“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.”
Context:The book of Ruth is a beautiful narrative found in the Old Testament. It tells the story of Ruth, a Moabite woman, who became the great-grandmother of King David. Ruth’s story is one of loyalty, faithfulness, and redemption.
Verse Analysis:"Wash thyself therefore": In this verse, Naomi, Ruth’s mother-in-law, instructs her to wash herself. This physical act of washing suggests cleansing and preparation. It symbolizes purity and readiness to present oneself in an appropriate manner.
"Anoint thee":Anointing with oil was a common practice in biblical times. It was associated with consecration, blessing, and preparation for significant events or roles. Here, Naomi advises Ruth to anoint herself, possibly as an act of preparation for meeting Boaz, the potential kinsman-redeemer.
"Put thy raiment upon thee":Naomi tells Ruth to put on her best clothes. This instruction highlights the importance of presenting oneself with respect and dignity. It suggests that Ruth should adorn herself in garments that reflect her worth and value.
"Get thee down to the floor":The "floor" mentioned here refers to the threshing floor, where grain was separated from its husks. The threshing floor was a communal area where important social and economic activities took place. Naomi instructs Ruth to go to the threshing floor to meet Boaz.
"But make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking":Naomi advises Ruth not to reveal her presence to Boaz until after he has finished eating and drinking. This instruction likely served two purposes. Firstly, it allowed Boaz to enjoy his meal and be in a more relaxed state before addressing matters. Secondly, it prevented any possible misunderstanding or embarrassment that could arise from a sudden encounter.
Key Themes and Lessons:
- Obedience and Trust:Ruth’s obedience to Naomi’s instructions demonstrates her trust in her mother-in-law’s wisdom and guidance. Similarly, as believers, we are called to trust and obey God’s instructions even when they may seem unconventional or challenging.
- Preparation and Presentation:Ruth’s act of washing, anointing, and putting on her best clothes teaches us the importance of preparing ourselves before entering significant situations. We should approach important events or encounters with an attitude of respect, dignity, and readiness.
- Patience and Timing:Naomi’s advice to Ruth to wait until Boaz has finished eating and drinking highlights the value of patience and proper timing. Sometimes, it is essential to exercise patience and allow situations to unfold naturally, trusting that God’s timing is perfect.
- Cultural and Social Context:Understanding the cultural and social norms of biblical times helps us grasp the significance of certain instructions. Ruth’s actions were guided by the customs and expectations of her time, which may differ from our contemporary culture.
Application:As we reflect on Ruth 3:3, we can apply its lessons to our lives. We should be willing to trust and obey God’s guidance, even when it seems unconventional. It is essential to prepare ourselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually for significant events or encounters. Additionally, we should exercise patience, waiting for God’s timing in various situations. Finally, we should strive to understand the cultural and social context of biblical passages to gain deeper insights into their meanings.
Remember, the Bible is a rich source of wisdom and guidance. Through studying and applying its teachings, we can grow in our faith and live in accordance with God’s will.
