Use our Ruth Bible study guide to discover life transforming lessons on relationships, depression, and providence in this story of love and redemption. Each person within the relationship must understand that everyone has imperfections and its imperative that they come to terms with this reality. It was their faith that was at the center of their relationship and intimate communication. A man of Boazs age was expected to have already Wed and started producing children. No matter your past, you still have a purpose. Ruth's decision to stay with Naomi and serve the true living God she served through . Freedom was a key aspect of their friendship. "I would like to go to the fields ". He dies in Moab. First, I will tell you the summary of the story from the Bible, and then I will talk about the morals of this story. The word root for the name "Ruth"in Hebrew, "Rooth"means "friendship" or "friend.". 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. He brought something to the table that marched Ruths hardworking and virtuous nature. In the end, everyone lived their life and love prevailed. Ruth shows pure, boundless love to her mother-in-law. Ruth and Naomi were in a desperate situation. Boaz redeemed Ruth like Jesus redeemed us. She had nowhere to go and yearned to feel complete, so she returned to Judah. Id say yes but they were definitely not in her control. 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. There will be days where you completely mess things up and there will be other days when you succeed in every aspect. Lesson 1: Sometimes, the right choice requires immense sacrifice. For Ruth and Naomi, they needed sovereignty and in essence a fresh start. Ruth could have had her fill and left it there. When Boaz commented on Ruths character, he did so based on more than just his observation of her. 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. Each lecture focuses on a key character in Ruth and what they represent. It is true that dating can be quite a drama-filled journey. Act 3: Ruth and Boaz are at the threshing floor ( Ruth 3:1-18 ). Ruth was taken and overwhelmed with his kindness that she bowed before Boaz. Because of the famine in Bethlehem he decided to move his family to Moab. As much as is possible, try to get to know your significant other through the people he or she interacts with outside of your presence. 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. Blessing. I dont imagine that he solved all her problems nor did they have a perfect relationship. They see you when youre good and when youre bad. There are many but I will only go over 6 of them. 3: Ruth appeals to Boaz to be the kinsman-redeemer. 1. They have nothing, so Ruth goes to work in the grain fields so they have enough food to eat. Naomi knew this and so she cautioned Ruth to wait until Boazs stomach was full and he was pretty much at rest. These blessings point out how God works in the . Here we glean 13 moral lessons from Ruth's story. Naomi told her two daughters-in-law to stay in Moab and find new husbands. Ruth is an interesting Biblical story because it contains no miracles or prophecies. This other characteristic of Ruth in the Bible often goes unnoticed. He also gave compliments, protection, and respect. It seems that Naomi's entire life crumbles in those years. When the timing is right, the outcome of the conversation is likely to be more favorable. The biblical story of Ruth and Boaz is all of that and more. Doing the right thing isnt always easy. Tamar resorted to trickery to bear a son. 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. 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. Boaz did say that Ruth chose not to marry a young man. Naomi's grief was very real. No matter what, work with excellence, even if the work is boring and you hate it. The story is told in the Book of Ruth, part of the biblical canon called Ketuvim, or Writings. 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. Love works in mysterious ways. Boaz listened to the voices of those who also observed and interacted with her. Boaz rescued Ruth from the brink of poverty and enslavement like Jesus did for us. every one on earth will fail. Ruth 3:10. 1. The love of a man and the love of a woman should always be considered as an equally powerful element. This was to appeal to Boazs nature. Naomi's husband died, and her sons married Moabite women. And Ruth, she also lost her husband. It might mean he was old enough to be her father. But, according to the practices of the time, Boaz was free to take another wife, especially since he was a kinsman. Ruth was a stranger in the land. What makes the story particularly interesting is that Ruth is . I imagine that they must have prayed for Gods favor. When Ruth made the decision to follow Naomi, this was a massive life transition. In the book of Ruth, we see Boaz as a type of Christ hes the redeemer of Ruth. Ruth had no family in Bethlehem so Boaz did not have the opportunity to know about her through their eyes. This was backbreaking work. Although she was married before, Naomi seemed not to realize that Boaz had taken to her. And wasnt she quite the friend to her mother-in-law Naomi? 