Boaz listened to the voices of those who also observed and interacted with her. 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 . She urges Ruth and Orpah to stay in Moab and find new husbands. Clearly, the exalted nation of Israel, God's chosen people, has lost its sense of direction. He was a wealthy landowner and he earned his keep with his own sweat. Each lecture focuses on a key character in Ruth and what they represent. (NLT). They confess their undying devotion and love for each other and in a fairytale theyd live happily ever after. There is no bitterness or hostility that shadows over their relationship. Rahab was a prostitute whose faith saved her from the crashing walls of Jericho. He was wealthy. Just like the Proverbs 31 woman. Just because one couple doesnt live like another doesnt mean that theyre any less or more in love than another couple. Even if you have to pay for it, itll be worth it. Ruths story is ordinary. 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. Often, we think of the Book of Ruth as "outdated" or "too old," yet there are important lessons we can learn. Lets look at a few strengths and weaknesses of Ruth in the Bible. In fact, Ruth's sister-in-law, Orpah, chose to leave: This tells us that Boaz had a good relationship with his employees. She wasnt hired but he invited her to partake of those provisions. a. While you may be going through pain in your current heartbreak, its important to realize that this is all for a reason. 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. The sons too perish, and at last Naomi . Boaz was willing to claim Ruth publicly. Even though Ruth wasnt a Jew and was a Moabite, God didnt allow those titles to change His love for Ruth. This was the first romantic move he made. Or do they follow Naomi into an unpredictable future where Jehovah would lead? When the meeting was done, Boaz publicly declared and celebrated his relationship with Ruth. As Naomi pointed out, Ruth was free to leave her mother-in-law after the death of her husband. Yet she showed incredible character. And they respond with similar pleasantries. Waiting for your Boaz means to wait for the one with specific characteristics. And what a bountiful blessing she reaped! While the two women have several things in common, they are different in some respects. She had married the son of an Israelite family while they were living in Moab, but at some point her father-in-law, her husband, and her husband's only brother died. I will not talk much about Naomi here as I have dedicated an entire post to her. Bible Study: Book of Ruth Chapter 4. She grew up in an evil country an enemy of Israel. 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 . Boaz didnt seem to have this concern. When Boaz is introduced in the story, the first thing he does is to greet his workers and servants. Ruth and Boaz got married and had a child they named Obed. Tucked between the books of Judges and 1 st Samuel, it can be easily missed when thumbing through the Old Testament. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. God had an amazing plan for Ruth. Go have babies. Its heart-wrenching to lose a child. 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). He hired people to help him manage his assets. Naomi organized a plan to let Boaz know that Ruth is open for marriage. 5 Spiritual Lessons from the Book of Ruth. 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. Their relationship offers a beautiful model of a good relationship a stunning look at a blending of lives. Chances are that he thought he would have had time to go back. She took action. When Boaz showed up, Ruth was having a pretty rough season in her life. In the Book of Ruth, Orpah and Ruth chose different paths because that was best for them. 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. God had an amazing plan for Ruth. Ruth was a stranger in the land. Doing the right thing isnt always easy. Although she was married before, Naomi seemed not to realize that Boaz had taken to her. The Book of Ruth enables readers to view, in a small-scale way, the foundational biblical story of the exodus. For Ruth and Naomi, they needed sovereignty and in essence a fresh start. It doesnt matter if youre a male or female, God cares about everyone the same. But, that was only half the solution to the problem. The reality that Ruth experiences is relatable to couples in love today. He should have already taken her in to provide for her. Painful. Look out for a man who is willing to wait for you without pressure. The book of Ruth begins by looking at the life of Naomi. It really is that simple! It tells of a relationship between two women-Naomi, the senior of the two, and her daughter-in-law Ruth. Ruth was taken and overwhelmed with his kindness that she bowed before Boaz. Its evident that Naomi understands that God wants her to continue her relationship with Ruth and she expresses these feelings with thanks and recognition. Now, what are some of these characteristics that you should be looking for in your Boaz? Its hard to have faith. Every week you will receive a devotional and a free printable PDF that will help you dive deeper into our Ruth Bible Study. Providing your significant other with gratitude will show them that you genuinely care and want to make this relationship last forever. But God had him turn up on the perfect day so he could meet Ruth. But one thing is clear: Boaz was extremely attracted to her characteristics of being hardworking and morally sound. Your email address will not be published. In fact, Naomi encourages both girls to go back to their parents and find husbands who can take care of them. We will start with some of the spiritual lessons we can learn from Ruth in the Bible. Its a popular saying: Im waiting for my Boaz. We often feel like we need to keep our questions and thoughts about God to ourselves within a 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. In Boaz, Jesus shows up to redeem, cover, protect, rescue, and restore. When two people fall in love its a beautiful thing. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); God can be found in silence. Copyright Feel The Words 2023. Whether youre going through a break-up or divorce, there is a reason for all of the pain. Its four chapters . She doesnt come from a famous family. To some extent, she might be considered naive. 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. The funny thing is, she was just minding her own business not realizing that she was being watched. It is unlikely that it was written before the time of David (cp. Lesson 2 - Obedience Brings About Breakthrough. Relationships today are the exact same! As you watch Ruth going to field to work daily and keep her integrity even Im poverty, does that describe you? No matter what devastating situation comes into play, love will conquer all because it is ultimately what brings people together. Build Your Life On A Strong Foundation. Now the way was clear for him to marry Ruth. Book of Ruth: summary. Ruth 1:1: " In the days when the judges ruled,there was a famine in the land". The two women shared great sorrow, but they also shared great affection for one another. 