Naomi, later on, lost her husband and she was left with her two sons. We can learn a lot from the relationship of Ruth and Naomi, and loyalty is among the lessons. When Boaz decided to act on Ruths interest in being married to him, he was not willing to break the law or conduct underhanded business. Everyone can find something relatable in Ruths love story. She did not know her rights as a young widow in the Jewish community. But we all know that reality is the furthest thing from a fairytale. Her name might have formed the core of the qualities she possessed. He didnt judge her past and didnt penalize her instead he embraced her past by also providing for Naomi. The time of year is early spring, "the beginning of the barley harvest " (Ruth 1:22 ). She pictured responsible living - 1:9-10, 14. This was backbreaking work. . In the midst of any circumstances you face, in whatever relationships, we can trust God to bring good out of it. These two sons married Moabite women: Orpah and Ruth. In fact, we know more about the relationship between these two women than we know about them individually. 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; When he tells them to allow more stalks to fall for Ruth to pick up, they do it. As we see in Ruth 1:16, Ruth chose that she will serve the God of Naomi even to the point of death as she had fully resolved and purposed in her heart. 4: Boaz accepts and marries Ruth; they become the ancestors of David and Jesus Christ. 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. The first concerns the happy accident of Ruth's Her actions told Boaz that she was there to claim her right to be redeemed by him. And through humility and dependence, Ruth begins to grow in grace. Finding someone to spend the rest of your life with is serious business. While you may be going through pain in your current heartbreak, its important to realize that this is all for a reason. He was a wealthy landowner and he earned his keep with his own sweat. 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. Remember to thank and recognize your partner each day. In the book of Ruth, we see Boaz as a type of Christ hes the redeemer of Ruth. A man named Elimelech, from Bethlehem-Judah, left his hometown when a famine struck. 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 was letting him know she was ready for the next stage. Men and Women should respect each other equally. But she cannot wash her face with the looking-glass. No matter what devastating situation comes into play, love will conquer all because it is ultimately what brings people together. Boaz was always ensuring Ruth had food. Your email address will not be published. Nothing is going in her favor, but shes brave, and her faith never wavers. Your email address will not be published. But, according to the practices of the time, Boaz was free to take another wife, especially since he was a kinsman. And Ruth, without being asked by Naomi, saw the value and took advantage of the opportunity. In fact, Naomi encourages both girls to go back to their parents and find husbands who can take care of them. Everyone makes mistakes and no one should judge the other for their past actions as a man or woman. 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 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. I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home again empty. (Ruth 1:20,21a KJV). After moving to Moab with her husband and sons, she loses her husband and becomes a widow. And the story its an important one. 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). In Boaz, Jesus shows up to redeem, cover, protect, rescue, and restore. It has really helped me to still have hope even in difficulty times. Everyone lives their lives the way it best suits them therefore, others shouldnt judge love. Its crushing to lose a spouse. There will be days where you completely mess things up and there will be other days when you succeed in every aspect. And yet it was that sharing and intimacy that was the foundation of the deep relationship these two women shared. He was all too willing to do so. She moved to a foreign land where she knew no one but her mother-in-law. This was completely not her fault. Boaz did this without any apparent expectation of getting anything from Ruth. Providing your significant other with gratitude will show them that you genuinely care and want to make this relationship last forever. Also, there was a considerable age difference between them. The passage suggests that he wasnt always there. 3.9 Rate this book. 4 They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth decided to move back to Bethlehem in Judah because they were heartbroken and lost. But, that was only half the solution to the problem. For Ruth everything seemed hopeless when she lost her husband even worse for Naomi. The relationship between Ruth and Naomi is a reflection of the faithful love of God offered to Israel and to us in the gift of covenant. All these little details in the story, gives us a glimpse of Boazs character and influence. We cannot say for sure how old either of them were but there was a notable age difference. God has a redeemer for our lives His name is Jesus Christ. Subscribe today to receive our free Bible Study printables sent to your inbox. So the Book of Ruth would roughly equate to the Book of Friendship in Hebrew. She wasnt expecting this level of kindness and she that as a stranger this was very much out of the ordinary. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It is true that dating can be quite a drama-filled journey. Owning a field was not easy then. Ruth was a stranger in the land. She was the same person wherever she went. Our doctrines, practices, policies. God had every intention of Ruth being part of the story for the lineage of Jesus. So he did the next best thing. The book of Ruth begins by looking at the life of Naomi. The Midrash points out that Ruth would only go to the fields with the permission of her mother-in-law. Having touched God's heart, she also touched the heart of one of God's champion followers Boaz. Ruth followed Naomi into the unknown. In short, do your part to make yourself a Ruth, ready for a Boaz. Ruth could have waited on the benevolence of stranger to come to her door but she did not. Everyone loves in a different way and has a unique relationship that cannot be replicated or reproduced. Ruth was a Moabite and a widow. From the beginning, God had a number of smaller things that needed to happen before the bigger plan could come into fruition. Just look at the five women mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. There was another kinsman who had more right than Boaz to claim Ruth. Where in the Bible does it talk about Ruth and Boaz? 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. 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. The couples two sons both married when they moved to Moab. Ruths story is ordinary. 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. Now, what are some of these characteristics that you should be looking for in your Boaz? God heard her cries and helped her feel complete again. And they respond with similar pleasantries. The Book of Ruth provides us with a great story about love. But Ruth refused to stay and instead went to Bethlehem with her. Obviously, the author was familiar with Israels greatest king. Here are three lessons from the Book of Ruth for all believers: 1. 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 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. When life brings devastation, its not easy to hope. She was childless. He made a decision that God didnt approve. The meeting with the other kinsman was held in the presence of Ruth, Naomi and elders in the community. Often, we think of the Book of Ruth as "outdated" or "too old," yet there are important lessons we can learn. Character its who you really are when no one else is watching. Couples must balance each other and have a forgiving heart. But we all know that reality is the furthest thing from a fairytale. Ruth Chapter 4: Fruits of Freedom. Their relationship offers a beautiful model of a good relationship a stunning look at a blending of lives. Thanks for sharing some of it. But it could also mean a term of endearment. Boaz was a family member of Elimelech, Naomis deceased husband. Later tragically, Naomis husband and two sons died. She is known for her faithfulness, loyalty, virtue, and love. 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. Like Abraham, Ruth left her life of false worship, a life surrounded by a predictable routine and people she knew. Beloved Lord God, It was Your intention that mankind live in fellowship with You eternally, but in Adam's fall from grace that bond of eternal fellowship was broken and for the first time man was in need of a Redeemer. He is still working. The saying that there is a light at the end of the tunnel is very true. Even though Ruth wasnt a Jew and was a Moabite, God didnt allow those titles to change His love for Ruth. Be sure to check out The Story of Naomi in the Bible and lessons you can learn. Since Boaz was the great-grandfather of David (4:21), the book recounts events that This was the first romantic move he made. My favourite book in the Bible is the book of Ruth. She lost her husband and her two sons. He also made sure she got a little bit more than everyone else. He dies in Moab. Despite the pain, Naomi chooses to stand by her daughter-in-laws side and continue their relationship. Because thieves were commonly known to break in and steal grain, Boaz slept at the threshing floor to protect his property and his produce. Whether youre going through a break-up or divorce, there is a reason for all of the pain. When Boaz showed up, Ruth was having a pretty rough season in her life. Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or without credit. Look out for a man who brings freshness to your life. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. 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