People can be great pretenders. But, that was only half the solution to the problem. If not, you should probably get one. But she cannot wash her face with the looking-glass. Ruth had no idea that millions of people would read her story. But she did not. Ruth's story is celebrated during the Jewish festival of Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, 50 days after Passover. . It seems that Naomis entire life crumbles in those years. She was a convert to Judaism and she knew very little about Jewish rules. A man named Elimelech, from Bethlehem-Judah, left his hometown when a famine struck. Nineteenth-century American historian Elizabeth Ellet imagines that Ruth's beauty and foreign appearance attracted Boaz's attention.. For this reason, she was at a disadvantage. Answer. Free Online Four-Week Book of Ruth Bible Study PDF: Our latest study will take you through the Book of Ruth. No matter what, they see it all and because they are there each day its easy to get lost in that safety net. Boaz took interest in her and increased his kindness. And after Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was cheerful, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain; and she came softly, uncovered his feet, and lay down. This was backbreaking work. They see you when youre good and when youre bad. Orpah decided to stay but Ruth decided to go with Naomi and start over in a new place. She lived a simple live in obscurity. It doesnt matter if youre a male or female, God cares about everyone the same. This would mean marrying the widow of the deceased and making children. Couples must balance each other and have a forgiving heart. Your email address will not be published. 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 Ruth went out in the fields to glean each day, she did so with consistency and diligence. Act 2: Ruth and Boaz the Judahite meet in the fields ( Ruth 2:1-23 ). Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. And looking at the book of Ruth, we can see that even when we cant see beyond our pain to his plan, we can have hope that our story isnt over better days are coming. There is Always Hope. And yet the life of a foreign widow who has nothing becomes so important that its included in the Bible and her name recognized in the lineage of Jesus. Both of her parents worked in the church. Have you ever heard of the saying, dont throw rocks at a glass house? Be wary of men who are uncomfortable with your relationship being public knowledge. The past is the past. Ruth was a model of responsible living in an irresponsible age. Obviously, the author was familiar with Israels greatest king. 33 Short Bible Verses About . Rahab was a prostitute whose faith saved her from the crashing walls of Jericho. And whats so amazing is that Ruth was a foreigner. God be thanked for your love to me. Love was different for all of the women involved Ruth, Orpah and Naomi. Its there that she meets Boaz, who also turns out to be her redeemer. After Boaz secures his place as her redeemer, the two are married and are later blessed with a son named Obed the grandfather of King David. He was not in Gods will. But Boaz was different. The Book of Ruth tells the story of Ruth and Naomi, Ruth's deep love for her mother-in-law, and the love and loyalty that not only existed between them but that Ruth had for Naomi's people. Therefore, Boaz would need to marry her instead of Naomi. God had every intention of Ruth being part of the story for the lineage of Jesus. And through humility and dependence, Ruth begins to grow in grace. This was to appeal to Boazs nature. Boaz was considerably older than Ruth. The book of Ruth offers an entirely different perspective on this often maligned relationship. Ruth allowed herself to be influenced by Naomi. Ruth was taken and overwhelmed with his kindness that she bowed before Boaz. This is especially important when family isnt available. The story of Ruth the Moabite is the unusual biblical tale of the trials faced by two women, touching on profound themes such as grief, familial loyalty, feminine dependence and independence, and . And even in our obscurity, and in the mess of what may be our lives, God finds a way to use the most unlikely people in ways that we could never imagine. Seek and heed the advice of the righteous. Because thieves were commonly known to break in and steal grain, Boaz slept at the threshing floor to protect his property and his produce. Her actions told Boaz that she was there to claim her right to be redeemed by him. Look for a man who is attracted to your heart and character just as much as he is attracted to your body and beauty. Men and Women should respect each other equally. Her country of origin already made her an outcast, and being a childless widow gave her plenty of reason to shrink back into a shell and simply live her life in obscurity. While you may be going through pain in your current heartbreak, its important to realize that this is all for a reason. Perhaps thats what makes it so compelling. Whether youre going through a break-up or divorce, there is a reason for all of the pain. There is no bitterness or hostility that shadows over their relationship. But when God is with you, whatever touches you has Gods permission and in those times, you also have Gods protection and provision. The story of Naomi and Ruth are woven together closely that their stories are nearly inseparable. There is no clear answer to this question in Scripture. Ruth was one of those women. When Boaz is introduced in the story, the first thing he does is to greet his workers and servants. Ruth kept some of the food to take home for Naomi. In the Book of Ruth, Orpah and Ruth chose different paths because that was best for them. Naomi planned to return to Israel and encouraged Ruth to stay in Moab and return to her mother's family. By Boaz, the man who could and would make her life a whole lot better. She was bending over all day long to pick up grain. Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or without credit. On the other hand, Ruths husband had died leaving her without children and she was still young. Bathsheba (referred to as Uriahs wife in the genealogy of Jesus) only became Davids wife after David took her for himself and killed her husband. Even though Ruth wasn't a Jew and was a Moabite, God didn't allow those titles to change His love for Ruth. Like Ruth, we also need to work to be women and men of integrity. He made kind gestures to reveal his heart to her and left it there. The story is told in the Book of Ruth, part of the biblical canon called Ketuvim, or Writings. 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. After moving to Moab with her husband and sons, she loses her husband and becomes a widow. One of the moral lessons we can get from the bible story of Ruth is the importance of making wise choices as Ruth did in Ruth 1:16-18 that made her choose to stay with Naomi despite Orpah choosing otherwise. Where in the Bible does it talk about Ruth and Boaz? Later we see him ensuring that they have food to eat during their lunch break and he sits and eats with then. We often feel like we need to keep our questions and thoughts about God to ourselves within a relationship. God is the perfect match maker. He immediately takes to her and starts to protect her. She said the well-known words, "Whither thou goest, I will go" ( Ruth 1:16 KJV ). Boaz was always ensuring Ruth had food. Woven throughout, God's lovingkindness shines in each detail. Lesson 3 - Working Isn't A Lack Of Blessing. It really is that simple! Ruth Chapter 4: Fruits of Freedom. There are many things married and single people can learn about in the Book of Ruth. The book of Ruth is a fascinating tale of romance, intrigue, loss, disobedience, and ultimately of faith. When you least expect it God provides His children with the things they need in life. It is unlikely that it was written before the time of David (cp. You see, we are all desolate as a result of our sinful natures. He died where there was plenty to feed his body but nothing to feed his soul. He dies in Moab. When were in a relationship, its relatively easy to subconsciously take advantage of your partner because they are with you each day. The intersection of their lives becomes not only the framework of an earthly love story but . The book of Ruth in the Bible is an anthology of love and forgiveness. Ruth refuses with a passionate speech to Naomi: Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God; Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. (Ruth 1: 16,17 KJV). Naomis ability to be open and honest with Ruth about her relationship with God is inspiring. Often, we think of the Book of Ruth as "outdated" or "too old," yet there are important lessons we can learn. But life was actually worst. Boaz therefore went to a meeting in which he was able to win Ruth from that family member. Waiting for your Boaz means to wait for the one with specific characteristics. The second blessing mentions Tamar, who in Genesis 38, like Ruth, bore a child after . Be Blessed. Ruth was the great-grandmother of King David and the daughter-in-law of Naomi. Everyone lives their lives the way it best suits them therefore, others shouldnt judge love. Bible Study: Book of Ruth Chapter 4. so powerful and inspirational, may Almighty God bless those that put their head together to establish this work. Book of Ruth, Old Testament book belonging to the third section of the biblical canon, known as the Ketuvim, or Writings. It's loaded with life lessons; it teaches you about the importance of being at the right place, being ready for change, hope, determination, wisdom, generousity, strategy, kindness, favour, being at your best, the list is endless. Go have babies. Boaz would have needed to set up his inheritance which would include having sons to leave all his wealth to. It was their faith that was at the center of their relationship and intimate communication. Go get married. However, the contents of this blog post may not be modified, compiled, combined with other content, copied, recorded, synchronized, transmitted, translated, formatted, distributed, publicly displayed, publicly performed, reproduced, given away, used to create derivative works and otherwise used or exploited (including for-profit or commercial gain) without the creators expressed permission. 5) God has a Redeemer in place who can rescue us from the devastation of our own sin. Its evident that Naomi understands that God wants her to continue her relationship with Ruth and she expresses these feelings with thanks and recognition. And the story its an important one. 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. These two sons married Moabite women: Orpah and Ruth. God has a redeemer for our lives His name is Jesus Christ. You will be surprised at how much growth will take place in your life and how much less the struggle to your next level will be. As a widow myself, Im drawn to the story of Ruth again and again. The Book of Ruth provides many relationship lessons that perpetuate the meaning of true love. Like Abraham, Ruth left her life of false worship, a life surrounded by a predictable routine and people she knew. But Boaz was willing to follow the proper civil procedures to have Ruth. Boaz was willing to claim Ruth publicly. We dont usually share our unedited feelings and thoughts about God with friends or family members. 