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. Ruth shows pure, boundless love to her mother-in-law. The book of Ruth found in the Old Testament is one of the few Bible . There is Always Hope. You never know whos watching you and has the power to fulfill Gods plans and blessings. Be wary of men who are uncomfortable with your relationship being public knowledge. Naomi, later on, lost her husband and she was left with her two sons. Lesson 4 - Remaining Humble While Being Favored. The time of year is early spring, "the beginning of the barley harvest " (Ruth 1:22 ). It has really helped me to still have hope even in difficulty times. Instead couples should have equal say on what happens within a relationship and each voice should hold the same value. 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. The Book of Ruth provides many relationship lessons that perpetuate the meaning of true love. Through Naomi, Ruth learned about the God of Israel and chose to put her trust in him. Samson's relationship with Delilah is a far cry from Ruth's relationship with Boaz. On the other hand, Ruths husband had died leaving her without children and she was still young. She said the well-known words, "Whither thou goest, I will go" ( Ruth 1:16 KJV ). It was their faith that was at the center of their relationship and intimate communication. Scripture does not comment on Ruths beauty. God has a redeemer for our lives His name is Jesus Christ. He owned land and servants. Everyone can find something relatable in Ruths love story. Ruth was a Moabite and a widow. The second blessing mentions Tamar, who in Genesis 38, like Ruth, bore a child after . 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. The past is the past. Men and Women should respect each other equally. Go get married. Lesson 5 - Willing to Take Advice from Elders. 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. The book of Ruth starts with the life of Naomi. There are three lessons that can be learned from Ruth and Naomi's relationship that are reflected in this verse. Every relationship will have its ups and downs because no relationship is perfect. God does not enter into the story with fire or glory. He also added that she stood out in the community for this quality. No machines existed. They will not be disgraced in hard times; even in famine they will have more than enough. Free Online Four-Week Book of Ruth Bible Study PDF: Our latest study will take you through the Book of Ruth. Bethlehem was where Jehovah was worshipped but Moab was a place where heathen, false gods were worshipped. The Book of Ruth is a fantastic example that exemplifies the rollercoaster ride that love can take us on. More often than not, youll find that love mirrors our reality in many cases within biblical stories. Ruth could have waited on the benevolence of stranger to come to her door but she did not. She owed nothing to Naomi, but instead gave her everything. Granted, she needed some help from Naomi to see it but Ruth eventually gave Boaz permission to claim her as his wife. Where in the Bible does it talk about Ruth and Boaz? Our doctrines, practices, policies. I hear people say, Gods got Made with by India A place where world feel the words. In the Book of Ruth, Orpah and Ruth chose different paths because that was best for them. But when things are the most difficult, thats when we need faith and hope the most. Copyright by Michael Bradley and Chris Bradley, When People Let You Down: Dealing with Disappointment. But there is a question for you to ponder: Are you the kind of woman who Boaz would be drawn to? The meeting with the other kinsman was held in the presence of Ruth, Naomi and elders in the community. A man named Elimelech, from Bethlehem-Judah, left his hometown when a famine struck. 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). 1. This story of Ruth . Ruth could have had her fill and left it there. So Boaz had to be out there in the rain and sunshine with his workers. Boaz rescued Ruth from the brink of poverty and enslavement like Jesus did for us. 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. Open your Safari menu and tap "Add to Home Screen". Your email address will not be published. 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. The characteristics of Ruth in the Bible also include her being a hard worker, and someone who takes care of those around her. Rahab, the prostitute who escaped Jericho was Boazs mother. While working, Ruth catches Boazs eye. The book of Ruth focuses on this romantic story that represents Jesus and what He did for us. 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 . : .. Do you have a mentor? 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. But she did not. Make the stories of your life good stories so that even if you die, you will leave a legacy of faith and obedience to God. This book will fill you to the brim with hope, as you see an imperfect family be used mightily by God. The book of Ruth is packed with so many lessons about, life, love and faithfulness. You have your identity when you find out, not what you can keep your mind on, but what you can't
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). "I would like to go to the fields ". But one thing is sure: Boaz didnt add to Ruths stress. Boaz was a prophetic symbol and his redemptive work lives on even today. but, his promises are true and proved. If she had to go it alone, it would be 10 times harder. Answer. 4. Boaz was considerably older than Ruth. Later tragically, Naomis husband and two sons died. For Ruth and Naomi, they needed sovereignty and in essence a fresh start. Ruth worked from morning till night. And wasnt she quite the friend to her mother-in-law Naomi? Boaz took notice of Ruth. She did not know her rights as a young widow in the Jewish community. One of the most important Naomi and Ruth relationship principles is to trust God. i. And yet, his fingerprints are all over the events of Ruth. God had every intention of Ruth being part of the story for the lineage of Jesus. Elimelech was trying to escape hard times by leaving Bethlehem to a pagan country. . This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. Ruth and Naomi Relationship Principle #4 Trust God. 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. Id say yes but they were definitely not in her control. 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. 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. He had not done what he was supposed to do. Ruth 3:10. 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