Ruth 3:14-18
Six Measures of Barley
Read the passage
14So she lay down at his feet until morning, but she got up before anyone else could recognize her. Then Boaz said, “Do not let it be known that a woman came to the threshing floor.”
15And he told her, “Bring the shawl you are wearing and hold it out.” When she did so, he poured in six measures of barley and placed it on her. Then he went into the city.
16When Ruth returned to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked her, “How did it go, my daughter?” Then Ruth told her all that Boaz had done for her.
17And she said, “He gave me these six measures of barley, for he said, ‘Do not go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’”
18“Wait, my daughter,” said Naomi, “until you find out how things go, for he will not rest unless he has resolved the matter today.”
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Ruth stays at Boaz's feet until morning and rises before people can recognize one another. He says that it must not be known that a woman came to the threshing floor. Before she leaves, he asks her to hold out her shawl and pours six measures of barley into it. He places the load on her, then goes into the city.
At home, Naomi asks how things went. Ruth tells her what Boaz did and explains the gift: he did not want her returning to her mother-in-law empty-handed. His care reaches Naomi as well as Ruth.
Earlier Naomi said that she had returned empty. Now Ruth comes back carrying food specifically meant to include her. The barley does not settle the question of redemption, but there is provision in the house while they wait for an answer.
Naomi tells Ruth to wait until she learns how the matter turns out. She is confident that Boaz will not rest until he has resolved it that day. Ruth has made her request and received his promise to act. The next step belongs to Boaz and the nearer relative.
Questions
1 When does Ruth leave the threshing floor?
AnswerShe rises early, before people can recognize one another. Boaz says that it must not be known that a woman came there.
2 What does Boaz send home with her?
AnswerSix measures of barley. Ruth tells Naomi that he did not want her to return to her mother-in-law empty-handed.
3 What does Naomi expect Boaz to do?
AnswerShe expects him to resolve the matter that day and tells Ruth to wait until she learns the outcome.
4 What kind of help can we offer while someone is waiting for an important answer?
AnswerWe can attend to a present need: bring a meal, help with a task, or stay in touch. Useful care need not wait until the larger problem is settled.
What This Means for Us
Some needs can be met before a difficult situation is resolved. A family waiting for news still needs food, company, and help with ordinary work. Ask God to make you attentive to those needs. You may be unable to bring the answer someone hopes for, but you can offer care today.
Prayer
Father, remember those who are waiting for difficult news or important decisions. Give them patient hope in You, and show us how to offer useful care while they wait. Amen.