Boaz took interest in her and increased his kindness. For this reason, she was at a disadvantage. Copyright by Michael Bradley and Chris Bradley, When People Let You Down: Dealing with Disappointment. Its a popular saying: Im waiting for my Boaz. This is especially important when family isnt available. He made kind gestures to reveal his heart to her and left it there. Obviously, the author was familiar with Israels greatest king. She urges Ruth and Orpah to stay in Moab and find new husbands. These two sons married Moabite women: Orpah and Ruth. She had to go gather behind the harvesters in the fields to get a bit of barley so they could survive. There are many but I will only go over 6 of them. Boaz meant that she was a valiant woman of great moral integrity. And Boaz did not delay in calling a meeting to secure his rights to marry her. She declared that she was going with Naomi to Bethlehem, left her country and her family behind, and refused to let her past hold her back. Even though Ruth wasnt a Jew and was a Moabite, God didnt allow those titles to change His love for Ruth. She was a convert to Judaism and she knew very little about Jewish rules. 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. Having touched God's heart, she also touched the heart of one of God's champion followers Boaz. 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. There will be days where you completely mess things up and there will be other days when you succeed in every aspect. Be Blessed. Ruth and Boaz got married and had a child they named Obed. Your email address will not be published. The story is a mirror opposite of Israel's depressing journey from triumph to tragedy that is presented in the book of Judges. He brought something to the table that marched Ruths hardworking and virtuous nature. Ruth could have had her fill and left it there. Every week you will receive a devotional and a free printable PDF that will help you dive deeper into our Ruth Bible Study. Each person within the relationship must understand that everyone has imperfections and its imperative that they come to terms with this reality. Just like the Proverbs 31 woman. 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 . We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. But what you do see is an ordinary and challenging life shaped by faith and guided by the God she believes in, and today we can look back and see the mighty way her life was used. The LORD bless you, my daughter, he replied. 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. God heard her cries and helped her feel complete again. Ruth was the Moabite daughter-in-law of a Jewess named Naomi. 5. 51 Best Bible Verses About Relationship With God. Now the way was clear for him to marry Ruth. She took action by going to the fields everyday day to glean. Like Ruth, we also need to work to be women and men of integrity. 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. 1. And whats so amazing is that Ruth was a foreigner. We know that the other kinsman did not want to marry Ruth because he didnt want to divide his inheritance even further among his existing children. She was bending over all day long to pick up grain. We dont usually share our unedited feelings and thoughts about God with friends or family members. When you least expect it God provides His children with the things they need in life. Everyone can find something relatable in Ruths love story. It was their faith that was at the center of their relationship and intimate communication. So Ruth took on the responsibility of providing for them. Ruth was the great-grandmother of King David and the daughter-in-law of Naomi. He was all too willing to do so. Neither of them knew how theyd survive. (6-7) Ruth lays down at Boaz's feet. Ruth`s story was one of the best. This next characteristic of Ruth in the Bible has to do with who she was at heart. Which man is going to ignore a beautiful, well-dressed sweet smelling damsel, especially one who has already caught his attention with her character? Now, what are some of these characteristics that you should be looking for in your Boaz? 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. Ruth allowed herself to be influenced by Naomi. Once they realize that their significant other doesnt have bad intentions when they make mistakes, theyll discover that their relationship will truly prosper. In fact, it often takes great sacrifice. Boaz was one such person but there was another who came before Boaz. God has a redeemer for our lives His name is Jesus Christ. Boaz listened to the voices of those who also observed and interacted with her. Naomi reminded Ruth that she was free to leave and go back to her family. Open your Safari menu and tap "Add to Home Screen". It is HIS story. She was freshly widowed and scrounging for food. But that was only until Boaz told him he would also have to marry Ruth as well. The book of Ruth focuses on this romantic story that represents Jesus and what He did for us. There was no king in Israel and leadership was dependent on the judges that God selected. Its heart-wrenching to lose a child. It takes great courage to leave everything you know and love to start a whole new life. The story of Ruth is set during the time of the judges. Naomi told Ruth to bathe, put on her best clothes, and splash on some perfume. Ruth is a woman of great character who embodies many positive traits. Were there negative characteristics of Ruth in the Bible? Lets look at a few strengths and weaknesses of Ruth in the Bible. When these two women arrive back in Naomis home town, they are destitute, devastated, and broken. Its four chapters . Rahab, the prostitute who escaped Jericho was Boazs mother. . Lesson #1 - There is Hope Even in the Most Devastating Times of Our Life. In the midst of any circumstances you face, in whatever relationships, we can trust God to bring good out of it. Sermon series: Building Lasting Relationships - Ruth. We can learn a lot from the relationship of Ruth and Naomi, and loyalty is among the lessons. The odds of being taken into marriage were low because she was a stranger among the Hebrews. Later we see him ensuring that they have food to eat during their lunch break and he sits and eats with then. Thank you xo much for all the lessons you have scooped out for us from the story of Ruth. Our doctrines, practices, policies. About Us | Contact US | Privacy | Disclaimer | Back to Top. It was all manual labor. 