One day you will find your true love and all of the obstacles that you had to overcome will provide you with the strength for that love to withstand the test of time. When were in a relationship, its relatively easy to subconsciously take advantage of your partner because they are with you each day. Ruth means friend or companion. Ruth worked from morning till night. Were there negative characteristics of Ruth in the Bible? It was a sacrifice for Ruth to refuse to return to her family. Because of Boaz's wise (perhaps shrewd) way of framing the occasion, this was the first time the nearer kinsman considered this, and it was a pretty big question to take in all at once. But he didnt do that. This is the edited manuscript of Lesson 1 in the series, Ruth: A Story of Redemption, prepared by Robert L. Deffinbaugh on January 10, 2010. The story of Ruth is set during the time of the judges. Ruth was a poor, hurting, outcast, widow. When you least expect it God provides His children with the things they need in life. It is a story of friendship, family, and redemption. These two sons married Moabite women: Orpah and Ruth. The law is also very useful, because it shows us our defections and stains. The Book of Ruth is more than just a story about someone whose life was changed by love, but it reveals how love can truly move mountains and change the course of more than just two people that fall in love. Lesson 4 - Remaining Humble While Being Favored. Ruth had no idea that millions of people would read her story. But she cannot wash her face with the looking-glass. 4:17). He also added that she stood out in the community for this quality. The Hebrew word Boaz used to describe Ruth means some one of moral strength, sound integrity and courage. Blessings occur seven times in the book of Ruth, from Naomi blessing both her daughters-in-law (1:8) and Boaz (2:19-20), to Boaz's casual blessing of his workers (2:4) and deeper blessing of Ruth (3:10), and climactically to the women blessing the Lord for the birth of the child (4:14). All rights reserved. All Rights Reserved. Finding someone to spend the rest of your life with is serious business. The choice is always yours. About Us | Contact US | Privacy | Disclaimer | Back to Top. She left behind her family to go with Naomi back to Bethlehem. Moab was a place that most Israelites didnt like. But it could also mean a term of endearment. Couples must balance each other and have a forgiving heart. The rest of the book tells how Ruth married a . It doesnt matter if youre a male or female, God cares about everyone the same. He went to meet with the kinsman who was before him in line as well as the elders. The Book of Ruth is a fantastic example that exemplifies the rollercoaster ride that love can take us on. Naomi was too old to remarry or to work. Clearly, the exalted nation of Israel, God's chosen people, has lost its sense of direction. She might have been married before but now she was practically starting her life over. Looking at the bigger picture of the Book of Ruth its evident now to see how the famine, Naomis relocation to Moab, the return to Bethlehem, Boazs blood line, and several other events had a hand in the overall plan for Ruths life. She didnt just pray. The Book of Ruth relates that Ruth and Orpah, two women of Moab, had married two sons of . Ruth lived in the time of the judges. Every relationship will have its ups and downs because no relationship is perfect. They have nothing, so Ruth goes to work in the grain fields so they have enough food to eat. ISBN-13: . These blessings point out how God works in the . Memory Work - Luke 1:68; Scripture Reading and Discussion - Leviticus 25:48-49a, Ruth 4:1-17. Love One Another The Overlooked Commandment. Ruth is the festal scroll for Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, 50 . Boaz was driven by authentic love for Ruth just like Jesuss love for us caused him to give up heaven for our sake. As you read through the book of Ruth, you wont find any places where Gods voice thunders down to her as you might in other Bible stories. The couples two sons both married when they moved to Moab. This redemption comes in the form of a relative of Naomi named Boaz. Ruth was a Moabite and a widow. In fact, when she returns to Bethlehem, she tells everyone: Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. We all must understand the importance of being thankful and recognizing others that make a difference within our life especially within our relationships. We often feel like we need to keep our questions and thoughts about God to ourselves within a relationship. They see you when youre good and when youre bad. Ruth's story is celebrated during the Jewish festival of Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, 50 days after Passover. every one on earth will fail. Its easy to judge others and caste your own beliefs and judgment upon the way theyre living their life; however its important to be able to see both sides of the fence. Boaz listened to the voices of those who also observed and interacted with her. Boaz is presented as a "man of character" ( Ruth 2:1 ). This was completely not her fault. Naomi and her husband decided to move away from Judah to Moab because of a terrible famine that was hurting their family. But Boaz was willing to follow the proper civil procedures to have Ruth. The story of Naomi and Ruth are woven together closely that their stories are nearly inseparable. Anyone who looked at this foreign widow would have never guessed that God would choose her bloodline for the line of the promised redeemer Jesus. Ruth could have had her fill and left it there. Yet she showed incredible character. But God had him turn up on the perfect day so he could meet Ruth. God orchestrated the events of both their lives to make finding love again possible for Ruth. Ruth's courage in the face of adversity will inspire you to trust God with your future. He was wealthy but he gave more than grains and barley. When Ruth uncovered the feet of Boaz at the threshing floor, it was a powerful gesture. Both Naomi and Ruth experienced a great amount of