7 december 2025
BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS
Daily Bible Reading
Ruth 3 – Ruth on the threshing floor – Trust, courage and divine guidance
God’s plans unfold through obedience and integrity
Read online here
Introduction
Ruth 3 is a decisive turning point in Ruth’s story. The young Moabite woman follows the bold plan of her mother-in-law Naomi and, in an unusual yet deeply significant night, meets Boaz – the man who will change her future. This chapter not only shows the cultural customs of ancient Israel, but also reveals God’s quiet yet powerful guidance in the lives of those who are faithful to Him. Ruth’s character, her courage, and her purity stand at the center of this passage. It is about trust – in God, in wisdom, and in making the right decisions at the right time.
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Commentary
Naomi, the wise and caring mother-in-law, realizes that the time has come to provide Ruth with security and a home. In her love for Ruth, she plans something daring: Ruth is to go by night to Boaz on the threshing floor – not to seduce him, but to present herself to him in a respectful and symbolic way as one in need of a kinsman-redeemer.
Ruth follows her advice. She bathes, anoints herself, and dresses properly – signs of dignity and hope – and sets out to the threshing floor, where Boaz is guarding the harvested barley. In a quiet, reverent scene, she lies down at his feet during the night – a cultural sign of submission and a request for protection and redemption.
Boaz wakes up startled, but he recognizes Ruth’s purity. Her request that he spread his cloak over her is a symbolic act: she is asking him to take on the role of the redeemer. Boaz is moved by Ruth’s faithfulness – she could have gone after younger men, but she chooses responsibility and the path of honor.
Yet Boaz is an honest man: he knows that another kinsman-redeemer is more closely related than he is. Even so, he promises to act the very next day, whether it will be that other man or himself. Before Ruth leaves early in the morning, he generously gives her barley – not as payment, but as a sign of care and as a message for Naomi.
When Ruth returns home, she tells Naomi everything. Naomi listens carefully and speaks wisely: “Be still, my daughter.” Now is the time to wait and to trust. Boaz will act – and God is at work.
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Summary
Ruth follows Naomi’s counsel and meets Boaz at night on the threshing floor. With a respectful and courageous gesture, she asks him to take on the responsibility of the kinsman-redeemer. Boaz recognizes Ruth’s character and promises to take care of the matter. Even though another redeemer is closer in line, Boaz is willing to stand up for Ruth. The story ends with hope and the expectation that God will guide everything for good.
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Message for us today
Ruth chapter 3 teaches us that God often works through quiet, courageous decisions – not always through spectacular miracles. Ruth’s obedience, humility, and courage show how God sees and honors the heart. Naomi’s wisdom and Boaz’s integrity are also role models for real trust, respect, and responsibility. In a world full of uncertainty, we can learn to trust God’s timing, to listen to wise counselors, and to act with dignity even in challenging situations.
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Thought to ponder
“Whom do I follow when it comes to making important decisions – fear or trust?”
Ruth dared to take a step into the unknown, but not blindly. She trusted God, Naomi’s advice, and the integrity of Boaz. We too repeatedly stand at thresholds that require courage and faith. The question is: do we wait like Ruth for God’s guidance – or do we act on our own impulse without His light?
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7 – 9 December 2025
BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS
Weekly Reading – Spirit of Prophecy
Ellen White | Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 47
League With the Gibeonites | Faithfulness despite deception – God’s guidance in human mistakes
Read online here
Blog 1
Deception in ancient Israel – The covenant with the Gibeonites
When lies protect, but truth saves
Introduction
The story of the Gibeonites in Joshua 9 is both a striking warning and a testimony of grace and faithfulness. Through clever deception, these inhabitants of Canaan obtain a peace treaty with Israel. Although the covenant was made under false pretenses, Israel remains faithful to its word. This event confronts us with questions of truth, honor, and the meaning of loyalty – even when we have been deceived.
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Commentary
Israel’s return to Gilgal marks a time of transition and reorientation. Exactly in this period of rest, a seemingly harmless group of foreigners appears — ragged, hungry, and carrying worn-out wineskins. They convincingly claim to have come from a distant land to make peace, inspired by the mighty works God had done for Israel.
Even though initial doubts arise, the decisive step is missing: asking counsel from God. The covenant is made.
Only three days later, the Israelites discover the deception — the Gibeonites live right in their midst. The outrage is great, and the leaders face criticism. Yet they do not cancel the treaty — they had sworn in the name of the Lord. The Gibeonites are not destroyed but become woodcutters and water carriers for the sanctuary.
Despite their deception, they show humility, abandon their idolatry, and submit to the worship of the true God. The truth comes to light — not through bloodshed, but through clear order and grace.
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Summary
Through cunning deception, the Gibeonites secure their lives. Israel is deceived, yet remains faithful to its oath. The Gibeonites become servants in the sanctuary — a sign of God’s grace despite human error.
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Message for us today
God takes our words seriously — whether in vows, marriage promises, or everyday relationships. Faithfulness matters more than advantage. This story reminds us that we should act with integrity even when others have deceived us.
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Thought to ponder
How do I treat my word? Am I willing to keep promises, even when it costs me something?
