Elisabeth Elliot once wrote: “Waiting on God requires the willingness to bear uncertainty, to carry within oneself the unanswered question, lifting the heart to God about it.” At its core, waiting isn’t about passing time. It’s about exercising trust.

Today’s scene takes place at Naomi’s house, just after dawn. Boaz had left for the city (v. 15), and Ruth returned home with his bountiful gift. Naomi greeted Ruth as “daughter” and asked about her visit (v. 16). She was eager to hear the story; so much depended on the outcome. The narrator doesn’t recount the complete conversation. He simply sums up Ruth’s account: “Then she told her everything Boaz had done for her” (v. 16).

We learn about Boaz’s gift and his parting words: “Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed” (v. 17). Interestingly, this remark from Boaz was not included in the actual account (vv. 6–14). The author adds it here because of its particular importance for Naomi. The word “empty” references Naomi’s declaration of emptiness in chapter 1: “I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty” (v. 21). Ruth had been present when Naomi made that initial despairing statement, so it is fitting for Ruth to articulate Boaz’s care for Naomi—his hesed desire to fill both her stomach and her heart.

Naomi now understood the depth of Boaz’s commitment. She was confident in his character, his purpose, and his ability. So, with this assurance, Naomi counseled Ruth to “wait” (v. 18). To sit still and trust—in both Boaz and the Lord. Once again, we are left in suspense. We wait with Ruth to learn the outcome of Boaz’s trip to the city. This is also the last time that Ruth and Naomi speak. They step aside as Boaz takes the lead.

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