Bible Study, Ruth

Preface

Is the story of Ruth a salvation/redemption story like the story of Christ? Or was a story of salvation and Grace?

Is the story of Ruth a salvation/redemption story like the story of Christ? Or was a story of salvation and Grace?

The efforts which we make to escape from our destiny only serve to lead us into it - Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Is the story of Ruth a salvation/redemption story like the story of Christ? Or was a story of salvation and Grace?

Be Committed Interlude: Reflections on Ruth

The Book of Ruth beautifully illustrates God’s work of salvation. The story opens with Ruth as an outsider, a stranger, but it ends with Ruth as a member of the covenant community because she has married Boaz, her kinsman redeemer. He paid the price for her to be redeemed.

Is the story of Ruth a salvation/redemption story like the story of Christ? Or was a story of salvation and Grace?

The events in the Book of Ruth occurred during the period of the Judges, a time not much different from our own day. If you focus only on the evils of our day, you’ll become pessimistic and cynical; but, if you ask God what field He wants you to work in and faithfully serve Him, you’ll experience His grace, love, and joy.Was it a story hinting that salvation would come to the Gentiles?

Was it a story hinting that salvation would come to the Gentiles?

Why did God saw it necessary to put two heathen women sequentially in the genealogy of Christ?

Notes to Chapter 1

Ruth 1:1–5 ESV

1 In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. 2 The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there. 3 But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. 4 These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. They lived there about ten years, 5 and both Mahlon and Chilion died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband.

What do you understand by the turn, “when Judges rule”?

Ruth

When Judges ruled

provides the context for understanding the opening verses of . ‘In the days when the judges ruled’ is shorthand for ‘In the days when the Lord’s people forsook the Lord, rebelled against his rule (each man doing as he saw fit), suffered the consequences and needed a rescuer.

provides the context for understanding the opening verses of . ‘In the days when the judges ruled’ is shorthand for ‘In the days when the Lord’s people forsook the Lord, rebelled against his rule (each man doing as he saw fit), suffered the consequences and needed a rescuer.

The use of the phrase “in the days when judges ruled” indicates the premonarchic period was recognized as a clearly identifiable phase in Israel’s history, between the death of Joshua and the crowning of Saul as the nation’s first king.

The use of the phrase “in the days when judges ruled” indicates the premonarchic period was recognized as a clearly identifiable phase in Israel’s history, between the death of Joshua and the crowning of Saul as the nation’s first king.

Twice the book declares that “every man did what was right in his own eyes” (; ). Seven times Judges states that “the children of Israel did evil in the sight of Yahweh” (e.g., ). These two emphases stress that the natural man is inclined to do evil. Without revelation and the motivation to obey it man will inevitably choose the path of destruction.

Judges

Twice the book declares that “every man did what was right in his own eyes” (; ). Seven times Judges states that “the children of Israel did evil in the sight of Yahweh” (e.g., ). These two emphases stress that the natural man is inclined to do evil. Without revelation and the motivation to obey it man will inevitably choose the path of destruction.

Historically, the events of the book are precipitated by a famine that struck the land, apparently the entire land of Israel. The cause of the famine is not indicated. From a natural meteorological perspective it seems that the rains, so critical for the growing season in the land of Israel, had failed to fall, presumably for several successive years. From a theological perspective, however, this famine may be explained as a judgmental act of God.

Historically, the events of the book are precipitated by a famine that struck the land, apparently the entire land of Israel. The cause of the famine is not indicated. From a natural meteorological perspective it seems that the rains, so critical for the growing season in the land of Israel, had failed to fall, presumably for several successive years. From a theological perspective, however, this famine may be explained as a judgmental act of God.

OMINOUS, FOREBODING NAMES OF CHARACTERS

Elimelech - It was a great name for an Israelite. It means ‘God is King’ or ‘God is my King’. His departure for Moab may reflect his own doubts about the truth his name declared. Instead of submitting to God’s rule, Elimelech, like the rest of his generation, did as he saw fit ().

Naomi - means ‘pleasant’ (1:20)

Bethlehem - means “house, granary of bread,” has no food for this family. How strange that there should be a famine in Bethlehem, which means “house of bread”! In the Old Testament, a famine was often an evidence of God’s discipline because His people had sinned against Him (; , )

Mahlon - The name may mean ‘sickly, diseased’ in Hebrew.

How strange that there should be a famine in Bethlehem, which means “house of bread”! In the Old Testament, a famine was often an evidence of God’s discipline because His people had sinned against Him (; , )Mahlon - The name may mean ‘sickly, diseased’ in Hebrew.

Mahlon - The name may mean ‘sickly, diseased’ in Hebrew.

Chilion - is constructed from the root kālâ, “to be finished, come to an end,” hence “frailty, mortality.”