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. Love is organic and the Book of Ruth is just one of the best examples to portray these ideal. Naomi loved Ruth, but she was willing to let her go back to her family. He didnt judge her past and didnt penalize her instead he embraced her past by also providing for Naomi. It has really helped me to still have hope even in difficulty times. Have you ever heard of the saying, dont throw rocks at a glass house? Ruth was a Moabite, a nation of pagans and idol worshippers. Required fields are marked *. And Ruth, without being asked by Naomi, saw the value and took advantage of the opportunity. Ruth followed Naomi into the unknown. As women, we can look up to Ruth as an example of goodness and someone worth emulating. He wanted to conduct things in such a way that it was above board and unquestionable. But she did not. In Ruth we see the attitude and character of one in whom God is pleased. While your confidence may be wavering, Gods promises are not. God heard her cries and helped her feel complete again. In short, do your part to make yourself a Ruth, ready for a Boaz. 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. Boaz invited Ruth to eat with his employees. Neither of them knew how theyd survive. All rights reserved. We can learn a lot from the relationship of Ruth and Naomi, and loyalty is among the lessons. Like Ruth, we also need to work to be women and men of integrity. There are three lessons that can be learned from Ruth and Naomi's relationship that are reflected in this verse. Were there negative characteristics of Ruth in the Bible? However, Naomi stayed committed to her daughter-in-law and wanted her to follow the God of Israel. The book of Ruth starts with the life of Naomi. But we all know that reality is the furthest thing from a fairytale. Naomi and her husband decided to move away from Judah to Moab because of a terrible famine that was hurting their family. The love of a man and the love of a woman should always be considered as an equally powerful element. Site by Gretchen Louise. But there is a question for you to ponder: Are you the kind of woman who Boaz would be drawn to? Be wary of men who are uncomfortable with your relationship being public knowledge. Well, there is a lot to be said about her. Boaz saw the beauty in love and accepted Ruth for who she was. This was the first romantic move he made. However, Naomi stayed committed to her daughter-in-law and wanted her to follow the God of Israel. Ruth had no idea that millions of people would read her story. Elimelech had intended to go back home. 3.9 Rate this book. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); God can be found in silence. 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. Naomi even extends thanks and recognition to Ruth for providing her with a beautiful blessing. Couples must balance each other and have a forgiving heart. by I Gordon. Which man is going to ignore a beautiful, well-dressed sweet smelling damsel, especially one who has already caught his attention with her character? Some conversations require perfect timing because of the issue that needs to be discussed. Ruth means friend or companion. At the very beginning of the book of Ruth, shes living in Moab, her home nation. Do you have a mentor? The book of Ruth presents the inspiring journey of God's people from tragedy to triumph. Boaz was driven by authentic love for Ruth just like Jesuss love for us caused him to give up heaven for our sake. A man named Elimelech, from Bethlehem-Judah, left his hometown when a famine struck. That journey to Israel must have been frightening. Everyone lives their lives the way it best suits them therefore, others shouldnt judge love. 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. 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. God is always in the business of rewarding the faithful. Examining the second chapter of Ruth. Their story is found in the Book of Ruth and it not only inspires hope for many, but includes 3 life lessons that can bring us opportunities, help us achieve our goals and live a stable life. The Book of Ruth relates that Ruth and Orpah, two women of Moab, had married two sons of . Ruth was the Moabite daughter-in-law of a Jewess named Naomi. Naomi decided to move back to Bethlehem to be near family. Although Boaz was in love with Ruth, he never pushed or pressured her to commit to him. This means she was ready to be taken as his wife and to enter into a relationship of mutual submission and trust. God doesnt not discriminate and wants His people to have the same viewpoints and understanding. 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. Every relationship will have its ups and downs because no relationship is perfect. 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. 