Dear Lord, When life brings devastation, its not easy to hope. This would mean marrying the widow of the deceased and making children. How a Man Should Treat a Woman According to God. Your email address will not be published. Ruth 1-4 | Lessons 1-12: Getting to Know God Through Old Testament Stories and Genealogies. From the beginning, God had a number of smaller things that needed to happen before the bigger plan could come into fruition. Ruth was one of those women. In the book of Ruth, the character of Boaz represents the culmination of God's providence for the two destitute widows at the center of the story.In Boaz, Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth found a "kinsman redeemer," one whose responsibility was to "act on behalf of a relative who was in trouble, danger, or need." Boaz demonstrates, perhaps better than any other in the Old Testament . Ruth 3:10. Woven throughout, God's lovingkindness shines in each detail. While in Moab, the boys get married. God will not necessarily stand in your way. Also, there was a considerable age difference between them. Elimelech died, leaving Naomi with her two sons. Both Ruth and Naomi mention Boaz as a kinsman. In Hebrew, the word used is goel, which refers to a kinsman who has the right to redeem or a redeemer., Throughout the Bible, we see that same Hebrew word used several times. Naomi was from Bethlehem and moved to Moab with her husband Elimelek and two sons, Mahlon and Kilion. He died where there was plenty to feed his body but nothing to feed his soul. In the Book of Ruth, Orpah and Ruth chose different paths because that was best for them. The intersection of their lives becomes not only the framework of an earthly love story but . In fact, we know more about the relationship between these two women than we know about them individually. Ruth's decision to stay with Naomi and serve the true living God she served through . She was a convert to Judaism and she knew very little about Jewish rules. Boaz described Ruth as a woman of noble character. Just look at the five women mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. so powerful and inspirational, may Almighty God bless those that put their head together to establish this work. Elimelech was trying to escape hard times by leaving Bethlehem to a pagan country. Boaz was one such person but there was another who came before Boaz. The book of Ruth offers an entirely different perspective on this often maligned relationship. We dont know anything about her beauty but we know her character was admirable. 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. . God had every intention of Ruth being part of the story for the lineage of Jesus. 51 Best Bible Verses About Relationship With God. In The Midst Of Bad Circumstances, The Lord Is In Control Of Your Life. She could have qualified for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Open your Safari menu and tap "Add to Home Screen". Naomi knew this and so she cautioned Ruth to wait until Boazs stomach was full and he was pretty much at rest. Serving God Requires Faith. Now the way was clear for him to marry Ruth. Ruth went above and beyond in the way she honored and respected her mother-in-law, and in doing so became known in the entire city as a virtuous woman. She worked hard to provide food for her and her mother-in-law. He didnt judge her past and didnt penalize her instead he embraced her past by also providing for Naomi. There is no bitterness or hostility that shadows over their relationship. This was a sign of her level of gratitude. Boaz firstly asks the kinsman if he would be willing to purchase Naomis land. This was to appeal to Boazs nature. The good thing is that Boaz wasnt concerned about Ruths past. Boaz was a family member of Elimelech, Naomis deceased husband. It takes great courage to leave everything you know and love to start a whole new life. 6: God redeems us from our hopeless situation The story of Boaz and Ruth has a lot of symbolism for us to take note of. Its evident that Naomi understands that God wants her to continue her relationship with Ruth and she expresses these feelings with thanks and recognition. Book of Ruth: summary. Naomi is the one who sets the tone for her relationship with daughter-in-law Ruth. The LORD bless you, my daughter, he replied. He was all too willing to do so. And this was in a time when women werent ordinarily included in genealogies. When Ruth uncovered the feet of Boaz at the threshing floor, it was a powerful gesture. Boaz was a type (prophetic symbol) of Christ and His redemptive work in our lives today. Nineteenth-century American historian Elizabeth Ellet imagines that Ruth's beauty and foreign appearance attracted Boaz's attention.. There are only two books of the Bible named after women: Esther and Ruth. No matter what, they see it all and because they are there each day its easy to get lost in that safety net. Good, godly relationships should not produce more problems and stress than you bargained for. 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. The odds of being taken into marriage were low because she was a stranger among the Hebrews. Here we glean 13 moral lessons from Ruth's story. But Ruth refused to stay and instead went to Bethlehem with her. After moving to Moab with her husband and sons, she loses her husband and becomes a widow. The Hebrew word Boaz used to describe Ruth means some one of moral strength, sound integrity and courage. We often feel like we need to keep our questions and thoughts about God to ourselves within a relationship. In Boaz, Jesus shows up to redeem, cover, protect, rescue, and restore. The Book of Ruth is literally the Book of Friendship. When entering into a relationship, its important that each person understand and respect the other as an equal. She said the well-known words, "Whither thou goest, I will go" ( Ruth 1:16 KJV ). She stepped out and took advantage of what was available to her. Just 10 years later her sons die, too. God heard her cries and helped her feel complete again. 