Ruth, “friendship; refreshed [as with water]; [poss.] comrade, companion”:– Ruth (12)

Ruth, “friendship; refreshed [as with water]; [poss.] comrade, companion”:– Ruth (12)

Boaz, “[prob.] in him is strength”:

Boaz, “[prob.] in him is strength”:

CONSIDER THE MOVE TO MOAB

The move to Moab must be interpreted in light of the general Israelite disposition toward the Moabites. That disposition seems to have been colored by five factors in their history: (1) the Moabites’ contemptible origins in the incestuous relationship of Lot and his daughter (); (2) the Moabites’ resistance to Israelite passage through their territory when they came from Egypt (); (3) the Moabite women’s seduction of the Israelites and the latter’s subsequent punishment (); (4) Israel’s constitutional exclusion of Moab from the assembly of the Lord (); and (5) the recent oppression of the Israelites by Eglon the king of Moab (). This combination of factors may explain the impression created by the narrator that of the Bethlehemites only Elimelech’s family sought refuge from the famine in Moab.

Whether Elimelech knew this we don’t know, but he should have done. One of the Lord’s commands as his people entered the Promised Land was that his law should be read to the people every seven years so that it would not be forgotten (). The record of Judges indicates that this command was disobeyed. Very soon generations grew up knowing nothing about the Lord and his word. When the Lord’s word is ignored, the Lord and his rule are soon ignored and men, like Elimelech, do as they see fit, to the detriment of themselves and their families.

Whether Elimelech knew this we don’t know, but he should have done. One of the Lord’s commands as his people entered the Promised Land was that his law should be read to the people every seven years so that it would not be forgotten (). The record of Judges indicates that this command was disobeyed. Very soon generations grew up knowing nothing about the Lord and his word. When the Lord’s word is ignored, the Lord and his rule are soon ignored and men, like Elimelech, do as they see fit, to the detriment of themselves and their families.

shows that the spiritual faithfulness of one generation cannot secure the faithfulness of the next. It is true for a family, for a local church, and for a nation. A following generation may be able to ride on the coat-tails of their ancestors for a while, but it will not be long before their true state is revealed. So it was in the days when the judges ruled.

shows that the spiritual faithfulness of one generation cannot secure the faithfulness of the next. It is true for a family, for a local church, and for a nation. A following generation may be able to ride on the coat-tails of their ancestors for a while, but it will not be long before their true state is revealed. So it was in the days when the judges ruled.

SURROUNDING THE RETURN TO BETHLEHEM

Views about Elimelech

Elimelech is vilified in rabbinical exegesis as an arrogant and evil man. His death in Moab is viewed by the rabbis as just punishment for having left the Promised Land. Naomi “was left” (lit., she remained) with her two sons in the land of Moab (1:1–3). Again rabbinical exegesis sees Naomi here as defying the divine warning of the death of her husband by choosing to remain on foreign soil. Nothing in the text, however, suggests that Elimelech sinned by moving his family to Moab. Nothing suggests that his death was anything more than coincidental with his abiding in that foreign land. The passage does suggest, however, that godly people do experience unexpected tragedies, and sometimes in rapid succession.

After the death of Elimelech, the two sons took Moabite wives. They thus, in the eyes of Jewish commentators, sinned more grievously than their father. If this passage is intended to be a protest against religious intermarriage it certainly is a mild one.

Consider what Elimelech actions means for us today

The name ‘Christian’ means someone who belongs to the Christ—to God’s anointed King. Elimelech’s failure should prompt us, as Christians, to ask whether we are living up to our name. We need to ask ourselves:

AM I SUBMITTING to the rule of Christ Jesus, or am I doing as I see fit?

WHEN TRIALS COME and I experience the consequences of living in a society which has forsaken God, what do I do? Do I try and devise my own escape plan, or do I seek the wise instructions of my King?

THE DECISIONS ELIMELECH MADE affected his wife and sons. When I make decisions that will affect those close to me, what criteria do I follow? Do I act in fear or faith?

Ignoring the Lord’s rule is something to be taken seriously. It has bitter consequences both for those who ignore his rule and also for those, like Naomi, affected by the godless choices of others.

What two crucial marks of a person’s identity in the ancient world was highlighted in verse 1:15 and what does it say about Ruth?

What does it say about Naomi?

Define/comment on Ruth’s declaration in verse 1:16,17? What does it mean in terms of Religion?

Rth 1:11-13; what is Naomi doing or trying to accomplish?

What the scripture says about familial burial; ; .

What the scripture says about familial burial; ; .

Given the known story of Naomi, do you think she is justified to say that she left Israel full and came back empty.

By mentioning that Orpah was going back to both her people and her gods, Naomi highlighted two crucial marks of a person’s identity in the ancient world. Was Ruth really willing to sever ties with these? Since this shows the identity of a person, it indicates how Naomi felt at the time; she lost her husband, she was not among her people and her God (she surmised) was angry with her

Naomi is now saying she presently has no God and no people.

