Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ruth. It's a really beautiful and insightful verse that speaks to patience and hope. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: “Ruth 3:18” translates to something like “Then she said, ‘Stay still, my daughter, until I know how it will turn out: for the man will not rest, until he has finished this day.’” What’s Happening? Ruth is facing a difficult situation – she's a woman in a position of great importance and is being tested. She’s asking for patience and quietude while she waits to understand what will happen next. Let's unpack the meaning: “Ruth” : This refers to a woman named Ruth, who was incredibly loyal and kind to her mother Naomi. "Then she said…" : This is Ruth expressing a feeling of uncertainty and concern. “…Sit still, my daughter…” : She’s asking for a moment of quiet reflection and not to rush into action. “…until I know how the matter will fall” : This is the core of the verse. She's acknowledging that things are complicated and uncertain. It means she needs time to figure out what's going to happen. “for the man will not rest, until he have finished the thing this day.” : This is a powerful metaphor. "The man" represents any situation or challenge in her life. It’s saying that she – and potentially everyone around her – needs to be patient and continue working towards a goal until she achieves it. It implies that there's a point of completion, a turning point, where the outcome is known. What does this tell us about faith and hope? This verse speaks to several important ideas: Trust in God: It’s a reminder to trust that God has a plan for everything, even when we don't understand it. Patience is key: It encourages us to not get discouraged by uncertainty. The importance of perseverance: It highlights the idea that we shouldn’t give up easily; continued effort will eventually lead to fulfillment. In essence, this verse is a gentle encouragement to remain calm and focused, knowing that God's plan may unfold in its own time. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the passage? Connect this verse to a specific story or theme in the Bible?