“And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her.”
Context:The book of Ruth tells the story of a Moabite woman named Ruth who, after the death of her husband, chooses to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi. They return to Naomi’s homeland, Bethlehem, where Ruth gleans in the fields of Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s deceased husband. In Ruth 3, Naomi comes up with a plan to secure a future for Ruth and herself.
Key Themes and Lessons:
- Obedience and Trust: In Ruth 3:6, we see Ruth’s obedience and trust in her mother-in-law. Naomi instructs Ruth to go down to the threshing floor where Boaz is, and to follow his guidance. Ruth could have hesitated or questioned Naomi’s plan, but instead, she obeys without hesitation. This demonstrates her trust in both Naomi and God’s providence.
- Cultural Context: It’s important to understand the cultural context of this passage. The threshing floor was a place where the harvest was processed, and it also served as a social gathering place. Ruth’s actions on the threshing floor were part of a cultural practice known as the kinsman-redeemer system, where a relative had the right to marry the widow of a deceased family member in order to preserve the family’s inheritance. By following Naomi’s instructions, Ruth was actively seeking a redeemer for herself and Naomi.
- God’s Sovereignty:Although Ruth and Naomi came up with the plan, it is crucial to recognize God’s sovereignty at work. In the subsequent verses, we see that God orchestrates the events in order to fulfill His purpose. Ruth’s obedience and trust in God’s providence set the stage for the unfolding of His divine plan.
- Ruth’s Faithfulness and Courage:Ruth’s actions in this passage demonstrate her faithfulness and courage. She takes a step of boldness by approaching Boaz at the threshing floor, knowing that he has the potential to be their redeemer. Ruth’s faith in God’s guidance and her willingness to take risks illustrate her devotion to both God and Naomi.
Application:
- Obedience and Trust:Ruth’s obedience to Naomi serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God’s commands. Sometimes, we may not fully understand why God leads us in a particular direction, but like Ruth, we should trust His wisdom and obey.
- Faith and Courage:Ruth’s faith and courage inspire us to step out in faith, even when faced with uncertainty or challenging circumstances. When we trust in God’s faithfulness, He can use our actions to bring about His purposes.
- God’s Sovereignty:Ruth’s story reminds us of God’s sovereignty in our lives. Even when we may not see a way forward, God is working behind the scenes to bring about His plans for our good. Trusting in His providence allows us to walk with confidence, knowing that He is in control.