3.9 Rate this book. He immediately takes to her and starts to protect her. A selfish man will give you headaches. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. And Ruth, she also lost her husband. Even though we are basically desolate because of our sinful actions, we will all be forgiven and have the opportunity to make our lives better. This book is the story of a young widow named Ruth, whose heart had been broken by her husband's death yet healed by faith in the God of Israel. Nineteenth-century American historian Elizabeth Ellet imagines that Ruth's beauty and foreign appearance attracted Boaz's attention.. It tells of a relationship between two women-Naomi, the senior of the two, and her daughter-in-law Ruth. Go have babies. 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. 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. The book of Ruth is packed with so many lessons about, life, love and faithfulness. A famine in Canaan forces Elimelech and Naomi, along with their sons, to migrate from Bethlehem to Moab. As a widow myself, Im drawn to the story of Ruth again and again. In fact, we know more about the relationship between these two women than we know about them individually. 4:17). But Boaz was willing to follow the proper civil procedures to have Ruth. Boaz did this without any apparent expectation of getting anything from Ruth. Instead couples should have equal say on what happens within a relationship and each voice should hold the same value. Note that he addressed her as daughter. 1. Boaz was willing to claim Ruth publicly. 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.. Like Abraham, Ruth left her life of false worship, a life surrounded by a predictable routine and people she knew. Your email address will not be published. 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. Instead couples should have equal say on what happens within a relationship and each voice should hold the same value. Lets face it, no one is perfect! Naomi told her two daughters-in-law to stay in Moab and find new husbands. Ruth was taken and overwhelmed with his kindness that she bowed before Boaz. He called her virtuous. He also gave compliments, protection, and respect. On the other hand, Ruths husband had died leaving her without children and she was still young. In The Midst Of Bad Circumstances, The Lord Is In Control Of Your Life. Ruth and Naomi's friendship starts off with grief-stricken Naomi deciding to move back to her hometown of Bethlehem after the . The reality that Ruth experiences is relatable to couples in love today. As you watch Ruth going to field to work daily and keep her integrity even Im poverty, does that describe you? Dear Lord, But tragedy struck the family. So well only look at a few. Bethlehem was where Jehovah was worshipped but Moab was a place where heathen, false gods were worshipped. This would mean marrying the widow of the deceased and making children. Ruth means friend or companion. Its evident that Naomi understands that God wants her to continue her relationship with Ruth and she expresses these feelings with thanks and recognition. While you may be going through pain in your current heartbreak, its important to realize that this is all for a reason. Mahlon was married to Ruth while Chillion was married to Orpah. Also, there was a considerable age difference between them. Love is a very interesting concept. When the timing is right, the outcome of the conversation is likely to be more favorable. The word root for the name "Ruth"in Hebrew, "Rooth"means "friendship" or "friend.". Therefore, Boaz would need to marry her instead of Naomi. Naomi knew this and so she cautioned Ruth to wait until Boazs stomach was full and he was pretty much at rest. Naomi already felt that God had dealt very bitterly with her, yet she continued to hope. It was a sacrifice for Ruth to refuse to return to her family. 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. Waiting for your Boaz means to wait for the one with specific characteristics. No matter your past, you still have a purpose. Anissa McClain November 1, 2014 English 280 Penny Riggs The Case of Winnie Ruth Judd Winnie Ruth Judd was born in 1905 and raised in Darlington, Indiana, by her parents Reverend and Mrs. McKinnell. Boaz therefore went to a meeting in which he was able to win Ruth from that family member. After moving to Moab with her husband and sons, she loses her husband and becomes a widow. She lived a simple live in obscurity. Just 10 years later her sons die, too. In the moments where life feels like its crushing you, start with a little faith. 