jesus Christ.
The theme of trust is also prevalent in Ruth 3:17. Ruth demonstrated unwavering trust in Naomi's guidance and in the plan that she laid out for approaching Boaz. Naomi, in turn, trusted in Boaz to honor his commitment as a kinsman-redeemer. This mutual trust and reliance on one another reflects the importance of faith and obedience in God's providential plan for His people.
In conclusion, Ruth 3:17 carries significant thematic weight within the broader context of the Book of Ruth. It represents the fulfillment of promises, the provision of God, and the importance of trust and obedience in His plan. The verse serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and His commitment to providing for His people, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. As readers reflect on Ruth 3:17, they are encouraged to trust in God's faithfulness and to seek His provision in their own lives.
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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."
"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 3:17
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 2:17 - "So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley."
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 1:17 - "Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me."
Ruth 4:17 - "And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David."
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 1:16-17 - "But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.""
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 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