When were in a relationship, its relatively easy to subconsciously take advantage of your partner because they are with you each day. Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth decided to move back to Bethlehem in Judah because they were heartbroken and lost. In the Book of Ruth, Orpah and Ruth chose different paths because that was best for them. 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. Boaz is a type of Christ, meaning, he had many characteristics of Christ and foreshadowed what Jesus was going to do for humanity. 5. When Boaz commented on Ruths character, he did so based on more than just his observation of her. Two of the most popular judges in Scripture were Deborah and Samson. She moved to a foreign land where she knew no one but her mother-in-law. every one on earth will fail. Boaz is presented as a "man of character" ( Ruth 2:1 ). Neither of them knew how theyd survive. 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. Love works in mysterious ways. It is a story of friendship, family, and redemption. Couples must balance each other and have a forgiving heart. However, Naomi stayed committed to her daughter-in-law and wanted her to follow the God of Israel. . After they had lived there about . It means to refuse to rush or settle with someone who does not meet Gods approval. THE BOOK OF RUTH Lesson 3: Chapters 3:6-4:22 Boaz Becomes Ruth's Blood Redeemer Previous Ruth Lessons List. It seems that Naomi's entire life crumbles in those years. Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah are all widows. Although Boaz was in love with Ruth, he never pushed or pressured her to commit to him. As you watch Ruth going to field to work daily and keep her integrity even Im poverty, does that describe you? Nineteenth-century American historian Elizabeth Ellet imagines that Ruth's beauty and foreign appearance attracted Boaz's attention.. Ruth had no idea that millions of people would read her story. Naomi was essentially empty and devastated after she lost her husband and sons. This in-depth Bible Study will take you verse-by-verse and chapter-by-chapter through the book of Ruth. Open your Safari menu and tap "Add to Home Screen". 1. She didnt just pray. In the moments where life feels like its crushing you, start with a little faith. Boaz did this without any apparent expectation of getting anything from Ruth. Ruth laid aside her pain, left her home and family, and turned her face to the future with hope as she journeyed to a new place with her mother-in-law. It was an enemy nation, and Israelites tended to look down on the Moabites. Listen To The Advice of The Wise. Free Online Four-Week Book of Ruth Bible Study PDF: Our latest study will take you through the Book of Ruth. Providing your significant other with gratitude will show them that you genuinely care and want to make this relationship last forever. Boaz was willing to claim Ruth publicly. 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. a. He wanted to conduct things in such a way that it was above board and unquestionable. She was free to go back to her gods and free to search for a new husband to take care of her. But life was actually worst. Kenneth Way September 26, 2016. Providing your significant other with gratitude will show them that you genuinely care and want to make this relationship last forever. He had not done what he was supposed to do. 6 Naomi was a pious and charitable woman "whose ways were nice and pleasant." 7 Ruth considered her a spiritual guide whose advice . Both Naomi and Ruth experienced a great amount of grief, however both prevail Naomi loses her husband two sons. I hear people say, Gods got Made with by India A place where world feel the words. The indescribable passion and struggles that accompany love is displayed in the Book of Ruth and these actions personify our own struggles that we come face-to-face with on a daily basis. Gentleman: if you want a relationship with a woman that glorifies God, read this. He called her virtuous. 1. Its evident that Naomi understands that God wants her to continue her relationship with Ruth and she expresses these feelings with thanks and recognition. It doesnt matter if youre a male or female, God cares about everyone the same. 1:1-5: Elimelech and his family go to Moab. No matter what devastating situation comes into play, love will conquer all because it is ultimately what brings people together. God is the perfect match maker. The reality that Ruth experiences is relatable to couples in love today. Remember to thank and recognize your partner each day. Naomi hatches a "plan" to join Ruth and Boaz for "good" ( Ruth 2:22 ). Ruth was the Moabite daughter-in-law of a Jewess named Naomi. When the meeting was done, Boaz publicly declared and celebrated his relationship with Ruth. God bless you. Ruth 1:3: "Now Elimelek, Naomi's husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. Mrs. Mckinnel would stay at home, while her father was the type of person who saw well in everyone. Here are four relationship lessons I gleaned from my most recent re-reading of the book of Ruth. 