Ruth 3:15 - He said, “Bring the mantle that is on you, and hold it.” She held it; and he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her; then he went into the city.
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What does "Ruth 3:15" mean?
This verse from Ruth 3:15 is a key moment in the story and has several layers of interpretation. Here's a breakdown:
"He said, 'Bring the mantle that is on you, and hold it.'" Boaz is speaking to Ruth after she has spent the night at the threshing floor, seeking his protection and asking him to be her kinsman-redeemer. The "mantle" (or "cloak," "shawl") is the outer garment Ruth is wearing. Boaz is essentially asking her to open her garment to receive something.
"She held it; and he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her." Boaz gives Ruth a significant amount of barley, likely more than she could easily carry on her own. The specific weight of "six measures" is debated among scholars, but it was likely a substantial gift.
"Then he went into the city." Boaz leaves to take care of the legal matters related to becoming Ruth's kinsman-redeemer.
Meaning and Significance:
Provision: The gift of barley is a practical provision for Ruth. It shows Boaz's care for her immediate needs and demonstrates his willingness to take responsibility for her well-being.
Guarantee: The barley can be seen as a pledge or guarantee that Boaz will follow through with his promise to act as her kinsman-redeemer. It's a tangible sign of his intent.
Discretion: Boaz gives the barley to Ruth before he returns to the city, likely to avoid gossip or suspicion. He wants to handle the legal matter of redemption properly before it becomes public knowledge. By giving Ruth the barley, he ensures she has enough to sustain herself while he is away.
Symbolic of a Future Inheritance: The gift of barley can be interpreted as a symbolic down payment on the inheritance that will come to Ruth through Boaz's redemption. He is providing for her future as well as her present.
Ruth's Trust: Ruth's willingness to open her mantle and receive the barley shows her trust in Boaz. She is vulnerable and dependent on his kindness.
Hiding Her Identity: The heavy load of barley may have also served as a way for Ruth to obscure her identity, and avoid unwanted attention as she walked back to her mother-in-law Naomi. This would have helped prevent any public speculation or interference with Boaz's plan to redeem her.
In summary, Ruth 3:15 highlights Boaz's kindness, his commitment to fulfilling his role as a kinsman-redeemer, his discretion, and his practical provision for Ruth's needs. It also emphasizes Ruth's trust in Boaz. This verse is a pivotal step in the unfolding love story and redemption narrative.
Ruth 3:15 - He said, “Bring the mantle that is on you, and hold it.” She held it; and he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her; then he went into the city.
What does "Ruth 3:15" mean?
This verse from Ruth 3:15 is a key moment in the story and has several layers of interpretation. Here's a breakdown:
"He said, 'Bring the mantle that is on you, and hold it.'" Boaz is speaking to Ruth after she has spent the night at the threshing floor, seeking his protection and asking him to be her kinsman-redeemer. The "mantle" (or "cloak," "shawl") is the outer garment Ruth is wearing. Boaz is essentially asking her to open her garment to receive something.
"She held it; and he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her." Boaz gives Ruth a significant amount of barley, likely more than she could easily carry on her own. The specific weight of "six measures" is debated among scholars, but it was likely a substantial gift.
"Then he went into the city." Boaz leaves to take care of the legal matters related to becoming Ruth's kinsman-redeemer.
Meaning and Significance:
Provision: The gift of barley is a practical provision for Ruth. It shows Boaz's care for her immediate needs and demonstrates his willingness to take responsibility for her well-being.
Guarantee: The barley can be seen as a pledge or guarantee that Boaz will follow through with his promise to act as her kinsman-redeemer. It's a tangible sign of his intent.
Discretion: Boaz gives the barley to Ruth before he returns to the city, likely to avoid gossip or suspicion. He wants to handle the legal matter of redemption properly before it becomes public knowledge. By giving Ruth the barley, he ensures she has enough to sustain herself while he is away.
Symbolic of a Future Inheritance: The gift of barley can be interpreted as a symbolic down payment on the inheritance that will come to Ruth through Boaz's redemption. He is providing for her future as well as her present.
Ruth's Trust: Ruth's willingness to open her mantle and receive the barley shows her trust in Boaz. She is vulnerable and dependent on his kindness.
Hiding Her Identity: The heavy load of barley may have also served as a way for Ruth to obscure her identity, and avoid unwanted attention as she walked back to her mother-in-law Naomi. This would have helped prevent any public speculation or interference with Boaz's plan to redeem her.
In summary, Ruth 3:15 highlights Boaz's kindness, his commitment to fulfilling his role as a kinsman-redeemer, his discretion, and his practical provision for Ruth's needs. It also emphasizes Ruth's trust in Boaz. This verse is a pivotal step in the unfolding love story and redemption narrative.