Acknowledgement that Ruth knew what she was about by putting her life in the hand of Jehovah

Summarizing the/ her present condition in case they have not the full picture.

Gleaning

Gleaning

Summarizing the/ her present condition in case they have not the full picture.

It was the law of the land , God’s way of taking care of the poor widowers and sojourner. See If you enter your neighbor's vineyard, you may eat all the grapes you want, but do not put any in your basket. If you enter your neighbor's grainfield, you may pick kernels with your hands, but you must not put a sickle to their standing grain.

Leviticus 19:9 ESV

9 “When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest.

See also . Micah's search yields no remainder—i.e., no godly remnant—only sorrow and futility; . And by his mention of first-ripe figs, it seems that God hasn't got them neither. (; ).

Micah 6:14–15 ESV

14 You shall eat, but not be satisfied, and there shall be hunger within you; you shall put away, but not preserve, and what you preserve I will give to the sword. 15 You shall sow, but not reap; you shall tread olives, but not anoint yourselves with oil; you shall tread grapes, but not drink wine.

Isaiah 17:6 ESV

6 Gleanings will be left in it, as when an olive tree is beaten— two or three berries in the top of the highest bough, four or five on the branches of a fruit tree, declares the Lord God of Israel.

Micah 7:1 ESV

1 Woe is me! For I have become as when the summer fruit has been gathered, as when the grapes have been gleaned: there is no cluster to eat, no first-ripe fig that my soul desires.

Deuteronomy 23:24 ESV

24 “If you go into your neighbor’s vineyard, you may eat your fill of grapes, as many as you wish, but you shall not put any in your bag.

Although this scripture shows Ruth's allegiance to Naomi, it's actually an invocation to and an Old Testament confession to Jesus Christ and thus, an act of conversion. God's concern have always been for all people.

Bitterness

Synopsis

A feeling of anger and resentment, caused particularly by perceived unfairness in suffering or by adverse circumstances.

The causes of bitterness:

Adverse personal circumstances

See also ; “Mara” means “bitter”; ;

See also ; ; ;

Human failure

See also ; ; ;

Bitterness is evidence of a sinful heart ( the new Testament seems to have a handle on what went on with Naomi and Elimelech especially given the time in which they were in.

. See also

What does the term ‘my daughter’ suggest ?

Bitterness is to be avoided

See also ;

The remedy for bitterness

Forgiveness

; ;

The causes of bitterness will pass away

Examples of bitterness in people’s lives

; ; ;

Comment on this:

Naomi’s decision was right, but her motive was wrong. She was still interested primarily in food, not in fellowship with God. You don’t hear her confessing her sins to God and asking Him to forgive her. She was returning to her land but not to her Lord.

When trouble comes to our lives, we can do one of three things: endure it, escape it, or enlist it. If we only endure our trials, then trials become our master, and we have a tendency to become hard and bitter. If we try to escape our trials, then we will probably miss the purposes God wants to achieve in our lives. But if we learn to enlist our trials, they will become our servants instead of our masters and work for us; and God will work all things together for our good and His glory (). Warren Wiersbe

Choice

Synopsis

A deliberate act of will or decision, in which God chooses individuals or peoples to be his or calls them to perform certain tasks or responsibilities. Human beings are also required to make choices, particularly between good and evil.

God’s sovereign choice

See also ; ; ;

People must choose between good and evil; Ruth chose to deny Chemosh

Notes on Chapter 2

;

See also ; ; ; ;

Examples of bad choices

See also ; ; ;

Examples of wise choices

See also ; ;

Notes on Chapter 2

Why do you think the writer includes this verse?

; Comment on the terms , Gleaning, “she happened to come”, “and behold”. What is your take on this, the field that Ruth goes to belongs to Boaz?

; Do you discern a typology from Boaz”s Location and his greeting?

; Do you discern a typology from Boaz”s Location and his greeting?

; The word “Young” is prominent in these verses: Why do you think

To make the story easy to understand without giving too much info at this time.

All of us would do well to reflect on events of the past that seemed coincidental at the time but were used of God in a special way to provide the people or the circumstances that became a pivotal part of our lives. Often some time must pass (in some cases, even years) before we become aware, like Joseph, that God meant certain circumstances for good (). That is the case in this narrative; a reminder is provided that Boaz was related to Ruth’s deceased father-in-law, Elimelech, but the significance of this connection will become apparent only later.

God’s purpose in providence is not to make us comfortable, but to make us conformable, “conformed to the image of His Son” ().

Christ comes from Bethlehem and is always glorifying the Father

God’s purpose in providence is not to make us comfortable, but to make us conformable, “conformed to the image of His Son” ().Christ comes from Bethlehem and is always glorifying the Father

Christ comes from Bethlehem and is always glorifying the Father

Probably to show an age difference of the “players”. Explain

Gleaning

It was the law of the land , God’s way of taking care of the poor widowers and sojourner. See If you enter your neighbor's vineyard, you may eat all the grapes you want, but do not put any in your basket. If you enter your neighbor's grainfield, you may pick kernels with your hands, but you must not put a sickle to their standing grain.

