Ruth 3:14-18

“No More Empty-Handedness”

By Pastor Rich Paradis

Ruth 3:14-18

As chapter 3 comes to a close, we have seen Naomi propose a plan with all of its details to Ruth. That plan was within the appropriateness of God’s law and cultural practice. That plan had inherent risk to it in that the obedience of Ruth to the details and the obedience of Boaz to the request of Ruth and the call of God would either make or break the plan. The initial encounter of Ruth and Boaz has gone just as Naomi would have hoped. But how would the plan move forward? Let’s look at the text and see what happens and how God works His plans out for all of the people involved…

I.                 Morning Arrives    Ruth 3:14-15

a.      As this paragraph opens, one has to ask how long this night must have seemed! From Verse 8 until now could not have been more than a handful of hours, perhaps six at most, but they had to be very long hours as neither Ruth nor Boaz probably slept very much. All that has already happened and all that is in the very near future probably filled their minds to the point where sleeping was probably a lesser priority at this point.

b.     With the very first of light, before someone could even be recognized, Ruth and Boaz proceed to the next portion of the day’s plans. Verse 14 reveals not only the time of day, but also Boaz’ thoughts as the day is entered. He says that no one should know that she has spent the night alongside of Boaz. Why would he say this? The cross references in my Bible offer some interesting things to think through. Both Romans 14:16 and 2 Corinthians 8:21 speak of perception and its power to destroy both truth and reputation. What Boaz is saying is that allowing people to know that “don’t know” will give opportunity to all kinds of wrongful speculation and perceptions. Remember, Ruth and Boaz are not hiding sin, they are not allowing people to fill in unknown “gaps” with information that is damaging and inaccurate.

c.      The next verse offers some important insight to the fact that at this point in the story Boaz has strong feelings for Ruth and desires to share those feelings in an appropriate way until the matter of who shall be the kinsman redeemer is settled. Verse 15 has Boaz taking the opportunity to go far beyond the law to demonstrate both provision and grace to both Ruth and Naomi. Note the “again” as this verse begins. This is not the first time, nor does he hope it will be the last time that he will be able to provide for Ruth and Naomi. He tells Ruth to hand over her cloak and to hold on to the other side. He is getting ready to fill it with “6 measures” of barley. The exact amount given here is difficult to discern, but it is a large amount and will take care of the two women for a good amount of days.

d.     The conclusion of the verse has Ruth headed back toward the city. Can you even imagine all that is going on inside of her head?

II.               No More Empty-Handedness    Ruth 3:16-18

a.      We do not know the distance that Ruth carried the barley grain back to town, but I’ll bet the trip and the load was full of excitement and expectations. Verse 16 tells us that Ruth arrived at home and immediately approached her mother-in-law Naomi. The next question has drawn some interesting comments over the years. The question is literally, “who are you, my daughter?” why would she ask that question? What she is asking is, “are you still Ruth the Moabitess or are you Mrs. Boaz?” Ruth does not yet have the answer to that question, but she does begin telling Naomi of all that has happened and what Boaz has done for them.

b.     The next verse is beautiful and full of meaning. Verse 17 has Ruth reporting to Naomi that Boaz has given them the six measures of barley for their usage in the near future. But then she reveals that Boaz told her that she will not be going home empty-handed to her mother-in-law. WOW! Back in Ruth 1:21, we had Naomi report to the women of the city that she had left Bethlehem full (interesting report as they left because of a famine) and the Lord brought her back empty. Now Boaz is filling that emptiness with fullness! In fact, the idea here is that not only is he going to take care of the immediate need with the six measures of barley, but someone (either Boaz or the closer relative) is going to take care of them for the rest of their lives!

c.      There is a wonderful affirmation of the character of Boaz in Verse 18. The verse ends with the idea that Boaz will not rest until there is resolution that can be reported to these two women as their future care-giver and Ruth’s husband. But the first word out of Naomi’s mouth is the action word in this sentence. What is that action? WAIT! There is nothing else that the two women can do. They must wait on the character of Boaz and the provision of God. The applications are endless for us, aren’t they?

III.             An Application For All Of Us

a.      Do not allow empty talk to damage the reputations of the innocent.

b.     God’s provision as seen in Boaz’ gift is far beyond anything that the Law can provide.

c.      The obedience of one of God’s children will result in provision and care from God Himself.

d.     To wait is perhaps one of the greatest demonstrations of faith that a believer can accomplish.