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. Boaz saw the beauty in love and accepted Ruth for who she was. From the beginning, God had a number of smaller things that needed to happen before the bigger plan could come into fruition. Through Naomi and Ruths mother and daughter-in-law relationship, were able to see the heavenly presence that takes place because of love. When Ruth gets to Bethlehem, he decided to go to the fields to pick up left over grains for them to grind into flour to use for good. God has a redeemer for our lives His name is Jesus Christ. The book of Ruth is a beautiful piece of sacred literature, applauded by many for its literary excellence. This would mean marrying the widow of the deceased and making children. After moving to Moab with her husband and sons, she loses her husband and becomes a widow. The intersection of their lives becomes not only the framework of an earthly love story but . There is no bitterness or hostility that shadows over their relationship. While the two women have several things in common, they are different in some respects. Ruth's story is celebrated during the Jewish festival of Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, 50 days after Passover. Just like the Proverbs 31 woman. 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. Both Ruth and Naomi, her mother-in-law, have returned to Israel from Moab widowed and forlorn. Hopefully the story of Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth will hold additional lessons for us as well. And yet, his fingerprints are all over the events of Ruth. 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 . They were being punished with a famine. In the Book of Ruth, Orpah and Ruth chose different paths because that was best for them. But she cannot wash her face with the looking-glass. 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. . Despite the pain, Naomi chooses to stand by her daughter-in-laws side and continue their relationship. When it was just a matter of property, it was easy to decide on; but if he must take Ruth as a wife, that was another matter. To some extent, she might be considered naive. The book of Ruth in the Bible is an anthology of love and forgiveness. For Ruth and Naomi, they needed sovereignty and in essence a fresh start. Both of these women showed faith and clung to the belief that better days were ahead. But she did not. 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 ). Even though Ruth wasnt a Jew and was a Moabite, God didnt allow those titles to change His love for Ruth. His wife and sons stay on, and the sons marry non-Jewish women - Moabite princesses by the names of Ruth and Orpah. Soon, Naomi becomes aware that Boaz has a thing for Ruth. Naomi told the women, Go back home. Don't miss the rest of our series on loving your in-laws! Everyone lives their lives the way it best suits them therefore, others shouldnt judge love. Ruth and Orpah made two different decisions. Everyone can find something relatable in Ruths love story. In the book of Ruth, we see Boaz as a type of Christ hes the redeemer of Ruth. Lesson 3 - Working Isn't A Lack Of Blessing. So well only look at a few. Key Words and Historical Background Notes. At the beginning of the story, we meet Elimelech, the husband of Naomi. Go have babies. Moral Lesson 1: The Value Of Making Wise Choices. Obviously, the author was familiar with Israels greatest king. Ruth took advantage of what was available to her. Boaz recognized that Ruth was quite vulnerable. In the end, everyone lived their life and love prevailed. Ruth had a whole lot to learn. Through Ruths story, we learn that God uses the most unlikely people for his purpose. Be careful of the decisions you make thinking you have time. God has a Redeemer for our lives, too, and His name is Jesus. Owning a field was not easy then. Boaz didnt seem to have this concern. We can learn a lot from the relationship of Ruth and Naomi, and loyalty is among the lessons. The story of Ruth and Naomi is one of the best-loved stories in the Bible. 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. Ten years passed, and Mahlon and Chilion both died. After completing this lesson, children will learn what it means to be redeemed by Jesus by comparing how Boaz was the kinsman-redeemer for Ruth. 4: Boaz accepts and marries Ruth; they become the ancestors of David and Jesus Christ. They confess their undying devotion and love for each other and in a fairytale theyd live happily ever after. Ruth's decision to stay with Naomi and serve the true living God she served through . The first concerns the happy accident of Ruth's Her two sons found wives, Ruth and Orpah, but 10 years later, both sons died as well. Ruths story is ordinary. The book of Ruth is a fascinating tale of romance, intrigue, loss, disobedience, and ultimately of faith. She grew up in an evil country an enemy of Israel. In a place where many would have thought shed be ostracized, she found love with a man named Boaz. It might mean he was old enough to be her father. Lets face it, no one is perfect! Your email address will not be published. She had to go gather behind the harvesters in the fields to get a bit of barley so they could survive. The truth is that this other kinsman should have already come forward to claim Ruth and help to get settled. Ruths diligence was being observed without her knowing it. Early in the story we met Ruth and Orpah. 4. 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. You have your identity when you find out, not what you can keep your mind on, but what you can't Throughout the Bible, we see previews of Christ. Love works in mysterious ways. The book of Ruth does not always get the respect it deserves. Sermon series: Building Lasting Relationships - Ruth. And Boaz did not delay in calling a meeting to secure his rights to marry her. Each person within the relationship must understand that everyone has imperfections and its imperative that they come to terms with this reality. 