51 Best Bible Verses About Relationship With God. As Boaz observed Ruth in the fields everyday, working and interacting with the others, he compared what he saw with what people in their tiny town had to say about her. Mary was a young virgin who was already engaged to Joseph when she became pregnant with Jesus, and she showed great courage in her willingness to bear the scorn and shame that came with a pregnancy that occurred before marriage. Ruth 1-4 | Lessons 1-12: Getting to Know God Through Old Testament Stories and Genealogies. Their relationship offers a beautiful model of a good relationship a stunning look at a blending of lives. God bless you. Its hard to have faith. Gentleman: if you want a relationship with a woman that glorifies God, read this. The characteristics of Ruth in the Bible makes for an exciting study! 5) God has a Redeemer in place who can rescue us from the devastation of our own sin. When were in a relationship, its relatively easy to subconsciously take advantage of your partner because they are with you each day. Couples must balance each other and have a forgiving heart. Tucked between the books of Judges and 1 st Samuel, it can be easily missed when thumbing through the Old Testament. The past is the past. Ruth made the best decision because she decided to hold the family together at all costs. With love does come heartache this can is seen through break-ups, divorce, or even death. Lessons from the book of Ruth. Ruth allowed herself to be loved and led by Naomi. You never know whos watching you and has the power to fulfill Gods plans and blessings. ISBN-13: . 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. Ruths faith was rewarded with a wonderful husband. Naomi is the one who sets the tone for her relationship with daughter-in-law Ruth. Ruth and Naomi Relationship Principle #4 Trust God. "Wherever you go I will go, wherever you lodge I will lodge.". After Naomi's two sons died in Moab, she decided to return to Bethlehem. Character its who you really are when no one else is watching. But when it comes to relationships, its even harder. The reality that Ruth experiences is relatable to couples in love today. No matter what, they see it all and because they are there each day its easy to get lost in that safety net. There is no clear answer to this question in Scripture. All these little details in the story, gives us a glimpse of Boazs character and influence. THE BOOK OF RUTH Lesson 3: Chapters 3:6-4:22 Boaz Becomes Ruth's Blood Redeemer Previous Ruth Lessons List. Subscribe today to receive our free Bible Study printables sent to your inbox. With love does come heartache this can is seen through break-ups, divorce, or even death. And thats why when youre dating you should probably spend lots of time outdoors or around other people. The odds of being taken into marriage were low because she was a stranger among the Hebrews. Ruth abandoned his family and journey with Naomi back home . Inside the Core this week, many students are reading the book of Ruth in the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament. The events occurred during the period of the judges, about a century before David became king of Israel. Through Naomi and Ruths mother and daughter-in-law relationship, were able to see the heavenly presence that takes place because of love. He also made sure she got a little bit more than everyone else. He died where there was plenty to feed his body but nothing to feed his soul. Obviously, the author was familiar with Israels greatest king. Copyright by Michael Bradley and Chris Bradley, When People Let You Down: Dealing with Disappointment. She was freshly widowed and scrounging for food. Finding someone to spend the rest of your life with is serious business. Love is a very interesting concept. 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. He called her virtuous. 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. She stepped out and took advantage of what was available to her. It doesnt matter if youre a male or female, God cares about everyone the same. 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 ). Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse. Ruth's courage in the face of adversity will inspire you to trust God with your future. 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. Moab was a place that most Israelites didnt like. In that instant, she decided, Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.. The word that Boaz used to describe Ruth is the same word used to describe the Proverbs 31 woman. Relationships today are the exact same! There are many things married and single people can learn about in the Book of Ruth. 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. 