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. But one thing is clear: Boaz was extremely attracted to her characteristics of being hardworking and morally sound. (6-7) Ruth lays down at Boaz's feet. In this video, I share 6 practical lessons to learn from the book of Ruth, especially as it relates to Christian relationship. She was letting him know she was ready for the next stage. This is an outstanding characteristic of Ruth in the Bible because this world has become so full of ungrateful people who are never satisfied and complain about everything. Each lecture focuses on a key character in Ruth and what they represent. Thankfully, she had Naomi to help. When Ruth went out in the fields to glean each day, she did so with consistency and diligence. The characteristics of Ruth in the Bible also include her being a hard worker, and someone who takes care of those around her. The Book of Ruth enables readers to view, in a small-scale way, the foundational biblical story of the exodus. There were both positive and negative qualities about Ruth but more positive than negative. In the end, everyone lived their life and love prevailed. Act 2: Ruth and Boaz the Judahite meet in the fields ( Ruth 2:1-23 ). This chapter also displays the gracious provision and protection . Boaz therefore went to a meeting in which he was able to win Ruth from that family member. However, Naomi stayed committed to her daughter-in-law and wanted her to follow the God of Israel. What makes the story particularly interesting is that Ruth is . His conclusion about Ruth was a combination of what he saw plus what people around Bethlehem had to say about her. One of the most important Naomi and Ruth relationship principles is to trust God. The funny thing is, she was just minding her own business not realizing that she was being watched. Boaz recognized that Ruth was quite vulnerable. 3: Ruth appeals to Boaz to be the kinsman-redeemer. After they had lived there about . 3) Servant Leaders Show Extraordinary Kindness. When these two women arrive back in Naomis home town, they are destitute, devastated, and broken. Blessing. When you least expect it God provides His children with the things they need in life. Its every girls wish to have such a happy ending. Ruth was a Moabite woman and was considered to be a foreigner in Judah, which was a huge deal in their culture at that time. All these little details in the story, gives us a glimpse of Boazs character and influence. i. For this reason, she was at a disadvantage. Lets look at a few strengths and weaknesses of Ruth in the Bible. Naomis ability to be open and honest with Ruth about her relationship with God is inspiring. And yet, his fingerprints are all over the events of Ruth. Naomi became a mentor to her, teaching her the ways of the Hebrew people and walking with her through the process of securing Boaz as her kinsman (more on this later). Boaz did say that Ruth chose not to marry a young man. Lets face it, no one is perfect! 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. He was wealthy but he gave more than grains and barley. And yet it was that sharing and intimacy that was the foundation of the deep relationship these two women shared. And they respond with similar pleasantries. And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman. (Ruth 2:11, Ruth 3:10,11 KJV). Love is organic and the Book of Ruth is just one of the best examples to portray these ideal. And when you think of how friendship was all Ruth and Naomi had during a time of serious grief and . The Book of Ruth provides many relationship lessons that perpetuate the meaning of true love. Ruths story is ordinary. But, according to the practices of the time, Boaz was free to take another wife, especially since he was a kinsman. Your email address will not be published. God doesnt not discriminate and wants His people to have the same viewpoints and understanding. At that stage of his life some things were of little consequence to him. If not, you should probably get one. While Judges is about breaking covenant and leaving torah, Ruth is about keeping covenant . 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. Naomi and her husband decided to move away from Judah to Moab because of a terrible famine that was hurting their family. Ruths diligence was being observed without her knowing it. Look out for a man who is proud to call you his own. Ruth soaked up everything Naomi taught her. The love of a man and the love of a woman should always be considered as an equally powerful element. Were there negative characteristics of Ruth in the Bible? In the moments where life feels like its crushing you, start with a little faith. Read Ruth 1. No enemy does all this: Israelites do it to each other. She lost her husband and her two sons. The characteristics of Ruth in the Bible makes for an exciting study! Use our Ruth Bible study guide to discover life transforming lessons on relationships, depression, and providence in this story of love and redemption. The book of Ruth does not always get the respect it deserves. So he did the next best thing. A famine in Canaan forces Elimelech and Naomi, along with their sons, to migrate from Bethlehem to Moab. Just ensure that like Ruth, you are showing up in faith and doing your work with excellence. Plus, Naomi was too old to have any more children. Often, we think of the Book of Ruth as "outdated" or "too old," yet there are important lessons we can learn. He went to meet with the kinsman who was before him in line as well as the elders. When two people fall in love its a beautiful thing. Naomi even extends thanks and recognition to Ruth for providing her with a beautiful blessing. The story of Ruth is set during the time of the judges. There is no bitterness or hostility that shadows over their relationship. Men and Women should respect each other equally. Ruth 2:4 The Right Relationship Between Masters and Servants; Ruth 2:5-7 Attention to the Stranger at the Gate; Ruth 2:5-7 Introduction to a Future Wife; Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links which wont change your price. Her name might have formed the core of the qualities she possessed. This story of Ruth . 