Leviticus 19:9 ESV

9 “When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest.

Deuteronomy 23:24 ESV

24 “If you go into your neighbor’s vineyard, you may eat your fill of grapes, as many as you wish, but you shall not put any in your bag.

See also . Micah's search yields no remainder—i.e., no godly remnant—only sorrow and futility; . And by his mention of first-ripe figs, it seems that God hasn't got them neither. (; ).

Micah 7:1 ESV

1 Woe is me! For I have become as when the summer fruit has been gathered, as when the grapes have been gleaned: there is no cluster to eat, no first-ripe fig that my soul desires.

Isaiah 17:6 ESV

6 Gleanings will be left in it, as when an olive tree is beaten— two or three berries in the top of the highest bough, four or five on the branches of a fruit tree, declares the Lord God of Israel.

Micah 6:14–15 ESV

14 You shall eat, but not be satisfied, and there shall be hunger within you; you shall put away, but not preserve, and what you preserve I will give to the sword. 15 You shall sow, but not reap; you shall tread olives, but not anoint yourselves with oil; you shall tread grapes, but not drink wine.

Loyalty

Synopsis

A commitment to an ongoing relationship and to the attitude and behaviour demanded by it. It is evident in human relationships and also in the covenant relationship between God and his people.

God’s loyalty to his people

God’s covenant loyalty

See also ; ; ; ; ; ; ;

God’s faithfulness to his promises

Loyalty to God

The loyalty of God’s people

;

See also ; ; ;

Examples of those loyal to God

Moses; Caleb; Joshua and his family; Job; Hezekiah; Peter and John; Paul

Failure to show loyalty to God

See also ;

Divided loyalties

See also ; ; ;

Loyalty in human relationships

Loyalty and covenant

The loyalty of friends

;

See also ;

Loyalty within the family

See also ; ; ; ; ;

Loyalty to those in authority

See also ; ; ; ; ;

Examples of loyalty to rulers

See also David’s loyalty to Saul; Abner’s loyalty to Saul’s family; the loyalty of Judah to David’s house; the men of Zebulun’s loyalty to David

The loyalty of believers

;

See also Timothy; the household of Stephanas; Epaphras; Tychicus; Onesimus

; Why do you think Boaz addresses Ruth as “My daughter”? is it different from Naomi’s “my Daughter” in Verse 2:2. Given that he knew all about Ruth do you get a sense that he knew what he was to say to her when they met.

; What is Boaz teaching? Boaz teaches that God rewards those who confesses Him and seeks Him, he is also saying that what he is doing is what God wants or would want him to do.

What does the term ‘my daughter’ suggest ?

Note: Boaz’s Mention of Her people and her God again in

Kinsman-redeemer

Kinsman

The levirate law required (1) a blood relative () who was (2) willing to redeem () and (3) able to pay the redemption price (). If the deceased husband had no brother, other male relatives were eligible for the marriage.

Synopsis

Synopsis

The relative who restores or preserves the full community rights of disadvantaged family members. The concept arises from God’s covenant relationship with Israel and points to the redemption of humanity in Jesus Christ.

Covenant rules for the kinsman-redeemer

The kinsman-redeemer’s obligation to redeem the land

;

The kinsman-redeemer’s obligation to redeem the enslaved

The kinsman-redeemer’s obligation to provide an heir

; ;

The kinsman-redeemer’s obligation to avenge death

The kinsman-redeemer’s obligation to be a trustee

Notes on Chapter 3

The kinsman-redeemer in the book of Ruth

The Lord as redeemer

See also ; ; ;

See also ; ; ;

The kinsman-redeemer reflects God’s concern for the poor and oppressed

See also ;

God’s provision of Jesus Christ as kinsman-redeemer

See also ;

Notes on Chapter 3

We are to keep in mind that the Book of Ruth is much more than the record of the marriage of a rejected alien to a respected Jew. It’s also the picture of Christ’s relationship to those who trust Him and belong to Him. In the steps that Ruth takes, recorded in this chapter, we see the steps God’s people must take if they want to enter into a deeper relationship with the Lord. W Wiersbe

Keep in mind that the Book of Ruth is much more than the record of the marriage of a rejected alien to a respected Jew. It’s also the picture of Christ’s relationship to those who trust Him and belong to Him. In the steps that Ruth takes, recorded in this chapter, we see the steps God’s people must take if they want to enter into a deeper relationship with the Lord.

; Does Naomi have a Plan, Is she keeping track of Boaz?

; The term “my daughter” is used again by Naomi do you think it has the same meaning as in other time? It could suggest that Ruth is no longer a Daughter-in Law, But has moved to the state of a full Daughter.

