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Ruth 3:6 - Obedience and Faithfulness in JesusChat

Ruth 3:6 - Verse Explanation

Verse Spotlight

Imagine Ruth, full of anticipation and maybe a bit of nervousness, stepping onto the threshing floor at night. She’s following her mother-in-law’s advice, ready to take a bold step for her future. This moment captures her courage and loyalty; she’s doing something that could change everything for her and Naomi. It’s a leap of faith, showing her commitment to family and her willingness to embrace the unknown. You can feel the weight of her choice as she walks into the night, heart racing with possibility!

Who Wrote It

The Book of Ruth is often attributed to Samuel, who wanted to share this incredible story of loyalty and love. He included this specific detail about Ruth’s actions to highlight her bravery and commitment. Samuel understood the importance of family ties and how one person's choices can ripple through generations. He wanted readers to see that even in tough times, love and loyalty can lead to miraculous outcomes.

What It Means

Where and When

This was written during the time of the Judges, a period marked by instability and hardship in Israel. People were struggling to find their way, both in life and faith. The culture was harsh, and women often faced significant challenges. Understanding this context helps you appreciate Ruth’s bravery even more—she's stepping out in a time and place where women had limited options. It was a world where acts of courage were needed to forge a better future.

Why It Matters

This specific verse matters because it reminds you that taking brave, decisive steps can lead to profound change in your life. Just like Ruth, you might feel unsure or scared, but acting on what you believe can open doors you never imagined. It’s about trusting the process and having the courage to follow through, even when the path isn’t clear. Think about your own life—what bold step can you take today that could lead to something amazing?

How to Apply

This week, think about a situation where you’re hesitating to take action. Write down one small step you can take to move forward, just like Ruth did. It might be having a difficult conversation, applying for a new job, or reaching out to someone you’ve lost touch with. Whatever it is, commit to taking that step. You’ll be surprised at how taking action can change your circumstances.

About Ruth

Purpose

To show God's providence and faithfulness through the story of a Gentile woman who becomes part of David's lineage.

Author

Possibly Samuel, who would have known this story as it connects to David's lineage. The author had intimate knowledge of ancient customs and legal procedures.

Historical Context

Written: 1050-1000 BC. During the time of the judges, showing God's work in ordinary lives.

Significance

Demonstrates God's inclusion of Gentiles and His sovereign work in preparing for the Messiah.

Key Themes

Loyalty, Providence, Redemption, Inclusion, God's Sovereignty

Interesting Facts

Ruth is one of only two books named after women (the other is Esther)
Ruth was a Moabite - a people group that came from Lot's incestuous relationship
Ruth's famous declaration of loyalty is still used in wedding ceremonies today

Prophecies

The Messiah would come through David's line Fulfilled: Jesus is called 'Son of David' - Ruth is His ancestor (1000 years later)

Ruth Chapter 3 Overview

In Ruth Chapter 3, we witness a pivotal moment in the narrative where Naomi, Ruth's mother-in-law, takes the initiative to secure a future for Ruth by advising her to approach Boaz, their kinsman-redeemer. Naomi's concern for Ruth's welfare emphasizes the importance of rest and stability in a woman's life during this tumultuous period. She instructs Ruth to prepare herself, signaling a shift from mourning to hope. Ruth follows Naomi's guidance meticulously, demonstrating her obedience and trust in her mother-in-law’s wisdom. At the threshing floor, Ruth approaches Boaz in a culturally significant manner. By uncovering his feet and lying down, she symbolically asks for his protection and the fulfillment of the kinsman-redeemer role. Boaz’s startled reaction at midnight highlights the tension and unpredictability of the situation. His response to Ruth's bold request is one of admiration; he commends her for her loyalty to Naomi and her choice to seek a redeemer who would honor family loyalty rather than pursuing younger men. Boaz acknowledges his role as a redeemer but also mentions that there is a closer relative who has the first right to redeem Ruth. This introduces a layer of suspense, as the narrative now pivots toward the resolution of this matter. Boaz's promise to Ruth that he will act to redeem her not only showcases his character but also reinforces the theme of divine providence at work in their lives. As Ruth returns home with barley, a symbol of blessing and provision, her conversation with Naomi reveals both the hope and uncertainty that lie ahead. Naomi's response encourages patience, indicating that Boaz is a man of honor who will seek to resolve the situation promptly. This chapter encapsulates themes of loyalty, redemption, and the unfolding of God's providential plan through seemingly ordinary actions, setting the stage for the resolution of Ruth's story.

THE HOLY BIBLE

Ruth·Chapter 3

verse1

Ruth Chapter 3

Then mother-in-law said My daughter, should not seek that it be well with

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verse2

Ruth Chapter 3

Is our with whose you were? he is at the

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verse3

Ruth Chapter 3

therefore and and on your and to the but do make to the until he has and

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verse4

Ruth Chapter 3

But when he the where he Then and his and lie and he will you what to

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verse5

Ruth Chapter 3

And she that you I will

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verse6

Ruth Chapter 3

So she to the and as her mother-in-law had her.

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verse7

Ruth Chapter 3

And when had and and his was he to lie at the of the of Then she and his and

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verse8

Ruth Chapter 3

At the was and and a at his

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verse9

Ruth Chapter 3

He are you? And she I am your your your you are a

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verse10

Ruth Chapter 3

And he May you be by the my You made this than the in that you after whether or

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verse11

Ruth Chapter 3

And my I will for you you for my you are a

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verse12

Ruth Chapter 3

And it that I am a there a than I.

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verse13

Ruth Chapter 3

and in the he will you, let him do But he willing to you, then, as the I will you. Lie the

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verse14

Ruth Chapter 3

So she at his until the but And he Let it be that the to the

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verse15

Ruth Chapter 3

And he the you are wearing and it So she it, and he measures of and it on her. Then she into the

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verse16

Ruth Chapter 3

And when to mother-in-law, How fare, my daughter? Then told that man had for

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verse17

Ruth Chapter 3

measures of he me, he me, You empty-handed your mother-in-law.

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verse18

Ruth Chapter 3

She my you how the turns the will will the

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Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Opening Your Bible

Opening Your Bible

Ruth·Chapter 3

Chapter Context

Key Biblical Words (Word Study)

Reflection Question

Related Verses

Personal Prayer

Frequently Asked Questions

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Main Themes

Key Verses

Historical Context

Old Testament

Purpose

Significance

What is History?

Purpose

Significance