grief, however both prevail Naomi loses her husband two sons. Ruth is a woman of great character who embodies many positive traits. The second blessing mentions Tamar, who in Genesis 38, like Ruth, bore a child after . "Wherever you go I will go, wherever you lodge I will lodge.". And guess what, Ruth was consistent. His father was Salmon, an Israelite prince. It is HIS story. It might mean he was old enough to be her father. Ruth allowed herself to be loved and led by Naomi. God has a redeemer for our lives His name is Jesus Christ. Lesson 3 - Working Isn't A Lack Of Blessing. Just ensure that like Ruth, you are showing up in faith and doing your work with excellence. In the Book of Ruth, Orpah and Ruth chose different paths because that was best for them. Perhaps thats what makes it so compelling. God be thanked for your love to me. Love was different for all of the women involved Ruth, Orpah and Naomi. It was later in the story that any signs of romantic love were expressed. Although Boaz was in love with Ruth, he never pushed or pressured her to commit to him. He told Ruth to stay in his field, told the young men to leave her alone and introduced her to women her age that she could befriend. In the book of Job, Job declares, I know that my Redeemer [goel] lives. While Boaz was a kinsman redeemer, when Jesus comes to earth as a man, he becomes our kinsman redeemer in the flesh, and Hebrews 2:11 it says that he is not ashamed to call them brethren.. They choose to stay together and forge a union. A man of Boazs age was expected to have already Wed and started producing children. Ruth laid aside her pain, left her home and family, and turned her face to the future with hope as she journeyed to a new place with her mother-in-law. Everyone makes mistakes and no one should judge the other for their past actions as a man or woman. Also, there was a considerable age difference between them. They struggled with poverty. Even though Ruth wasnt a Jew and was a Moabite, God didnt allow those titles to change His love for Ruth. She wasnt hired but he invited her to partake of those provisions. Now the way was clear for him to marry Ruth. Rahab, the prostitute who escaped Jericho was Boazs mother. There are many things married and single people can learn about in the Book of Ruth. The characteristics of Ruth in the Bible makes for an exciting study! Grief and sorrow do not trump love. God doesnt not discriminate and wants His people to have the same viewpoints and understanding. She made a choice to stay with Naomi and help her, all the while knowing that she was going to a country that wouldnt like her very much. Subscribe today to receive our free Bible Study printables sent to your inbox. 4. Her name might have formed the core of the qualities she possessed. For Ruth everything seemed hopeless when she lost her husband even worse for Naomi. Naomi even extends thanks and recognition to Ruth for providing her with a beautiful blessing. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Sermon series: Building Lasting Relationships - Ruth. Everyone can find something relatable in Ruths love story. And she took on a religion that she knew very little about just like Abraham. Good, godly relationships should not produce more problems and stress than you bargained for. It means to refuse to rush or settle with someone who does not meet Gods approval. First, Elimelech dies then both Mahlon and Chillion die. Naomi loved Ruth, but she was willing to let her go back to her family. Everyone can find something relatable in Ruths love story. Are they the same with you as they are with everyone else? They were living in Moab when both of their husbands died. Boaz didnt seem to have this concern. . The Midrash points out that Ruth would only go to the fields with the permission of her mother-in-law. Having dedicated herself to the God of Israel, Ruth, in chapter 2, begins to grow in her relationship and dedication to Boaz. Ruth's decision to stay with Naomi and serve the true living God she served through . The Book of Ruth begins with a tale of famine in the Holy Land. This means she was ready to be taken as his wife and to enter into a relationship of mutual submission and trust. We dont know anything about her beauty but we know her character was admirable. Boaz knew that he had every right to be Ruths kinsman, so he could have demanded her hand in marriage whether Ruth wanted to or not. It has really helped me to still have hope even in difficulty times. She admitted that she felt that God had dealt with her bitterly. 1. Every week you will receive a devotional and a free printable PDF that will help you dive deeper into our Ruth Bible Study. Because thieves were commonly known to break in and steal grain, Boaz slept at the threshing floor to protect his property and his produce. She was freshly widowed and scrounging for food. Beloved Lord God, It was Your intention that mankind live in fellowship with You eternally, but in Adam's fall from grace that bond of eternal fellowship was broken and for the first time man was in need of a Redeemer. Love is organic and the Book of Ruth is just one of the best examples to portray these ideal. For Ruth and Naomi, they needed sovereignty and in essence a fresh start. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc Used by permission. Serving God Requires Faith. Ruth abandoned his family and journey with Naomi back home . They see you when youre good and when youre bad. However, Naomi stayed committed to her daughter-in-law and wanted her to follow the God of Israel. We all must understand the importance of being thankful and recognizing others that make a difference within our life especially within our relationships. They were both young women who had both lost their husbands. Waiting for your Boaz means to wait for the one with specific characteristics. Then she had to do the work to make it into barley flour. Ruth followed Naomi into the unknown. ( Ruth 2:2). Introduction. Is set during the time of the best examples to portray these ideal nearly inseparable her family go! 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