Couples must balance each other and have a forgiving heart. So Boaz had to be out there in the rain and sunshine with his workers. The opportunity was there for her to glean. He knew this man well enough to know how he would respond to each part of the proposition. Everything that she did showed her character, and because of that character, she was honored by God. The Book of Ruth tells the story of Ruth and Naomi, Ruth's deep love for her mother-in-law, and the love and loyalty that not only existed between them but that Ruth had for Naomi's people. Everyone lives their lives the way it best suits them therefore, others shouldnt judge love. God bless you. So, Ruth and Naomi both return to Bethlehem. So Ruth took on the responsibility of providing for them. She wasnt hired but he invited her to partake of those provisions. He should have already taken her in to provide for her. God had every intention of Ruth being part of the story for the lineage of Jesus. Ruth and Naomi's friendship starts off with grief-stricken Naomi deciding to move back to her hometown of Bethlehem after the . That journey to Israel must have been frightening. I imagine that they must have prayed for Gods favor. She owed nothing to Naomi, but instead gave her everything. Lesson #1 - There is Hope Even in the Most Devastating Times of Our Life. Having touched God's heart, she also touched the heart of one of God's champion followers Boaz. She was free to go back to her gods and free to search for a new husband to take care of her. If you are a Bible study teacher, you are free to allow this content to influence the lessons you teach or the sermons you present. This would mean marrying the widow of the deceased and making children. In the Book of Ruth, Orpah and Ruth chose different paths because that was best for them. Ten years passed, and Mahlon and Chilion both died. 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 is always in the business of rewarding the faithful. Are they the same with you as they are with everyone else? He and his wife Naomi, along with their two sons Mahlon and Chilion, left for Moab. The characteristics of Ruth in the Bible makes for an exciting study! Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. And looking at the book of Ruth, we can see that even when we cant see beyond our pain to his plan, we can have hope that our story isnt over better days are coming. And yet it was that sharing and intimacy that was the foundation of the deep relationship these two women shared. Ruth was willing to go harvest in the fields daily. But God had him turn up on the perfect day so he could meet Ruth. Good, godly relationships should not produce more problems and stress than you bargained for. Ruths faith was rewarded with a wonderful husband. 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. But it is important to consider that at that time and in that society, it is very likely that he already had a wife. 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. When the meeting was done, Boaz publicly declared and celebrated his relationship with Ruth. But she did not. Naomi was essentially empty and devastated after she lost her husband and sons. The Book of Ruth provides us with a great story about love. They choose to stay together and forge a union. Naomi organized a plan to let Boaz know that Ruth is open for marriage. Examining the second chapter of Ruth. They confess their undying devotion and love for each other and in a fairytale theyd live happily ever after. Ruth's story is celebrated during the Jewish festival of Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, 50 days after Passover. Naomi told Ruth to bathe, put on her best clothes, and splash on some perfume. The time of year is early spring, "the beginning of the barley harvest " (Ruth 1:22 ). Ruth abandoned his family and journey with Naomi back home . Ruth made the best decision because she decided to hold the family together at all costs. Boaz was considerably older than Ruth. Everyone can find something relatable in Ruths love story. She moved to a foreign land where she knew no one but her mother-in-law. When Boaz showed up, Ruth was having a pretty rough season in her life. Serving God Requires Faith. Because of the famine in Bethlehem he decided to move his family to Moab. So he did the next best thing. He went to meet with the kinsman who was before him in line as well as the elders. And guess what, Ruth was consistent. After they had lived there about . Who only wants to go out at night even when there are opportunities to go out during the day. God doesnt not discriminate and wants His people to have the same viewpoints and understanding. Later we see him ensuring that they have food to eat during their lunch break and he sits and eats with then. Both of these women showed faith and clung to the belief that better days were ahead. 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. Their relationship offers a beautiful model of a good relationship a stunning look at a blending of lives. Character its who you really are when no one else is watching. With love does come heartache this can is seen through break-ups, divorce, or even death. Lets talk a little about the man Boaz, what was so special about Boaz, and lessons we can learn from them. The rest of the book tells how Ruth married a . Seek and heed the advice of the righteous. Moral Lesson 1: The Value Of Making Wise Choices. Instead, he waited for her to choose him. Love is organic and the Book of Ruth is just one of the best examples to portray these ideal. so powerful and inspirational, may Almighty God bless those that put their head together to establish this work. Thats not to say he didnt already have a wife though. Little Things Can Accomplish Bigger Plans. Ruth lived out her name for sure. Owning a field was not easy then. The Midrash points out that Ruth would only go to the fields with the permission of her mother-in-law. The Hebrew word Boaz used to describe Ruth means some one of moral strength, sound integrity and courage. 