Hebraic Torah-based reflection on Ruth 3:18
The Heart of the Goel: Trusting the Finished Work
Verse Text: Ruth 3:18
"Then she said, “Wait, my daughter, until you know what will happen; for the man will not rest until he has settled this today.”"
Key concepts: Covenant | Promise | Redemption (Geulah) | Faithfulness
Introduction
In the beautiful story of Ruth, we see a powerful picture of chesed (loving-kindness). Ruth, a woman from Moab, chooses to cling to her mother-in-law Naomi and the Elohim of Israel. This is not just a story of a happy marriage, but a lesson in how Yahweh works through people who obey the Torah to bring about His promises. In Ruth 3:18, Naomi tells Ruth to be still and wait, because Boaz is a man of action who will not stop until the matter is settled. This mirrors the way Yeshua HaMashiach works in our lives today.
Analysis
To understand this verse, we must look at the Hebrew concept of the Goel. In the Torah, the Goel (גאל) is the "Kinsman-Redeemer." This was a relative who had the responsibility to help a family member in need, buy back lost land, or marry a widow to keep the family line going. Boaz was not just a "nice man"; he was acting according to the laws of the Torah to ensure that the household of Naomi was restored.
In Ruth 3, Naomi instructs Ruth to go to the threshing floor. When Ruth asks Boaz to "spread his skirt" over her (verse 9), she is not talking about clothes; she is using a Hebraism. To "spread a garment" was a cultural way of asking for protection and marriage. It was a request for the Goel to take her under his covenant care.
When Boaz responds, he shows he is a righteous man. He recognizes Ruth's virtue and promises that if the closer relative will not act, he will. He even gives her six measures of barley so she does not return "empty" to Naomi. This "emptiness" is a key theme; Naomi felt empty (bitter), but Yahweh was filling her life back up through Boaz.
Naomi’s words in verse 18, "the man will not rest until he has settled this today," show her complete trust in Boaz's character. She knows that once a righteous man of the covenant commits to a task, he finishes it.
Connecting to Yeshua HaMashiach: Yeshua is our ultimate Goel. Just as Boaz had to be a "near kinsman" to redeem Ruth, Yeshua became a human man—the descendant of Abraham and David—so that He could be our kinsman. He is the Prophet like Moshe (Deuteronomy 18:15–18) who shows us exactly how to live the Torah.
Yeshua did not come to replace the Torah, but to give it flesh. He lived the Torah perfectly, showing us that obedience is the path to life. When Naomi says Boaz "will not rest until he has settled this," it points us to the faithfulness of Yeshua. He is the fulfillment of "the Word" (Torah). Just as Boaz worked quickly to settle the matter for Ruth and Naomi, Yeshua is the righteous teacher who has extended the covenant of Abraham to all the scattered tribes of Israel, ensuring that no one who seeks Yahweh is left "empty."
Conclusion
Ruth 3:18 teaches us the power of "sitting still" in faith. When we live according to the Torah—with loyalty, kindness, and obedience—we can trust that Yahweh's plan is moving forward. Boaz's urgency to "settle the matter" is a shadow of Yeshua's commitment to the nation of Israel. He is the true Redeemer who ensures that the covenant remains eternal and that those who follow the path of righteousness will find their rest in Him.
Blessing or Prayer
Abba Yahweh, we thank You for the example of Boaz and the loyalty of Ruth. We thank You for Yeshua HaMashiach, our righteous Goel, who teaches us to walk in the Torah and leads us back to our true identity in Your covenant. May we have the patience to wait on Your timing and the faith to know that You will settle all things for Your glory. Shalom.
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