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. More often than not, youll find that love mirrors our reality in many cases within biblical stories. 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; Granted, she needed some help from Naomi to see it but Ruth eventually gave Boaz permission to claim her as his wife. Relationships today are the exact same! There are two texts in the book of Ruth which speak to the relationship of conjugal love to divine love. It was later in the story that any signs of romantic love were expressed. Sometimes it seems like I take my worries everywhere except to you. 4:17). There are three lessons that can be learned from Ruth and Naomi's relationship that are reflected in this verse. Having touched God's heart, she also touched the heart of one of God's champion followers Boaz. The book of Ruth focuses on this romantic story that represents Jesus and what He did for us. We all must understand the importance of being thankful and recognizing others that make a difference within our life especially within our relationships. 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. God will not necessarily stand in your way. Answer. Then she had to do the work to make it into barley flour. Men and Women should respect each other equally. Boaz saw the beauty in love and accepted Ruth for who she was. The characteristics of Ruth in the Bible makes for an exciting study! Naomi's husband died, and her sons married Moabite women. He immediately takes to her and starts to protect her. Boaz firstly asks the kinsman if he would be willing to purchase Naomis land. You never know whos watching you and has the power to fulfill Gods plans and blessings. He was wealthy. It was a sacrifice for Ruth to refuse to return to her family. Grief and sorrow do not trump love. The book of Ruth found in the Old Testament is one of the few Bible . This next characteristic of Ruth in the Bible has to do with who she was at heart. Woven throughout, God's lovingkindness shines in each detail. Both Naomi and Ruth experienced a great amount of grief, however both prevail Naomi loses her husband two sons. After Naomi's two sons died in Moab, she decided to return to Bethlehem. However, if we look forward and allow our compassion for one another fuel our outlook then we will see how love can flourish. Lessons from the book of Ruth. The story is a mirror opposite of Israel's depressing journey from triumph to tragedy that is presented in the book of Judges. In fact, we know more about the relationship between these two women than we know about them individually. Both women had the very same struggles and the same decision to make. The good thing is that Boaz wasnt concerned about Ruths past. 1. Every relationship will have its ups and downs because no relationship is perfect. Elimelech left Bethlehem which means the house of bread, to Moab which means waste or nothing. She pictured responsible living - 1:9-10, 14. Note that he addressed her as daughter. If not, you should probably get one. 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. He brought something to the table that marched Ruths hardworking and virtuous nature. He didnt judge her past and didnt penalize her instead he embraced her past by also providing for Naomi. The Book of Ruth is literally the Book of Friendship. If she had to go it alone, it would be 10 times harder. But we all know that reality is the furthest thing from a fairytale. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. So he put plans in place to ensure no harm would come to her. With love does come heartache this can is seen through break-ups, divorce, or even death. More often than not, youll find that love mirrors our reality in many cases within biblical stories. About Us | Contact US | Privacy | Disclaimer | Back to Top. The Book of Ruth provides us with a great story about love. The story of Naomi in the Bible and lessons we can learn, The story of Rebekah in the Bible meaning, characteristics and lessons learned . 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. She could not be accused of being idle. 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. Later tragically, Naomis husband and two sons died. He asked them to allow some to fall purposely for her. Ruth and Boaz got married and had a child they named Obed. The story is told in the Book of Ruth, part of the biblical canon called Ketuvim, or Writings. Boaz would have needed to set up his inheritance which would include having sons to leave all his wealth to. These previews of Christ are a bit of a foreshadowing that falls across Old Testament pages, fully coming to reality in the New Testament with the birth of Jesus. Thanks for sharing some of it. Just ensure that like Ruth, you are showing up in faith and doing your work with excellence. . The story of Ruth and Boaz in the Bible is one of the most romantic in Scripture. With love does come heartache this can is seen through break-ups, divorce, or even death. Were there negative characteristics of Ruth in the Bible? The world is not kind to widows today, and being a widow was even more difficult back then. Related: How to Choose Faith . He was not in Gods will. 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6 relationship lessons from the book of ruth