6 Relationship lessons from the book of Ruth . Ruth, biblical character, a woman who after being widowed remains with her husband's mother. One of the most important Naomi and Ruth relationship principles is to trust God. As you watch Ruth going to field to work daily and keep her integrity even Im poverty, does that describe you? Her commitment to journey on with Naomi was a beautiful, selfless act, and a stunning example of the love of Christ the same Christ who would be of her bloodline years later. If you read the story carefully you will notice the divine appointment. 3) Servant Leaders Show Extraordinary Kindness. (NLT). Boaz listened to the voices of those who also observed and interacted with her. There were both positive and negative qualities about Ruth but more positive than negative. . 4. Monday, September 30, 2019. 5 Spiritual Lessons from the Book of Ruth. Through Ruths story, we learn that God uses the most unlikely people for his purpose. So he put plans in place to ensure no harm would come to her. She wasnt hired but he invited her to partake of those provisions. Ruth means friend or companion. When entering into a relationship, its important that each person understand and respect the other as an equal. 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. Through Naomi and Ruths mother and daughter-in-law relationship, were able to see the heavenly presence that takes place because of love. There was a law that provided this opportunity. At the time this story is unfolding, Israel had strayed from Gods will. More often than not, youll find that love mirrors our reality in many cases within biblical stories. I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home again empty. (Ruth 1:20,21a KJV). Ruth and Naomi Relationship Principle #4 Trust God. Many interpreters read Ruth as a happy-ending romance featuring Ruth, the beautiful young Moabite widow who captivated the heart of the older wealthy landowner Boaz. 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. No matter what, work with excellence, even if the work is boring and you hate it. Ruth had no family in Bethlehem so Boaz did not have the opportunity to know about her through their eyes. Ruth lived out her name for sure. Ruths faith was rewarded with a wonderful husband. When Ruth and Naomi got back to Bethlehem, they had to fend for themselves as they were both widows. With love does come heartache this can is seen through break-ups, divorce, or even death. Despite the pain, Naomi chooses to stand by her daughter-in-laws side and continue their relationship. Ruth 1:3: "Now Elimelek, Naomi's husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. In fact, Ruth's sister-in-law, Orpah, chose to leave: The sons too perish, and at last Naomi . Early in the story we met Ruth and Orpah. It doesnt matter if youre a male or female, God cares about everyone the same. 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. Gentleman: if you want a relationship with a woman that glorifies God, read this. Quite often foreigners are not treated well, not even today. Ruth is an interesting Biblical story because it contains no miracles or prophecies. They confess their undying devotion and love for each other and in a fairytale theyd live happily ever after. It might mean he was old enough to be her father. When Boaz decided to act on Ruths interest in being married to him, he was not willing to break the law or conduct underhanded business. I. But God had him turn up on the perfect day so he could meet Ruth. However, Naomi stayed committed to her daughter-in-law and wanted her to follow the God of Israel. The saying that there is a light at the end of the tunnel is very true. Ruth had a whole lot to learn. 5. My favourite book in the Bible is the book of Ruth. I will not talk much about Naomi here as I have dedicated an entire post to her. In a place where many would have thought shed be ostracized, she found love with a man named Boaz. Be clear about what you want for and in your relationship. Naomi decided to move back to Bethlehem to be near family. The truth is that this other kinsman should have already come forward to claim Ruth and help to get settled. When the meeting was done, Boaz publicly declared and celebrated his relationship with Ruth. The meeting with the other kinsman was held in the presence of Ruth, Naomi and elders in the community. Tucked between the books of Judges and 1 st Samuel, it can be easily missed when thumbing through the Old Testament. In this video, I share 6 practical lessons to learn from the book of Ruth, especially as it relates to Christian relationship. In that society, kinsmen had a duty to make sure that if a relative of theirs died without children, that relatives name would live on. which revealed that our heavenly father do not differentiate. Ruth was a Moabite, a nation of pagans and idol worshippers. No matter what devastating situation comes into play, love will conquer all because it is ultimately what brings people together. It means to refuse to rush or settle with someone who does not meet Gods approval. Hope in Trouble times. Nothing is going in her favor, but shes brave, and her faith never wavers. It is this famine that forces Elimelech to take his wife Naomi and their two sons, Mahlon and Chillion, to leave Bethlehem and live in Moab, a pagan community. Naomi's husband died, and her sons married Moabite women. Be sure to check out The Story of Naomi in the Bible and lessons you can learn. Boaz was a family member of Elimelech, Naomis deceased husband. Install Feel The Words, and access it like a regular app. Were there negative characteristics of Ruth in the Bible? Boaz redeemed Ruth like Jesus redeemed us. In the Book of Ruth, both Naomi and Ruth are continuously blown away by others who thank and recognize them for what they did rather than what they may have done incorrectly. Even if you have to pay for it, itll be worth it. Ruth took advantage of what was available to her. We dont know anything about her beauty but we know her character was admirable. Finding someone to spend the rest of your life with is serious business. God is always in the business of rewarding the faithful. 