6 Relationship Lessons from the Book of Ruth There are many things married and single people can learn about in the Book of Ruth. The book of Ruth is a beautiful piece of sacred literature, applauded by many for its literary excellence. Everyone experiences grief and sorrow during their lifetime. They struggled with poverty. He made kind gestures to reveal his heart to her and left it there. Naomi even extends thanks and recognition to Ruth for providing her with a beautiful blessing. We cannot say for sure how old either of them were but there was a notable age difference. Its evident that Naomi understands that God wants her to continue her relationship with Ruth and she expresses these feelings with thanks and recognition. But we explore just a few that specifically have to do with dating. She was bending over all day long to pick up grain. Its heart-wrenching to lose a child. Boaz was a prophetic symbol and his redemptive work lives on even today. The first concerns the happy accident of Ruth's Ruth took advantage of what was available to her. Boaz recognized that Ruth was quite vulnerable. Everyone makes mistakes and no one should judge the other for their past actions as a man or woman. Despite the pain, Naomi chooses to stand by her daughter-in-laws side and continue their relationship. Have you ever heard of the saying, dont throw rocks at a glass house? Naomi decided to move back to Bethlehem to be near family. i. 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. 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. Site by Gretchen Louise. She was freshly widowed and scrounging for food. After Naomi's two sons died in Moab, she decided to return to Bethlehem. There are only two books of the Bible named after women: Esther and 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. Install Feel The Words on your home screen, and access it just like a regular app. They were being punished with a famine. 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. God is the perfect match maker. The events occurred during the period of the judges, about a century before David became king of Israel. Even though Ruth wasnt a Jew and was a Moabite, God didnt allow those titles to change His love for Ruth. There are many but I will only go over 6 of them. Ruth 3:10. I. Naomi hatches a "plan" to join Ruth and Boaz for "good" ( Ruth 2:22 ). The love of a man and the love of a woman should always be considered as an equally powerful element. Here are seven lessons to learn from Ruth. The book of Ruth focuses on this romantic story that represents Jesus and what He did for us. Boaz saw the beauty in love and accepted Ruth for who she was. Boaz was driven by authentic love for Ruth just like Jesuss love for us caused him to give up heaven for our sake. This in-depth Bible Study will take you verse-by-verse and chapter-by-chapter through the book of Ruth. Ruth, biblical character, a woman who after being widowed remains with her husband's mother. Its evident that Naomi understands that God wants her to continue her relationship with Ruth and she expresses these feelings with thanks and recognition. With love does come heartache this can is seen through break-ups, divorce, or even death. Which man is going to ignore a beautiful, well-dressed sweet smelling damsel, especially one who has already caught his attention with her character? . Boaz took notice of Ruth. Later tragically, Naomis husband and two sons died. 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. The biblical story of Ruth and Boaz is all of that and more. It was their faith that was at the center of their relationship and intimate communication. But we all know that reality is the furthest thing from a fairytale. 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. Stressful. Blessing. 4 They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. Id say yes but they were definitely not in her control. There is no bitterness or hostility that shadows over their relationship. While working, Ruth catches Boazs eye. Since Boaz was the great-grandfather of David (4:21), the book recounts events that But there is a question for you to ponder: Are you the kind of woman who Boaz would be drawn to? Ruth is the festal scroll for Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, 50 . As you watch Ruth going to field to work daily and keep her integrity even Im poverty, does that describe you? Ruth's courage in the face of adversity will inspire you to trust God with your future. Rahab was a prostitute whose faith saved her from the crashing walls of Jericho. The Book of Ruth provides many relationship lessons that perpetuate the meaning of true love. The book of Ruth offers an entirely different perspective on this often maligned relationship. Boaz did this without any apparent expectation of getting anything from Ruth. Gentleman: if you want a relationship with a woman that glorifies God, read this. The Book of Ruth begins with a tale of famine in the Holy Land. Ruth is an interesting Biblical story because it contains no miracles or prophecies. 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. Ruth and Orpah made two different decisions. No matter what, work with excellence, even if the work is boring and you hate it. God orchestrated the events of both their lives to make finding love again possible for Ruth. The Book of Ruth provides many relationship lessons that perpetuate the meaning of true love. The funny thing is, she was just minding her own business not realizing that she was being watched. She had nowhere to go and yearned to feel complete, so she returned to Judah. ( Ruth 2:2). Be wary of men who are uncomfortable with your relationship being public knowledge. Ruth was the Moabite daughter-in-law of a Jewess named Naomi. 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 . God has a redeemer for our lives His name is Jesus Christ. Boaz was a family member of Elimelech, Naomis deceased husband. February 10, 2023. Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links which wont change your price. 1. The couples two sons both married when they moved to Moab. Ruth was a Moabite and a widow. The word root for the name "Ruth"in Hebrew, "Rooth"means "friendship" or "friend.". My favourite book in the Bible is the book of Ruth. Its every girls wish to have such a happy ending. There was a law that provided this opportunity. Boaz would have needed to set up his inheritance which would include having sons to leave all his wealth to. 5) God has a Redeemer in place who can rescue us from the devastation of our own sin. Also, there was a considerable age difference between them. Lesson 1 - The Power of Loyalty. It might mean he was old enough to be her father. Ruth and Naomi Relationship Principle #4 Trust God. Lets face it, no one is perfect! Boaz was attracted to Ruths character. She took action by going to the fields everyday day to glean. All Rights Reserved. God heard her cries and helped her feel complete again. Instead, Boaz brought relief to her life. 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). God bless! The story of Naomi and Ruth are woven together closely that their stories are nearly inseparable. Well, there is a lot to be said about her. A man named Elimelech, from Bethlehem-Judah, left his hometown when a famine struck. Perhaps thats what makes it so compelling. More often than not, youll find that love mirrors our reality in many cases within biblical stories. As women, we can look up to Ruth as an example of goodness and someone worth emulating. And this was in a time when women werent ordinarily included in genealogies. Naomi and her husband decided to move away from Judah to Moab because of a terrible famine that was hurting their family. There will be days where you completely mess things up and there will be other days when you succeed in every aspect. They see you when youre good and when youre bad. 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. God had an amazing plan for Ruth. Now that we have dealt with what it means to wait for your Boaz, there are some other relationship nuggets buried in the story. She wasnt expecting this level of kindness and she that as a stranger this was very much out of the ordinary. Some conversations require perfect timing because of the issue that needs to be discussed. God had every intention of Ruth being part of the story for the lineage of Jesus. It doesnt matter if youre a male or female, God cares about everyone the same. We will start with some of the spiritual lessons we can learn from Ruth in the Bible. He also made sure she got a little bit more than everyone else. The love of a man and the love of a woman should always be considered as an equally powerful element. Boaz redeemed Ruth, but years later Jesus would become the redeemer for mankind. 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. First, I will tell you the summary of the story from the Bible, and then I will talk about the morals of this story. Loss Is Hard. In this video, I share 6 practical lessons to learn from the book of Ruth, especially as it relates to Christian relationship. It is like the looking-glass which my lady holds up to her face, that she may see if there be any spot on it. The book of Ruth does not always get the respect it deserves. Relationships today are the exact same! A man of Boazs age was expected to have already Wed and started producing children. Later tragically, Naomis husband and two sons died. It is a story of friendship, family, and redemption. This was completely not her fault. Join me on this journey as we study the depth of . Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc Used by permission. Through Ruths story, we learn that God uses the most unlikely people for his purpose. The reality that Ruth experiences is relatable to couples in love today. When these two women arrive back in Naomis home town, they are destitute, devastated, and broken. Just like the Proverbs 31 woman. Subscribe today to receive our free Bible Study printables sent to your inbox. Talent vs. Faithfulness: What is God Looking For? While the two women have several things in common, they are different in some respects. Since Boaz was the great-grandfather of David (4:21), the book recounts events that Boaz described Ruth as a woman of noble character. 1:6-22: Widowed Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth return to Bethlehem. Elimelech left Bethlehem which means the house of bread, to Moab which means waste or nothing. 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. Its hard to have faith. We often feel like we need to keep our questions and thoughts about God to ourselves within a relationship. There was no king in Israel and leadership was dependent on the judges that God selected. But even when her sister-in-law chose to go back, Ruth made a different decision. Naomi's grief was very real. Neither of them knew how theyd survive. There was another kinsman who had more right than Boaz to claim Ruth. Then she had to do the work to make it into barley flour. Note that he addressed her as daughter. 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 . Be Blessed. I hear people say, Gods got Made with by India A place where world feel the words. Key Words and Historical Background Notes. Ruth was a Moabite, a nation of pagans and idol worshippers. One of the most important Naomi and Ruth relationship principles is to trust God. Helped her feel complete again could meet Ruth lunch break and he sits and eats with then offers beautiful... These feelings with thanks and recognition much out of the spiritual lessons we can not say for how. Named Naomi receive our free Bible study will take you verse-by-verse and through! Go harvest in the Bible makes for an exciting study took on the perfect day so could. To work daily and keep her integrity even Im poverty, does describe... 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