; The term “my daughter” is used again by Naomi do you think it has the same meaning as in other time? It could suggest that Ruth is no longer a Daughter-in Law, But has moved to the state of a full Daughter.

; The term “my daughter” is used again by Naomi do you think it has the same meaning as in other time? It could suggest that Ruth is no longer a Daughter-in Law, But has moved to the state of a full Daughter.

Same root; different accent.

Note: Boaz’s Mention of Her people and her God again in

There were other men who would gladly have married Ruth (v. 10), but they could not have redeemed her. Only a kinsman-redeemer could do that, and Boaz was that kinsman. Since Naomi knew that Boaz would be using the threshing floor that night and staying there to guard his grain, she instructed Ruth to prepare herself to meet him. Ruth made a fivefold preparation before she presented herself to Boaz.

1. She washed herself

This is symbolic of us wanting to enter into a deeper relationship with our Lord, we must “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (, NKJV). but God will not do for us what we must do for ourselves. Only we can put out of our lives those things that defile us, and we know what they are. It might mean cleaning out our library (), our cassette and CD collection, the magazine rack, or perhaps the TV viewing schedule. We must separate ourselves from whatever defiles us and grieves the Father (; ).

Septuagint use of the word anoint same as , , , , , ; ,

Septuagint use of the word anoint same as , , , , , ; ,

2. The next thing Ruth did to prepare was to anoint herself

Septuagint use of the word anoint same as , , , , , ; ,

3. Ruth’s third act of preparation was to change clothes (). She was to put off the garments of a sorrowing widow and dress for a wedding (see ). Ruth probably didn’t have a large wardrobe, but she would have one special garment for festive occasions. Naomi had the faith to believe that Ruth would soon be going to a wedding! this is also reminiscent/symbolic of and

Septuagint use of the word anoint same as , , , , , ; ,

Septuagint use of the word anoint same as , , , , , ; ,

3. Ruth’s third act of preparation was to change clothes (). She was to put off the garments of a sorrowing widow and dress for a wedding (see ). Ruth probably didn’t have a large wardrobe, but she would have one special garment for festive occasions. Naomi had the faith to believe that Ruth would soon be going to a wedding! this is also reminiscent/symbolic of and

4. Ruth’s third act of preparation was to change clothes (). She was to put off the garments of a sorrowing widow and dress for a wedding (see ). Ruth probably didn’t have a large wardrobe, but she would have one special garment for festive occasions. Naomi had the faith to believe that Ruth would soon be going to a wedding! this is also reminiscent/symbolic of and

4.

4. Ruth prepared herself to meet Boaz by learning how to present herself to him ()..

Ruth prepared herself to meet Boaz by learning how to present herself to him ().3. Ruth’s third act of preparation was to change clothes (). She was to put off the garments of a sorrowing widow and dress for a wedding (see ). Ruth probably didn’t have a large wardrobe, but she would have one special garment for festive occasions. Naomi had the faith to believe that Ruth would soon be going to a wedding! this is also reminiscent/symbolic of and

Septuagint use of the word anoint same as , , , , , ; ,

this is also reminiscent/symbolic of and

; Does Naomi have a Plan, Is she keeping track of Boaz?

5. Finally, Ruth promised to obey (). “All that you say to me I will do” (NKJV). She was not only a hearer of the Word, but she was a doer.

Finally, Ruth promised to obey (). “All that you say to me I will do” (NKJV). She was not only a hearer of the Word, but she was a doer.

Comment: Ruth has changed her title; she is no longer the Moabitess

Some commentators suggest that what Ruth did presented an opportunity for immorality. But nothing in the passage supports this. Her mother-in-law had complete confidence in the integrity of the kinsman-redeemer. Boaz could be trusted to act responsibly. And Ruth was recognized by everyone as “a woman of noble character” (v. 11). The uncovering of the feet was a ceremonial act that was completely proper. Probably the scene took place in the dark so that Boaz had the opportunity to reject the proposal without the whole town knowing about it.

3:8–9. Something startled Boaz in the middle of the night. He turned to discover that a woman was lying at his feet. Boaz asked for the identity of his unusual guest (cf. 2:5). Ruth responded in humility (cf. 2:10): I am your servant Ruth. She had put herself

Lift the covers renders what is in Hebrew literally “uncover the place of his feet.” The meaning of what Ruth did was essentially to ask for Boaz’s protection.* Of course, the idea of a marriage proposal may very well have been implicit in the act,* but there is no clear evidence that this expression is a euphemism for sexual intercourse, as has been suggested by some scholars.* On the other hand, the Hebrew terms translated “uncover,” “feet,” and “lie down” are often associated with sexual acts, and therefore the expression lends itself to this type of interpretation.* Even some ancient translators tried in several ways to weaken or alter the meaning.*

Why should Ruth wait after Boaz eats and drink

Since it is altogether possible that what Ruth did may be misunderstood in a receptor culture, it is appropriate to have some marginal note at this point indicating that what Ruth did was a symbolic way of asking for protection. In fact, in some translations the meaning of the act is incorporated into the text itself, for example, “lift up the cover at his feet to ask for his protection.” This may be done on the basis that the act itself was a recognized symbol for asking for security.