4:17). 6 Relationship Lessons from the Book of Ruth There are many things married and single people can learn about in the Book of Ruth. Loss Is Hard. Ruths story is one that exemplifies the reality that so many of us are thrown at every day death, love, heartache, falling into love and even compassion for others that share love. Rahab, the prostitute who escaped Jericho was Boazs mother. Relationships today are the exact same! The Book of Ruth enables readers to view, in a small-scale way, the foundational biblical story of the exodus. The Book of Ruth provides many relationship lessons that perpetuate the meaning of true love. For Ruth and Naomi, they needed sovereignty and in essence a fresh start. 1:6-22: Widowed Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth return to Bethlehem. 1. To some extent, she might be considered naive. In the Hebrew Bible, Ruth stands with the Song of Solomon, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther; together they make up the Megillot, five scrolls that are read at prescribed times on Jewish religious festivals. Everyone makes mistakes and no one should judge the other for their past actions as a man or woman. Even though it may not make complete sense during the time its taking place, its important to recognize how God has and continues to change your life on a daily basis with His actions. So well only look at a few. 6 Naomi was a pious and charitable woman "whose ways were nice and pleasant." 7 Ruth considered her a spiritual guide whose advice . Ruth was "of the women of Moab" but was genetically linked to Israel through Lot, the nephew of Abraham ( Ruth 1:4; Genesis 11:31; 19:37 ). She didnt just pray. At that stage of his life some things were of little consequence to him. Their choices do not mean that one is better than the other. Boaz did say that Ruth chose not to marry a young man. Ruth chose to go with her mother-in-law, showing not only how dedicated she was to Naomi, but also her dedication to the God of Israel. This was a sign of her level of gratitude. The book of Ruth follows the book of Judges in our Bibles because its setting was in that time period. The Book of Ruth provides many relationship lessons that perpetuate the meaning of true love. Samson's relationship with Delilah is a far cry from Ruth's relationship with Boaz. Each lecture focuses on a key character in Ruth and what they represent. But one thing is sure: Boaz didnt add to Ruths stress. 4 They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. True friendship is self-giving. They struggled with poverty. God had every intention of Ruth being part of the story for the lineage of Jesus. 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. Lesson 1: Sometimes, the right choice requires immense sacrifice. Lets face it, no one is perfect! While there are many things to learn from the story of Ruth, here are seven powerful lessons from this tiny book that stood out to me. Look out for a man who is proud to call you his own. But he didnt do that. In fact, we know more about the relationship between these two women than we know about them individually. . This other characteristic of Ruth in the Bible often goes unnoticed. Or do they follow Naomi into an unpredictable future where Jehovah would lead? Now that we have dealt with what it means to wait for your Boaz, there are some other relationship nuggets buried in the story. Ruth reminds us that no matter what lies in our past, and no matter how difficult our circumstances may be, a little bit of faith makes a huge difference. The Book of Ruth, the second of the Tanakh's five scrolls to be read on Shavu'ot, turns on at least one of these mandated forms of charity. Instead couples should have equal say on what happens within a relationship and each voice should hold the same value. At the very beginning of the book of Ruth, shes living in Moab, her home nation. Naomi loved Ruth, but she was willing to let her go back to her family. There are two texts in the book of Ruth which speak to the relationship of conjugal love to divine love. Having dedicated herself to the God of Israel, Ruth, in chapter 2, begins to grow in her relationship and dedication to Boaz. I hear people say, Gods got Made with by India A place where world feel the words. There was another kinsman who had more right than Boaz to claim Ruth. And what a bountiful blessing she reaped! Boaz was a prophetic symbol and his redemptive work lives on even today. Through love we learn how to deal with people and how we can become better people within our individual relationships and as an entire society. 