"Then Naomi said to Ruth, "sit still, my daughter, for the man (Boaz) will not rest, until he has finished the thing this day." (v.18)
This was a time of considerable anxiety for Ruth. She had claimed her right to marriage and would be married. The only question was to whom would she be married? Would it be to Boaz, or to the nearer kindsman? The issue would be decided that very day.
Boaz had many good traits — his religious demeanor and speech, his courtesy in greeting his servants, his refusal to take advantage of Ruth’s trust; but none are more satisfactory than this well-known and acknowledged promptness of action. Naomi had recognized this quality in her kinsman, and knew that he was a man of his word, who would complete whatever he had undertaken to perform.
Apparently, though Boaz was a recognized goel (kindsman redeemer) towards Ruth, there was another goel closer in relation to her deceased father-in-law Elimelech. So, Boaz could not exercise his right as kinsman-redeemer unless this closer kinsman-redeemer relinquished his rights towards Ruth. In his statement to Ruth, "If he does not want to perform the duty for you, then I will perform the duty for you," we see the true character of Boaz. He wasn’t willing to cut corners. He would do God’s will God’s way. He knew that if it was really of the LORD, then it could be done orderly and in a proper way.
This is a characteristic we should follow. Not arousing hopes that end in disappointment, nor making promises only to forget them. Our words should be our bond. Those who commit their trust to us should feel perfectly at rest about our executing what we have promised.
Scripture tells us that Jesus is our near kinsman. Therefore, we have no need of worry or fear. We can “sit still” in assured trust that He has undertaken our cause, and He will not rest until the marriage-feast is celebrated. He has made Himself responsible for us; and He will not rest until He has accomplished our redemption.
Therefore, take the advice of Naomi, "sit still" – know that your redeemer is working.
The Truth: “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
