“Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, ‘My daughter, I should be seeking security for you; so that things will go well with you.'”-Ruth 3:1
So Naomi has had the chance to ponder the incredible good fortune that has come her way.
She can’t believe how “lucky” she is that Ruth “coincidentally” met Boaz, a wealthy relative of her deceased husband Elimelech.
Naomi wasn’t about to let this opportunity slip away.
After taking some time to think about the best way to take advantage of the situation, Naomi goes up to Ruth and says…
“I should be seeking security for you;
so that things will go well with you.'”
That’s a good translation from the Complete Jewish Bible.
Other translations say some variation of “I should be seeking rest for you”.
But I think the Complete Jewish Bible nails it on the head.
The Hebrew word being used here is MANOACH or מָנוֹחַ.
And in this context it means a “place” of rest.
If Naomi could somehow arrange things so that Boaz would be attracted to Ruth and end up marrying her, that meant that Ruth would have a home and a life of SECURITY.
And remember, in those days, pretty much a woman’s only means of security was through marriage.
Now there’s another reason why translating MANOACH into “security” here is the superior translation.
Take a look at the following verses from Ruth Chapter one.
“Na’omi said to her two daughters-in-law,
‘Each of you, go back to your mother’s house.
May ADONAI show grace to you,
as you did to those who died and to me.
May ADONAI grant you security
in the home of a new husband.’
Then she kissed them,
but they began weeping aloud.”
-Ruth 1:8-9
See that connection?
This is an awesome example of how the Lord answers our prayers even long after we’ve forgotten about them.
A long time had passed since Naomi had prayed that her daughters in law would find security in the homes of new husbands.
We can now see the fruit of that prayer being manifested in the appearance of Boaz in Ruth’s life.
So that’s your takeaway for today.
Know that your prayers are not in vain.
A good amount of time may pass before the Lord answers your prayers…
But rest assured he hears your pleas for help when you get down on your knees and pour out your heart to Him.
Over and out.
CONNECTING THIS TEACHING TO THE NEW TESTAMENT
“Rejoice always,
pray continually,
give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God’s will for you
in Messiah Yeshua.”
-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
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