Fear Not: Boaz assures Ruth;

It was not Ruth’s obligation to do for herself what only Boaz could do. Just as it is not our obligation to do what only God could do.

“Fear not” is the word of assurance that the Lord gave to many of His servants: to Abraham (), Isaac (26:24), Jacob (46:3), Moses and the nation of Israel (), Joshua (; ), King Jehoshaphat (), the Jewish remnant returning to their land (, ; , ; ), the Prophet Ezekiel (), the Prophet Daniel (, ), Joseph (), Zacharias (), Mary (1:30), the shepherds (2:10), Paul (), and the Apostle John ()

“Fear not” is the word of assurance that the Lord gave to many of His servants: to Abraham (), Isaac (26:24), Jacob (46:3), Moses and the nation of Israel (), Joshua (; ), King Jehoshaphat (), the Jewish remnant returning to their land (, ; , ; ), the Prophet Ezekiel (), the Prophet Daniel (, ), Joseph (), Zacharias (), Mary (1:30), the shepherds (2:10), Paul (), and the Apostle John ()

Why should Ruth wait after Boaz eats and drink

What does Boaz generous gift suggest? maybe he didn’t want her to be visible while he performed his role or maybe he didn’t want his prospective bride gleaning in the fields like a poor laborer.

connect Naomi’s command/suggestion to wait with scripture; , ; could mean, the matter is settled/in motion but incomplete. This is the way Naomi would understand.

he didn’t want his prospective bride gleaning in the fields like a poor laborer.

Summary : Chapter 3

Summary : Chapter 3

Too many of God’s people are content to live in chapter 2, picking up the leftovers and doing the best they can in their difficult situation. They want God’s gifts, but they don’t want a deeper communion with God. What a difference it would make if they would only surrender themselves to the Lord and focus on the Giver instead of the gifts! Ponder ; reminds us, Thats the way we should be (like Naomi), confident.

Did Boaz seemed to play down a relationship to Ruth knowing he was not the immediate redeemer?

Did Boaz seemed to play down a relationship to Ruth knowing he was not the immediate redeemer?

What do you think " lie until morning suggests.

Boaz teaches that God rewards those who confesses Him and seeks Him, he is also saying that what he is doing is what God wants or would want him to do

Did Boaz seemed to play down a relationship to Ruth knowing he was not the immediate redeemer?

Notes to Chapter 4

What do you think " lie until morning suggests.

Marriage, restrictions concerning

Synopsis

Synopsis

A feeling of anger and resentment, caused particularly by perceived unfairness in suffering or by adverse circumstances.

The causes of bitterness:

The causes of bitterness:

Adverse personal circumstances

Adverse personal circumstances

See also ; “Mara” means “bitter”; ;

See also ; ; ;

Human failure

See also ; ; ;

Bitterness is evidence of a sinful heart ( the new Testament seems to have a handle on what went on with Naomi and Elimelech especially given the time in which they were in.

. See also

Bitterness is to be avoided

See also ;

The remedy for bitterness

Forgiveness

; ;

The causes of bitterness will pass away

Examples of bitterness in people’s lives

; ; ;

Synopsis

A deliberate act of will or decision, in which God chooses individuals or peoples to be his or calls them to perform certain tasks or responsibilities. Human beings are also required to make choices, particularly between good and evil.

God’s sovereign choice

See also ; ; ;

People must choose between good and evil; Ruth chose to deny Chemosh

;

See also ; ; ; ;

Examples of bad choices

See also ; ; ;

Examples of wise choices

Kinsman

The levirate law required (1) a blood relative () who was (2) willing to redeem () and (3) able to pay the redemption price (). If the deceased husband had no brother, other male relatives were eligible for the marriage.

Synopsis

Synopsis

The relative who restores or preserves the full community rights of disadvantaged family members. The concept arises from God’s covenant relationship with Israel and points to the redemption of humanity in Jesus Christ.

Covenant rules for the kinsman-redeemer

The kinsman-redeemer’s obligation to redeem the land

;

The kinsman-redeemer’s obligation to redeem the enslaved

The kinsman-redeemer’s obligation to provide an heir

The kinsman-redeemer’s obligation to avenge death

The kinsman-redeemer’s obligation to be a trustee

The kinsman-redeemer in the book of Ruth

The Lord as redeemer

See also ; ; ;

The kinsman-redeemer reflects God’s concern for the poor and oppressed

See also ;

God’s provision of Jesus Christ as kinsman-redeemer

See also ;

Loyalty

Synopsis

A commitment to an ongoing relationship and to the attitude and behaviour demanded by it. It is evident in human relationships and also in the covenant relationship between God and his people.