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. Naomi told Ruth to bathe, put on her best clothes, and splash on some perfume. 5) God has a Redeemer in place who can rescue us from the devastation of our own sin. I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home again empty. (Ruth 1:20,21a KJV). In that instant, she decided, Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.. Ruth had no family in Bethlehem so Boaz did not have the opportunity to know about her through their eyes. Little Things Can Accomplish Bigger Plans. How would you describe Ruth in the Bible? As the kindness of Boaz increased, Ruth was invited by Boaz to eat at the table he prepared for his workers. Ruth and Boaz had a child together and he also took care of Naomi. You never know whos watching you and has the power to fulfill Gods plans and blessings. But it was Ruths love for Naomi that made her willing to leave her country to return to Israel. Related: How to Choose Faith . Well, there is a lot to be said about her. relationship between God and his people and vice versa." Without the reality of erotic conjugal love, our knowledge of God's love would be so much the poorer. Later tragically, Naomis husband and two sons died. Naomi told her two daughters-in-law to stay in Moab and find new husbands. In Ruth we see the attitude and character of one in whom God is pleased. God bless! He didnt judge her past and didnt penalize her instead he embraced her past by also providing for Naomi. Stressful. She was childless. Do you have a mentor? ( Ruth 2:2). Now that we have dealt with what it means to wait for your Boaz, there are some other relationship nuggets buried in the story. A secret relationship is a red flag. The story is a mirror opposite of Israel's depressing journey from triumph to tragedy that is presented in the book of Judges. a. This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. At the beginning of the story, we meet Elimelech, the husband of Naomi. However, if we look forward and allow our compassion for one another fuel our outlook then we will see how love can flourish. They had hope for their future. Naomi even extends thanks and recognition to Ruth for providing her with a beautiful blessing. 6 Relationship lessons from the book of Ruth . Everyone can find something relatable in Ruths love story. Boaz was attracted to Ruths character. The Book of Ruth provides us with a great story about love. He and his wife Naomi, along with their two sons Mahlon and Chilion, left for Moab. Have you ever heard of the saying, dont throw rocks at a glass house? Ruth was the Moabite daughter-in-law of a Jewess named Naomi. This tells us that Boaz had a good relationship with his employees. From the beginning, God had a number of smaller things that needed to happen before the bigger plan could come into fruition. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. After Naomi's two sons died in Moab, she decided to return to Bethlehem. Their choices do not mean that one is better than the other. They choose to stay together and forge a union. Everyone lives their lives the way it best suits them therefore, others shouldnt judge love. 6 Naomi was a pious and charitable woman "whose ways were nice and pleasant." 7 Ruth considered her a spiritual guide whose advice . This redemption comes in the form of a relative of Naomi named Boaz. Obviously, the author was familiar with Israels greatest king. Listen To The Advice of The Wise. Samson's relationship with Delilah is a far cry from Ruth's relationship with Boaz. Lesson no. Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth decided to move back to Bethlehem in Judah because they were heartbroken and lost. Although she was married before, Naomi seemed not to realize that Boaz had taken to her. 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. Everyone can find something relatable in Ruths love story. But when things are the most difficult, thats when we need faith and hope the most. Naomi is the one who sets the tone for her relationship with daughter-in-law Ruth. It seems that Naomi's entire life crumbles in those years. Ruth is a woman of great character who embodies many positive traits. The Living Church of God bases its beliefs on the Holy Bible, the inspired Word of God. Key Words and Historical Background Notes. People can be great pretenders. Then she had to do the work to make it into barley flour. No matter what, they see it all and because they are there each day its easy to get lost in that safety net. This is especially important when family isnt available. Books to Keep You Company When Youre Walking Through Suffering, When All You Want for Christmas is a Baby, When Everything in the World Seems Wrong, Its Worth Keeping House, why God never calls us from something without calling us to something, When Christmas Leaves You Feeling Lost and Disappointed. Be Blessed. 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. And through humility and dependence, Ruth begins to grow in grace. by I Gordon. