Definition: And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ruth 3:14. It's a really interesting story about faith and trust! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Ruth was a Moabite woman – she came to Bethlehem with her family after fleeing war. She was living a hard life, and her husband, Naomi, was grieving. Ruth was incredibly faithful and kind to Naomi, even though she wasn't part of the family. What Happened Next: Suddenly, a traveler arrived at Naomi’s doorstep. He saw Ruth and, instead of immediately pushing her away or being uncomfortable, he stayed with her until sunrise. He said, "Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor." What Does This Mean? This is a really powerful message about trust and faithfulness. Here’s the key understanding: “Let it not be known…” This means Ruth didn't want to reveal her secret or her presence. She wanted to keep her situation private. “…that a woman came into the floor.” This is symbolic. It refers to the idea that being seen, acknowledged, or even noticed in a way that’s considered inappropriate or scandalous could be a problem for Ruth. It's suggesting that revealing her presence would cause trouble or discomfort for both her and those around her. Overall Meaning: Ruth was demonstrating incredible faith and loyalty. She trusted in God's plan, even when things were difficult. Her unwavering commitment to Naomi was so significant that she chose to remain with him until the morning, signifying a profound sense of devotion and protection. It’s about more than just physical presence. The verse speaks to a deeper value: trusting in God's will, even when it means remaining unseen or unacknowledged. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the story? Discuss the symbolism behind this passage?