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. From the beginning, God had a number of smaller things that needed to happen before the bigger plan could come into fruition. Naomi was too old to remarry or to work. The meeting with the other kinsman was held in the presence of Ruth, Naomi and elders in the community. When were in a relationship, its relatively easy to subconsciously take advantage of your partner because they are with you each day. Among them is how it illustrates the relationship between Jesus (Yahshua) with His Church. We just talked about some of the qualities of Boaz that makes him a great biblical example of the kind of man to date and marry. Boaz was driven by authentic love for Ruth just like Jesuss love for us caused him to give up heaven for our sake. The book of Ruth found in the Old Testament is one of the few Bible . Ruth's decision to stay with Naomi and serve the true living God she served through . Free Online Four-Week Book of Ruth Bible Study PDF: Our latest study will take you through the Book of Ruth. The book of Ruth follows the book of Judges in our Bibles because its setting was in that time period. Ruth 1:1: " In the days when the judges ruled,there was a famine in the land". ISBN-13: . Boaz saw the beauty in love and accepted Ruth for who she was. Moral Lesson 1: The Value Of Making Wise Choices. My favourite book in the Bible is the book of Ruth. And through humility and dependence, Ruth begins to grow in grace. The story of Ruth and Boaz in the Bible is one of the most romantic in Scripture. Or do they follow Naomi into an unpredictable future where Jehovah would lead? I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home again empty. (Ruth 1:20,21a KJV). In fact, we know more about the relationship between these two women than we know about them individually. He also added that she stood out in the community for this quality. The second blessing mentions Tamar, who in Genesis 38, like Ruth, bore a child after . Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links which wont change your price. Application: God had a wonderful plan for Ruth. Even Boaz makes mention of her character: It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretoforeBlessed be thou of the Lord, my daughter; for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich. Throughout the Bible, we see previews of Christ. Answer. Ruth had no idea that millions of people would read her story. 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. She could have qualified for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. God bless you. They were being punished with a famine. So he did the next best thing. Just because one couple doesnt live like another doesnt mean that theyre any less or more in love than another couple. The funny thing is, she was just minding her own business not realizing that she was being watched. Naomi even extends thanks and recognition to Ruth for providing her with a beautiful blessing. When John the Baptist was born, Zacharias was speaking in the future about the work of Christ, announcing: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people. (Luke 1:68). The Book of Ruth provides us with a great story about love. She lost her husband and her two sons. However, Naomi stayed committed to her daughter-in-law and wanted her to follow the God of Israel. Boaz redeemed Ruth like Jesus redeemed us. Since Boaz was the great-grandfather of David (4:21), the book recounts events that This was the first romantic move he made. so powerful and inspirational, may Almighty God bless those that put their head together to establish this work. 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. So, Ruth and Naomi both return to Bethlehem. So Boaz had to be out there in the rain and sunshine with his workers. Everyone lives their lives the way it best suits them therefore, others shouldnt judge love. Ruth is a traditionally feminine name with Hebrew roots and origins in the Bible which means "companion" or "friend." Ruth was "of the women of Moab" but was related to Israel . In case you have been frustrated and despondent with finding your Boaz, know that God is interested in giving you the companionship you desire. Boaz firstly asks the kinsman if he would be willing to purchase Naomis land. Thank you xo much, may God bless you, Scripture taken from New King James Version. Terms of Use: The contents of this blog post are restricted to your personal use only. On the day that Ruth decided to go gleaning, on that very day, Boaz chose to visit his field. Blessing. There are really so many lessons we could draw from this epic true love story. The two women shared great sorrow, but they also shared great affection for one another. He owned land and servants. Love is a very interesting concept. 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. Here are three lessons from the Book of Ruth for all believers: 1. When Ruth went out in the fields to glean each day, she did so with consistency and diligence. On top of that, she was a widow, she was childless, and she lived with her mother-in-law. But when God is with you, whatever touches you has Gods permission and in those times, you also have Gods protection and provision. The events occurred during the period of the judges, about a century before David became king of Israel. . Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc Used by permission. 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). This other characteristic of Ruth in the Bible often goes unnoticed. Both women had the very same struggles and the same decision to make. One of the most important Naomi and Ruth relationship principles is to trust God. It doesnt matter if youre a male or female, God cares about everyone the same. Painful. Lets talk a little about the man Boaz, what was so special about Boaz, and lessons we can learn from them. The word that Boaz used to describe Ruth is the same word used to describe the Proverbs 31 woman. 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