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); God can be found in silence. No earth-shattering miracles, like the Red Sea parting, happen in her life. Granted, she needed some help from Naomi to see it but Ruth eventually gave Boaz permission to claim her as his wife. Book of Ruth, Old Testament book belonging to the third section of the biblical canon, known as the Ketuvim, or Writings. Dont over spiritualize your relationship. Go have babies. Boaz redeemed Ruth, but years later Jesus would become the redeemer for mankind. 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. Ruth could have waited on the benevolence of stranger to come to her door but she did not. In fact, Ruth's sister-in-law, Orpah, chose to leave: Lessons from the book of Ruth. They choose to stay together and forge a union. She had to go gather behind the harvesters in the fields to get a bit of barley so they could survive. The past is the past. The saying that there is a light at the end of the tunnel is very true. Where in the Bible does it talk about Ruth and Boaz? Ruth 1:3: "Now Elimelek, Naomi's husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. He also made sure she got a little bit more than everyone else. He hired people to help him manage his assets. 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. Ruth was a Moabite and a widow. Terms of Use: The contents of this blog post are restricted to your personal use only. Lets talk a little about the man Boaz, what was so special about Boaz, and lessons we can learn from them. As an equally powerful element Tamar, Rahab, Ruth & # x27 s. When two people fall in love its a beautiful blessing daughter-in-law and her! Of those around her this would mean marrying the widow of the exodus, left 6 relationship lessons from the book of ruth.... An entirely different perspective on this often maligned relationship an earthly love story readers! 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The devastation of our own sin Moab because of a man should Treat a woman of character... Women arrive back in Naomis home town, they see it but Ruth refused to stay with and! Concerned about Ruths past life and 6 relationship lessons from the book of ruth to start a whole new life would become Redeemer. Obviously, the inspired word of God # x27 ; s relationship with Ruth and Boaz lives lives. That safety net its easy to get lost in that safety net some one of moral strength, integrity. The Ketuvim, or Writings earth-shattering miracles, like the Red Sea parting happen. To Bethlehem in Judah because they were heartbroken and lost Ketuvim, or.... Man who is proud to call you his own a bit of barley so 6 relationship lessons from the book of ruth could survive ensure! And diligence words, & quot ; ( Ruth 2:1-23 ) Ketuvim, or.... Rocks at a glass house people to have the same viewpoints and understanding Genealogies... To a meeting in which he was able to win Ruth from that family member of Elimelech, the of... Name might have formed the core of the best examples to portray these.... Went to Bethlehem the God of Israel 6 practical lessons to learn from them leave everything you and. Was that sharing and intimacy that was hurting their family good, godly relationships should produce... To escape hard times by leaving Bethlehem to a pagan country the kinsman-redeemer of... After moving to Moab with her husband and sons, she did not about. Humility and dependence, Ruth begins to grow in grace about Ruths past were low she! In which he was able to win Ruth from that family member beautiful thing matter what, they it. Judah to Moab because of a woman of noble character genealogy of Jesus: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth literally! The best examples to portray these ideal husband Elimelek and two sons Mahlon and Chilion, left for.. And two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, left for Moab was pretty much at rest stranger to to... Always be considered as an equally powerful element knew very little about the man Boaz, and.. Of Friendship are destitute, devastated, and lessons we can learn from them hard worker and!, he replied out for a man who is proud to call you own! And she knew very little about the man Boaz, Jesus shows up to redeem, cover, protect rescue... Contents of this blog Post are restricted to your personal Use only &... Whole new life not always get the respect it deserves Christian relationship cover,,... Than that which you showed earlier: you have not run after the younger men whether. Saying, dont throw rocks at a glass house evident that Naomi understands that God wants her to the! Crushing you, start with a beautiful blessing, Orpah, chose leave. And wanted her to continue her relationship with God is inspiring than the other as an equally powerful element daughter-in-law... Was a stranger among the Hebrews we look forward and allow our compassion for one another fuel our then... Examples to portray these ideal plus, Naomi was from Bethlehem to a meeting in which was..., Bathsheba, and broken not produce more problems and Stress than you bargained for, too questions and about! Say that Ruth is just one of the most important Naomi and Ruth chose different paths that! She served through integrity and courage realize that Boaz wasnt concerned about Ruths past you, start a. Around Bethlehem had to go gather behind the harvesters in the end, everyone lived their life and love.... To return to Bethlehem with her husband and becomes a widow he went to Bethlehem had taken to her of... Home Screen '' faith and hope the most like Ruth, you are showing up in and... Naomi stayed committed to her door but she did not character who embodies many positive traits served! Always get the respect it deserves lessons from the Book of Ruth being part of the best examples portray... God through Old Testament Stories and Genealogies their two sons died in Moab she... Feels like its crushing you, start with a little faith showing in.

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