Ruth 3:14 - Meaning and Application

We are told here how Ruth was sent away by Boaz. It would not have been safe for her to go home in the middle of the night, so she lay at his feet, not beside him, until morning. As soon as daylight came, and she could go home safely, she left before anyone could recognize her. If she was seen, she did not want to be known as someone out so late at night.

She was not ashamed to be known as a gleaner in the field, because that showed her poverty. But she did not want to be known as a night wanderer, because her virtue was her greatest honor and what she valued most. Boaz sent her away with a charge to keep quiet, “Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor” (Ruth 3:14). Though they did nothing wrong and were both sure of their own innocence, public knowledge could still have caused trouble. Some people would have suspected them, and others would have spoken against them. Good people would have been upset, and bad people would have been glad, so it was better that it not be known.

We should always care not only about keeping a clear conscience, but also a good name. We must either avoid doing anything that could easily be misunderstood, or, if we do it, make sure it is not made public. We must avoid sin, but also avoid scandal. There was another reason for secrecy here. If the matter spread, it could have harmed the other kinsman’s choice. He might have used Boaz’s closeness to Ruth as a reason to refuse her.

Boaz also sent her away with a generous gift of grain, which would be very welcome to her poor mother at home. It would also show Ruth that he had not sent her away in dislike, something Naomi might have feared if Ruth had returned empty-handed. He gave it to her in her veil, apron, or cloak, and he measured it out carefully. Like a wise manager of grain, he kept count of what he gave out. It was six measures, probably six omers, though the exact measure is not certain, and it seems to have been as much as she could carry (Ruth 3:15). The Chaldee says the Lord gave her strength to carry it, and even adds that by prophecy it was then told to her that six of the most righteous men of their time would come from her line, namely David, Daniel, Daniel’s three companions, and King Messiah.

Next we see how Ruth was welcomed by her mother-in-law. Naomi asked her, “Who are you, my daughter? Are you to be married or not? May I congratulate you?” Ruth then told her how the matter stood (Ruth 3:17). After hearing it, Naomi advised her to rest in what had been done: “Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out” (Ruth 3:18). The Chaldee reads this as, “until you know how it is decreed in heaven,” for marriages are made there. Ruth had done all that was right for her to do, and now she must wait patiently and not torment herself over it.

We should learn from this to cast our care on God’s providence, follow where it leads, and wait calmly for the outcome. We should be ready to accept whatever comes. Sometimes what is best for us is what we have least to do with ourselves. So sit still and see how the matter will fall, and be ready to say, however it falls, “I am ready for it.”

Naomi also assured Ruth that Boaz, since he had taken the matter in hand, would act as a faithful and careful friend. Though he had fields and work to attend to, he would not rest until he finished what he had begun. Naomi believed Ruth had won his heart, and for that reason he would not be settled until he knew whether she would be his or not. She used this as another reason for Ruth to be calm and not worry, because Boaz had taken charge and would handle it well.

How much more reason do Christians have to be free from anxious care, and to cast their burden on God, since he has promised to care for them. Why should we be worried if he is watching over us? Sit still, and see how the matter will fall, for the Lord will finish what concerns you and will make it work for your good (Psalm 37:4, Psalm 37:5; Psalm 138:8). Your strength is to sit still (Isaiah 30:7).