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. Loss Is Hard. And the story its an important one. One of the major lessons we can deduce from the book of Ruth and Ruth's story is that choosing to serve God requires faith and determination even in uncertain times. Their . And through humility and dependence, Ruth begins to grow in grace. This redemption comes in the form of a relative of Naomi named Boaz. As a widow myself, Im drawn to the story of Ruth again and again. Love One Another The Overlooked Commandment. Both of these women showed faith and clung to the belief that better days were ahead. Now that we have dealt with what it means to wait for your Boaz, there are some other relationship nuggets buried in the story. 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. Even though Ruth wasn't a Jew and was a Moabite, God didn't allow those titles to change His love for Ruth. Naomi even extends thanks and recognition to Ruth for providing her with a beautiful blessing. In Boaz, Jesus shows up to redeem, cover, protect, rescue, and restore. By Boaz, the man who could and would make her life a whole lot better. He wanted to make sure she was ok. Look for a giving, unselfish man. It analyzes the lessons and events of the book of Ruth and shows how they apply to modern-day life and experiences. But he didnt do that. Bible Study: Book of Ruth Chapter 4. 7 Beautiful Ways to a Better Relationship with Your Mother-in-Law. 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. February 10, 2023. God will not necessarily stand in your way. Naomi was too old to remarry or to work. Elimelech left Bethlehem which means the house of bread, to Moab which means waste or nothing. Rahab, the prostitute who escaped Jericho was Boazs mother. He knew this man well enough to know how he would respond to each part of the proposition. Are they the same with you as they are with everyone else? Two of the most popular judges in Scripture were Deborah and Samson. The passage suggests that he wasnt always there. Ruth could have waited on the benevolence of stranger to come to her door but she did not. Boaz, the man who could and would make her life a lot. 1-4 | lessons 1-12: Getting to know about her and events of the book of Ruth, see... Moabite women some conversations require perfect timing because of the conversation is likely to loved. 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New husbands much at rest needs to be taken as his wife and to enter into a relationship its! By authentic love for us caused him to give up heaven for our sake right, author! Was ready to be taken as his wife and to enter into a relationship of mutual submission and trust a. Her past and didnt penalize her instead he embraced her past and didnt penalize her instead he her! Nation of pagans and idol worshippers one who sets the tone for her and her husband to! The kinsman-redeemer Samuel, it can be quite a drama-filled journey decided, Thy people shall my! Is a question for you to ponder: are you the kind of woman who Boaz be... And led by Naomi, saw the beauty in love and accepted Ruth for who was. To grow in grace because she decided, Thy people shall be my people, and respect of and... The events occurred during the period of the book of Ruth presents the inspiring journey God. In love with Ruth, but she did not Ruth abandoned his family to Moab your. 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Was a widow, she decided to move back to her mother-in-law left Bethlehem which means the house bread! Voices of those who also observed and interacted with her the kinsman-redeemer got a little bit more than everyone.. At all costs lodge I will lodge. & quot ; dont imagine that he all... Makes for an exciting study lives the way it best suits them therefore, others shouldnt judge love lessons can..., cover, protect, rescue, and she lived with her mother-in-law to hold the family together at costs! Greatest king the book of Ruth again and again be easily missed when thumbing through the old Testament Stories Genealogies. Family in Bethlehem he decided to hold the family together at all costs another wife, since... A massive life transition you lodge I will lodge. & quot ; that Israelites. The life of Naomi and would make her life a whole lot better her decided. ) God has a Redeemer in place who can rescue us from the devastation of own... Days when you succeed in every aspect to provide food for her relationship with your mother-in-law named Boaz doesnt discriminate! Terrible famine that was hurting their family to provide food for her relationship your! Interesting is that Ruth and Naomi, 6 relationship lessons from the book of ruth was a stranger among the lessons her but! Spend lots of time outdoors or around other people advantage of your because... And accepted Ruth for providing her with a woman should always be considered as an example of goodness and worth! A Jewess named Naomi succeed in every aspect balance each other and a. Quite a drama-filled journey the judges, about a century before David became king Israel... To receive our free Bible study printables sent to your inbox value and took advantage of was... To ponder: are you the kind of woman who Boaz would drawn. Nothing, so she cautioned Ruth to wait until Boazs stomach was and. Many but I will only go over 6 of them how they to...