The Redeemer's Covenant Love

Ruth- Chapter 1- Week 1

Literary Context-

The author of this short book is unknown. Some suggest this book was very much part of the writing and construction included with the book of Judges, however wouldn’t have fit well with the increasing positive narrative that the book presents in comparison to the middle of Judges.

Historical Context- As seen in the first verse we are looking at the time of Judges.

Written during the time of the Judges where many believe that it was early on in the book of Judges since Boaz is the son of Rahab. We must understand how this book truly begins. The devastation in the land and within the family we will be taking a look at. There is famine in the land that places the family into hardship and so early on they move to Moab which is east of the Dead Sea, which we would know today as the country of Jordan. Moab was to be mean “the field of Moab” which some believe either did not face a harsh famine or even was in better shape than Bethlehem was. When they refer to “the land” the Israelites typically referred to only one location, “the Promised land”. So this famine may have not been present within Moab. Some believe that the devastation may have been a result of the Judges and everyone “doing what was right in their own eyes” (Prophecy of Famine by Ezekial- 5:12-13). Consider the fact that Bethlehem was known for its prosperous wheat and bread. This place was referred to as the “house of Bread” yet there was no bread due to the famine.

Moabites were descendants of Lot. Incest living was well-known within the land all the way back to the encounter between Lot and his daughter. The reputation followed the Lot’s daughter had two children. Ben-Ammi who was the ancestor of the ammonites, and Moab where, we get the Moabites. Deuteronomy 23:3-6 explains that Ammonites and Moabites were not allowed to enter the temple, and were to be excluded. They were limited anyway as Gentiles, but because of the Heritage leading back to Lot and his daughter, these people were to be cut off as “unclean”.

Yet in this story, we see a cultural divisions eliminated by the heart of God. Redemption, Conversion, Commitment, choosing to trust, and a clear view of the Redeemer’s Covenant Love are all components of this narrative.

The Redeemer’s Covenant Love.

Additionally, before jumping into the narrative, we need to first set our minds to the fact that this story is less about a love story between Ruth and Boaz, and instead provides great clarity to the Redeemer’s covenant love.

Naomi and Elimelech were Hebrew’s who lived in Bethlehem and moved to Moab as a result of the famine. Their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion marry two Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth.

Name Origins:

Elimelech: “My God is King”

Naomi: “Delightfulness”

Mahlon: “Sick or weak”

Chillion: “Wasting away”

Oprah: “Stiff-necked”

Ruth: “Friendship”

Every man in the family dies. Naomi is deciding it is best for her to go back to her home land. Between the relationship with Orpah and Ruth, and again within the welcome party in Bethlehem, she blames her struggles on the Lord God.

At that time a woman greatly relied on a man providing for them. And in this midst it appears during this devastation, the ladies lose their provision, yet God never fails, never loses sight of them, and has a plan for them.

Noami is filled with bitterness.

Ruth’s Friendship shows the importance of walking together in the midst of heart ache

Ruth converts to following Israel’s God along the process

Ruth jumps and runs to cling to Naomi.

“All true songs of worship are born in the wilderness of suffering”-musician and author Michael Card.

Some may be carrying some deep difficult things this morning, at this very moment. This could be because of varying circumstances or events around you, or even choices you have made with harsh consequences. Regardless, you have a choice to trust and obey forward. Church, we need to be Ruth, jump and run to those facing devastation. Don’t just kiss them, cling to them, welcome them in, care of them, be committed to them. Help them run the battle against bitterness. Your story is not over!

A psalm written by Ruth’s great Grandson perhaps while being hunted by Solomon.:

Psalm 13:5-6

“Suffering refines what we trust in and how we talk about it”-Mark Vroegop- Dark Clouds Deep Mercy”.

We need to clearly see the merificul hand of God regardless of what we go through- thats what trust is.