God’s loyalty to his people

God’s covenant loyalty

See also ; ; ; ; ; ; ;

God’s faithfulness to his promises

The loyalty of God’s people

;

See also ; ; ;

Examples of those loyal to God

Moses; Caleb; Joshua and his family; Job; Hezekiah; Peter and John; Paul

Failure to show loyalty to God

See also ;

Divided loyalties

See also ; ; ;

Loyalty in human relationships

Loyalty and covenant

The loyalty of friends

;

See also ;

Loyalty within the family

See also ; ; ; ; ;

Loyalty to those in authority

See also ; ; ; ; ;

Examples of loyalty to rulers

See also David’s loyalty to Saul; Abner’s loyalty to Saul’s family; the loyalty of Judah to David’s house; the men of Zebulun’s loyalty to David

The loyalty of believers

;

See also Timothy; the household of Stephanas; Epaphras; Tychicus; Onesimus

Marriage, restrictions concerning

Synopsis

The OT law forbade intermarriage with people who worshipped idols because it threatened the covenant relationship with God and his people. Marriage with close relations was also forbidden. Remarriage is permissible following the death of a spouse and, in certain circumstances, following divorce.

Intermarriage with foreigners

Examples of marriages to foreigners

; ; ; ; ; ;

Warnings against marrying foreigners

See also ;

Intermarriage with foreigners led to idolatry

; Royal marriages to foreigners brought disastrous consequences.

See also ;

Intermarriage among returning exiles was a major problem facing Ezra and Nehemiah:

; ; ;

Parents sought to avoid their children marrying foreigners

See also Abraham seeks a bride for Isaac from among his own people.

Esau’s foreign wives are a source of grief to his parents:

;

Isaac forbids Jacob to marry a Canaanite woman;

Marriage to foreigners may be permissible

Boaz’ marriage to Ruth the Moabitess was acceptable because Ruth embraced the Israelite faith. Restrictions were on the grounds of religion not of race.

Foreign wives were put aside after the exile

Foreign wives were put aside after the exile

See also

Marriages between Christians and unbelievers

Christians should not marry unbelievers

;

Christians should not leave an unbelieving spouse

Restrictions on marriage to close relatives

Sexual relations with close relatives is forbidden

See also ; ; ; ; ;

Examples of marriage to close relatives

Abraham was married to his half-sister; Tamar suggests marriage with her half-brother, Amnon.

Levirate marriage

The levirate law was instituted to preserve the dead father’s name

; Levirate marriage refers to the legal obligation of a brother-in-law to produce heirs for his dead brother by marrying his widow. When there was no brother-in-law responsibility fell to a near relative, also described as a “kinsman-redeemer”.

Unwillingness to fulfil the levirate law

; ; ;

Regulations governing seduction and rape

;

Remarriage

Widows are free to remarry

See also ; ;

Remarriage after divorce may be adultery

(NKJV) — 18 “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery.

See also

(NKJV) — 10 Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. 11 But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife.

Remarriage after divorce permissible in certain circumstances

; ; ;

Be Committed 1. The Bridegroom (Ruth 4:1–10)

The law of the kinsman redeemer is given in Leviticus 25:23–34, and the law governing levirate marriage is found in Deuteronomy 25:5–10. The purpose of these laws was to preserve the name and protect the property of families in Israel. God owned the land and didn’t want it exploited by rich people who would take advantage of poor people and widows. When obeyed, these laws made sure that a dead man’s family name did not die with him and that his property was not sold outside the tribe or clan. The tragedy is that the Jewish rulers didn’t always obey this law, and the prophets had to rebuke them for stealing land from the helpless (1 Kings 21; Isa. 5:8–10; Hab. 2:9–12). The nation’s abuse of the land was one cause for their Captivity (2 Chron. 36:21).

Be Committed 1. The Bridegroom (Ruth 4:1–10)

The meaning of redemption. The word redeem means “to set free by paying a price.” In the case of Ruth and Naomi, Elimelech’s property had either been sold or was under some kind of mortgage, and the rights to the land had passed to Ruth’s husband Mahlon when Elimelech died. This explains why Ruth was also involved in the transaction. She was too poor, however, to redeem the land.

Probably would have to await Jubilee

Notice the comparison; the Kinsman-redeemer had to be able to pay the price and he had to be willing.

How do you think that the nearer kinsman might jeopardize his inheritance?

If he had a son by Ruth, and that son were his only surviving heir, Mahlon’s property and part of his own estate would go to Elimelech’s family. The fact that Ruth was a Moabitess may also have been a problem to him.

Why Perez? Maybe because Perez came to be by the persistence of his mother. And Perez seemed to have bested his brother Zerah

, The question on how long she was married to her husband and why they didn't have children no longer matters.

