What Did Naomi Understand from the Six Measures of Barley?

Naomi understood that Boaz had taken up the cause of Ruth and her family and would certainly see it through to the end. The six measures of barley were neither a payment nor a random gift, but a profound token of care, responsibility, and impending redemption.

Ruth did not return from Boaz empty-handed. Her mother-in-law immediately asked, “How did it go, my daughter?” (or “Who are you, my daughter?”). This question likely pertained not only to the events of the night, but also to what her status would be: would she remain a desolate widow, or would she find protection and a future? Hearing Ruth’s account and seeing the barley, Naomi grasped Boaz’s intention. He had not merely shown kindness; he had begun to act as their potential kinsman-redeemer.

“And she said, ‘These six measures of barley he gave me, for he said to me, “Do not go empty-handed to your mother-in-law.”’” Ruth 3:17

The Gift Was a Message Specifically for Naomi

Boaz intentionally told Ruth not to return to her mother-in-law empty-handed. This is a crucial detail. The entire matter concerning Elimelech’s land, the preservation of the family name, and the widow’s future was deeply intertwined with Naomi. Ruth was a young widow from Moab, but Naomi carried the deep sorrow of having lost her husband, her sons, her property, and her security.

At the beginning of the book, Naomi referred to herself as empty. She had returned to Bethlehem feeling that the Lord had taken everything from her. Now, through Ruth, she receives bread—a tangible sign that her emptiness would not have the final word.

“I went out full, and the Lord has brought me home again empty. Why do you call me Naomi, since the Lord has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me?” Ruth 1:21

While the barley did not resolve all the legal issues right away, it clearly demonstrated that Boaz saw Naomi, had not forgotten her plight, and was not treating Ruth as a woman without a family. His gift communicated: “I am taking your shared destiny into account.” For Naomi, this was a sure sign that God’s lovingkindness was already actively working through this man.

Naomi Recognized Boaz’s Character

The most important thing Naomi discerned was the character of this man. She already knew that Boaz was a worthy, wealthy, and God-fearing person. Now she was convinced that he would not stop at mere kind words. Boaz would act honorably, publicly, and without delay.

That is why Naomi does not devise a new plan nor send Ruth back to persuade Boaz further. She counsels patience. Her confidence is not rooted in any superstitious interpretation of the number six, but in Boaz’s evident deed and his clear words.

“Then she said, ‘Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out; for the man will not rest until he has concluded the matter this day.’” Ruth 3:18

Thus, Naomi understood that Boaz had already made an internal commitment to Ruth, even though he still had to legally resolve the matter with the closer relative. He made no light promises; he sought to do everything uprightly before God, the community, and the law.

Six Measures: Not Hidden Mysticism, but Tangible Care

The biblical text does not specify why Boaz gave precisely six measures of barley, nor does it define the exact unit of measure. Therefore, one should not build a doctrine on the number six or view it strictly as a mandatory symbol of six days of labor preceding Sabbath rest. While that thought may sound poetic, it is not the primary point of the passage.

Instead, the meaning of the gift is plain: Ruth was not to return to Naomi without a visible token of Boaz’s favor. The barley provided sustenance for the two widows, served as a mark of honor for Ruth, and offered reassurance to Naomi that their cause was not forgotten. God often strengthens faith not only through dramatic miracles, but through daily bread, timely help, and people who willingly take on responsibility.

The Redemption Was Carried Out Righteously

The following chapter confirms the correctness of Naomi’s discernment. Boaz went up to the city gate, the place of public legal transactions. He did not bypass the closer kinsman, nor did he seek a covert, self-serving path. Once the closer relative relinquished his right, Boaz formally assumed the duty of redeemer.

“And Boaz said to the elders and all the people, ‘You are witnesses this day that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, from the hand of Naomi.’” Ruth 4:9

In this, Boaz serves as a beautiful, though imperfect, type of Jesus Christ. Christ does not merely sympathize with sinners from afar; He became our Kinsman through the Incarnation, paid the full price of redemption, and brings His saving work to complete fulfillment. Ellen White noted how God’s providential hand was at work even in the ordinary, everyday circumstances of Ruth and Naomi, guiding them toward restoration and weaving Ruth into the very lineage of the Messiah.

Conclusion and Practical Application

Naomi did not uncover some hidden riddle in the six measures; rather, she recognized the clear language of love and integrity: Boaz cared for Ruth, remembered Naomi, and would not rest until he had lawfully settled the matter of redemption. The gift of barley marked the turning point from her former “emptiness” toward the hopeful fullness of God’s grace.

When we cannot yet see the final outcome of our difficulties, we do well to notice God’s “measures of barley”—the concrete evidences of His daily care. In practical terms, this invites us to pray, avoid panic, do what is right on our part, and patiently trust the Lord to bring to completion what He has already begun.