1:1-5: Elimelech and his family go to Moab. And again, after the night at the threshing floor, he gave barley to take home. She was so thankful, especially considering her status of widow which made her automatically become a part of the lowest class in society, right there with beggars, orphans and people with disabilities. God does not enter into the story with fire or glory. Its OK if you have some work to do in preparation for the man God has for you. As we see in Ruth 1:16, Ruth chose that she will serve the God of Naomi even to the point of death as she had fully resolved and purposed in her heart. Then she had to do the work to make it into barley flour. Just 10 years later her sons die, too. Copyright Feel The Words 2023. Thats not to say he didnt already have a wife though. She grew up in an evil country an enemy of Israel. Inspiring to Christians single or married, this love story displays God's sovereignty over difficult circumstances in every stage and season of life. Their choices do not mean that one is better than the other. Ruth`s story was one of the best. Sell, buy or rent Meditating in God's Word Judges and Ruth Bible Study Series | Book 1 of 1 | Judg 9781953930200 1953930204, we buy used or new for best buyback price with FREE shipping and offer great deals for buyers. : , , This redemption comes in the form of a relative of Naomi named Boaz. Boaz was a type (prophetic symbol) of Christ and His redemptive work in our lives today. but, his promises are true and proved. Both women had the very same struggles and the same decision to make. Yet she showed incredible character. She had nowhere to go and yearned to feel complete, so she returned to Judah. Everything that she did showed her character, and because of that character, she was honored by God. I dont imagine that he solved all her problems nor did they have a perfect relationship. In those days when men died before they had children, a male relative was responsible for taking his widow as wife and giving her children who would be considered the child of the deceased. She was letting him know she was ready for the next stage. No matter your past, you still have a purpose. Because Ruth was a childless widow of a Hebrew male, she was entitled to remarriage from a member of Mahlons family. The time of year is early spring, "the beginning of the barley harvest " (Ruth 1:22 ). He wanted to make sure she was ok. Look for a giving, unselfish man. Boaz meant that she was a valiant woman of great moral integrity. The love of a man and the love of a woman should always be considered as an equally powerful element. It has really helped me to still have hope even in difficulty times. And she took on a religion that she knew very little about just like Abraham. Both Naomi and Ruth experienced a great amount of grief, however both prevail Naomi loses her husband two sons. When these two women arrive back in Naomis home town, they are destitute, devastated, and broken. In the end, everyone lived their life and love prevailed. This in-depth Bible Study will take you verse-by-verse and chapter-by-chapter through the book of Ruth. The LORD bless you, my daughter, he replied. She took action. While Judges is about breaking covenant and leaving torah, Ruth is about keeping covenant . But both of them had faith that somehow things would work out. You have your identity when you find out, not what you can keep your mind on, but what you can't Naomi was essentially empty and devastated after she lost her husband and sons. While your confidence may be wavering, Gods promises are not. Plus, Naomi was too old to have any more children. Owning a field was not easy then. Clearly, the exalted nation of Israel, God's chosen people, has lost its sense of direction. 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. Blessing. Boaz saw the beauty in love and accepted Ruth for who she was. But one thing is clear: Boaz was extremely attracted to her characteristics of being hardworking and morally sound. Naomi was from Bethlehem and moved to Moab with her husband Elimelek and two sons, Mahlon and Kilion. Naomi is the one who sets the tone for her relationship with daughter-in-law Ruth. Naomis husband had died but he died leaving two sons. Every relationship will have its ups and downs because no relationship is perfect. Ruth is also one of the few women who are mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus found in the book of Matthew. His wife and sons stay on, and the sons marry non-Jewish women - Moabite princesses by the names of Ruth and Orpah. We dont know what happened to Orpah but we know how God showed up for Ruth. Well, there is a lot to be said about her. The first lesson from the Book of Ruth is that there is always hope. It is HIS story. How a Man Should Treat a Woman According to God. But we explore just a few that specifically have to do with dating. The story of Ruth and Naomi is one of the best-loved stories in the Bible. The 3 life lessons from Ruth and Boaz are: Have An Attractive Character. Required fields are marked *. If we were to explore them all, this post would never end. The book of Ruth found in the Old Testament is one of the few Bible . She urges Ruth and Orpah to stay in Moab and find new husbands. This short by fascinating book tells the story of a woman, who comes to Israel with her mother-in-law, after the deaths of both of their husbands. Ruth 3:10. Dear Lord, It analyzes the lessons and events of the book of Ruth and shows how they apply to modern-day life and experiences. This book will fill you to the brim with hope, as you see an imperfect family be used mightily by God. A man of Boazs age was expected to have already Wed and started producing children. Ruth's and Naomi's journey from heartbreak to hope offers an Old Testament glimpse into God's redemptive power as He transforms a bitter widow and a former idolater into a family legacy . (6-7) Ruth lays down at Boaz's feet. Her two sons found wives, Ruth and Orpah, but 10 years later, both sons died as well. Ruth blesses Naomi with her friendship because Naomi never expected to have someone to hold onto after the loss of all the men in her life. Sometimes it seems like I take my worries everywhere except to you. When you least expect it God provides His children with the things they need in life. Good, godly relationships should not produce more problems and stress than you bargained for. He says The Lord be with you. 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.