This verse, Ruth 3:17, is part of the story of Ruth and Boaz in the Book of Ruth. Understanding its meaning requires a bit of context:
Ruth has been to Boaz at the threshing floor: Ruth, on the advice of her mother-in-law Naomi, went to the threshing floor at night to ask Boaz to fulfill his role as a kinsman-redeemer.
Boaz has promised to help: Boaz acknowledged his responsibility but explained that there was a closer relative who had the first right of redemption. He promised to take care of it in the morning.
Boaz fills Ruth's cloak with barley: Before Ruth leaves, Boaz fills her cloak with six measures of barley.
Now, let's break down the verse:
"She said, 'He gave me these six measures of barley;'": This is Ruth reporting back to Naomi about her encounter with Boaz. She's showing Naomi the proof of Boaz's goodwill and promise. The six measures of barley are a tangible sign of his favor and intention to help.
"for he said, 'Don’t go empty to your mother-in-law.'": This is the reason Boaz gave her the barley. It's a gesture of kindness and respect towards Naomi. Boaz understands that Ruth and Naomi are both vulnerable and in need. By sending Ruth back with a significant amount of barley, he's ensuring that Naomi won't worry about their immediate needs.
In essence, the meaning is:
Boaz gave Ruth a generous amount of barley because he didn't want her to return to Naomi empty-handed and cause her further distress. It was a practical act of provision and a symbolic gesture of his commitment to care for them both.
Significance of the verse:
Kindness and Provision: It highlights Boaz's kindness, generosity, and concern for the well-being of Ruth and Naomi.
Assurance and Hope: It provides Naomi with assurance that Boaz is a man of his word and that there is hope for their future. The barley is a concrete sign that things are moving in a positive direction.
Respect for Family: It shows respect for the bond between Ruth and Naomi. Boaz recognizes that Ruth's well-being is tied to Naomi's.
foreshadowing: it foreshadows his intentions to marry ruth and thus continue the family line of her deceased husband
This verse, Ruth 3:17, is part of the story of Ruth and Boaz in the Book of Ruth. Understanding its meaning requires a bit of context:
Ruth has been to Boaz at the threshing floor: Ruth, on the advice of her mother-in-law Naomi, went to the threshing floor at night to ask Boaz to fulfill his role as a kinsman-redeemer.
Boaz has promised to help: Boaz acknowledged his responsibility but explained that there was a closer relative who had the first right of redemption. He promised to take care of it in the morning.
Boaz fills Ruth's cloak with barley: Before Ruth leaves, Boaz fills her cloak with six measures of barley.
Now, let's break down the verse:
"She said, 'He gave me these six measures of barley;'": This is Ruth reporting back to Naomi about her encounter with Boaz. She's showing Naomi the proof of Boaz's goodwill and promise. The six measures of barley are a tangible sign of his favor and intention to help.
"for he said, 'Don’t go empty to your mother-in-law.'": This is the reason Boaz gave her the barley. It's a gesture of kindness and respect towards Naomi. Boaz understands that Ruth and Naomi are both vulnerable and in need. By sending Ruth back with a significant amount of barley, he's ensuring that Naomi won't worry about their immediate needs.
In essence, the meaning is:
Boaz gave Ruth a generous amount of barley because he didn't want her to return to Naomi empty-handed and cause her further distress. It was a practical act of provision and a symbolic gesture of his commitment to care for them both.
Significance of the verse:
Kindness and Provision: It highlights Boaz's kindness, generosity, and concern for the well-being of Ruth and Naomi.
Assurance and Hope: It provides Naomi with assurance that Boaz is a man of his word and that there is hope for their future. The barley is a concrete sign that things are moving in a positive direction.
Respect for Family: It shows respect for the bond between Ruth and Naomi. Boaz recognizes that Ruth's well-being is tied to Naomi's.
foreshadowing: it foreshadows his intentions to marry ruth and thus continue the family line of her deceased husband