“the Lord gave her [Ruth] conception” (literal rendering). This is only the second time in the book where the narrator has God as a subject of a verb (cf. 1:6), but how significant is this statement! The expression hērāyôn, “conception, pregnancy,” occurs in only two other Old Testament texts: and . But the present idiom, “to grant/give conception,” is unique. This statement must be interpreted against the backdrop of Ruth’s apparently ten-year marriage with Mahlon, for whom she seems to have been unable to conceive. Now, in fulfillment of the prayer of the witnesses in the gate (vv. 11–12), Yahweh graciously grants Ruth pregnancy as a gift. This is the narrator’s modest way of identifying a miracle; she who had been unable to bear a child for Mahlon has conceived for Boaz. verse shows the hand of God, preventing her from having children till her marriage to Boaz

The name ‘Christian’ means someone who belongs to the Christ—to God’s anointed King. Elimelech’s failure should prompt us, as Christians, to ask whether we are living up to our name. We need to ask ourselves:

Ruth 4:13 ESV

13 So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son.

The name ‘Christian’ means someone who belongs to the Christ—to God’s anointed King. Elimelech’s failure should prompt us, as Christians, to ask whether we are living up to our name. We need to ask ourselves:

In “becoming his wife” Ruth’s social progression is completed. She had graduated from the status of nokriyyâ, “foreigner” (), to šipḥâ, “lowest servant” (), to ʾāmâ, “maidservant” (), and now to ʾiššâ, “wife.” Having married Ruth, Boaz “went to” Ruth. This is the common Hebrew expression for the consummation of a marriage through sexual intercourse.

,

The second episode of the final scene involves the women of Bethlehem, who, as in 1:19, function as a chorus in the drama. Their speech divides into three parts: (1) a blessing for Yahweh (v. 14a), (2) a prayer for the child (v. 14b), and (3) a declaration of confidence for Naomi (v. 15). it seem that they are showing her the blessings she said she didn’t have, like they were giving here a message direct from God.

Bible students debate the identity of the kinsman-redeemer in this verse. Does it refer to Boaz or to the son of Boaz and Ruth? A good case may be made for either position. The special kindnesses of Boaz highlighted in the book of Ruth seem to suggest that he is being described; on the other hand, the next verse calls attention to the son. No doubt both Boaz and his son Obed became famous throughout Israel, and both of them are included in the ancestry of Jesus (). Ultimately it makes little difference which of the two is specifically in mind. Of greater importance is the fact that the Lord raised up a redeemer.

15“He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.”

The name ‘Christian’ means someone who belongs to the Christ—to God’s anointed King. Elimelech’s failure should prompt us, as Christians, to ask whether we are living up to our name. We need to ask ourselves:

, Consider the best way to deduce why this book was put in the Bible is what we would not have known with it there. That is what we would not know about God.

, Consider the best way to deduce why this book was put in the Bible is what we would not have known with it there. That is what we would not know about God.

Summary

The name ‘Christian’ means someone who belongs to the Christ—to God’s anointed King. Elimelech’s failure should prompt us, as Christians, to ask whether we are living up to our name. We need to ask ourselves:

Naomi's story was that she left Israel full and came back empty (), but the story of Ruth shows her perception to be reversed to the truth in that it more appears that she left Israel empty and God brought her back to be filled, if one is to judge by the women's blessing. Best news yet, she is a Matriarch and according to the law (concerning levirate marriages) a bonafide ancestor of Jesus Christ.

The name ‘Christian’ means someone who belongs to the Christ—to God’s anointed King. Elimelech’s failure should prompt us, as Christians, to ask whether we are living up to our name. We need to ask ourselves:

The name ‘Christian’ means someone who belongs to the Christ—to God’s anointed King. Elimelech’s failure should prompt us, as Christians, to ask whether we are living up to our name. We need to ask ourselves:

The Book of Ruth opens with three funerals but closes with a wedding. There is a good deal of weeping recorded in the first chapter, but the last chapter records an overflowing of joy in the little town of Bethlehem. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (, KJV). Not all of life’s stories have this kind of happy ending; but this little book reminds us that, for the Christian, God still writes the last chapter. We don’t have to be afraid of the future.

Psalm 30:5 ESV

5 For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.

The name ‘Christian’ means someone who belongs to the Christ—to God’s anointed King. Elimelech’s failure should prompt us, as Christians, to ask whether we are living up to our name. We need to ask ourselves:

Am I submitting to the rule of Christ Jesus, or am I doing as I see fit?

When trials come and I experience the consequences of living in a society which has forsaken God, what do I do? Do I try and devise my own escape plan, or do I seek the wise instructions of my King?

The decisions Elimelech made affected his wife and sons. When I make decisions that will affect those close to me, what criteria do I follow? Do I act in fear or faith?

Ignoring the Lord’s rule is something to be taken seriously. It has bitter consequences both for those who ignore his rule and also for those, like Naomi, affected by the godless choices of others.