Naomi and Ruth

My Bible reading yesterday and today included the book of Ruth.  It's such a beautiful story.  I studied Naomi and Ruth in 2015 while studying women of the Bible.  You can read my full posts here and here.

I particularly like the commentary on chapter 3, verse 18.  It is one of my favorite verses, beautiful words of wisdom from Naomi, "Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day."  Elder Morton told me to "sit still" many times as a single young lady.  "Naomi believes that Ruth has won his heart, and that therefore he will not be easy till he knows whether she be his or no. This she gives as a reason why Ruth should sit still and not perplex herself about it, that Boaz had undertaken it, and he would be sure to manage it well. Much more reason have good Christians to be careful for nothing, but cast their care on God, because he has promised to care for them: and what need have we to care if he do? Sit still, and see how the matter will fall, for the Lord will perfect that which concerns thee, and will make it to work for good to thee. Your strength is to sit still."

 

Matthew Henry wraps it all up very beautifully, "Ruth bore a son, through whom thousands and myriads were born to God; and in being the lineal ancestor of Christ, she was instrumental in the happiness of all that shall be saved by him; even of us Gentiles, as well as those of Jewish descent. She was a witness for God to the Gentile world, that he had not utterly forsaken them, but that in due time they should become one with his chosen people, and partake of his salvation."

 

Two women from completely different backgrounds, found common ground in the God they served. "They say of Ruth that she loved Naomi, and therefore was better to her than seven sons. See how God in his providence sometimes makes up the want and loss of those relations from whom we expected most comfort in those from whom we expected least. The bonds of love prove stronger than those of nature, and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother; so here there was a daughter-in-law better than an own child."  (Matthew Henry)