Ruth 3:17

17 She said, These six [measures] of barley gave he me; for he said, "Don't go empty to your mother-in-law."

Ruth 3:17 Meaning and Commentary

Ruth 3:17

And she said, these six measures of barley gave he me
Which she laid down before her, which was a proof of his kindness to her, that she was acceptable to him, and had well sped; of these six measures, see ( Ruth 3:15 ) which by some are allegorically interpreted of six blessings that should be bestowed upon her, as the spirit of wisdom, understanding as ( Isaiah 11:2 ) so Jarchi; or of six persons that should spring from her, as David, Daniel, and his companions, and the King Messiah, as the Targum:

for he said unto me, go not empty unto thy mother in law;
which, as it expressed a regard to Naomi, and a compassionate concern for her support, so would give her assurance of the success Ruth met with, she would relate to her.

Ruth 3:17 In-Context

15 He said, Bring the mantle that is on you, and hold it; and she held it; and he measured six [measures] of barley, and laid it on her: and he went into the city.

16 When she came to her mother-in-law, she said, Who are you, my daughter? She told her all that the man had done to her.

17 She said, These six [measures] of barley gave he me; for he said, "Don't go empty to your mother-in-law."

18 Then said she, "Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will fall; for the man will not rest, until he has finished the thing this day."