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Ruth Introduction: The last lesson dealt with the distressing days of the Judges. It was a time of idolatry, immoral behavior, and disregard for God’s authority. Sounds a lot like our society today. Ruth shows us that while many if not most Jews were not faithful, there was a godly remnant in Israel. Faithfulness is an individual responsibility and appreciated by those that are likewise trying to be faithful. I) Chapter 1A) Time: Judges was from 1380 to 1040 BC 1. David was born around 1000 BC 2. Ruth and Boaz were three generations before David, therefore, they lived during the days of Judges. B) A Jewish family in Moab 1. Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilon. 2. They were of the tribe of Judah, lived in Bethlehem. C) A famine was in the land 1. See the general unfaithfulness of Israel in Judges, famine was one of the punishments God dealt to Israel. 2. God intended the people to live in Canaan, Genesis 15.18 D) Ruth and Orpah 1. Were Moabites a. Moab came from one of Lot’s daughters, Genesis 19. b. While traveling in the wilderness, Israel came to the land of Moab and asked to pass by on the King’s Highway, not to turn to the right or left. King Sihon did not give them permission to do so. He was defeated, Numbers 21.24 c. Balak hired Balaam to curse Israel, Numbers 22 d. During the day of Judges, Judges 3.14,18 2. After the death of Elimelech they marry Naomi’s two sons. 3. After ten years her two sons die E) Naomi decides to go back to Canaan 1. We see the close relationship between Naomi and her daughter-in-laws as neither want to leave Naomi, Ruth 1.8-11 2. Ruth expresses her devotion to Naomi and her people, 1.16-17 3. They go to Bethlehem where there is great excitement at Naomi’s return. II) Chapter 2A) Boaz 1. A relative of Elimelech; a man of great wealth, v. 1 2. Owned land, had servants, it was during the time of harvest. B) Ruth goes on to glean the fields 1. God’s safety net, Lev. 19.10; 23.22 2. Ruth goes to Boaz’s field, v. 3 C) Boaz blesses Ruth 1. Boaz inquires about this lady in his field, v. 5 2. She asked for permission to glean his fields, v. 7 3. Boaz tells Ruth to stay in his fields, stay close to his young women (v. 8) and drink from the water for his servants (v.9) 4. Ruth is grateful, v. 10 5. Boaz recognizes her character, vv. 11-13 6. Boaz provides Ruth with food 7. Shows favor to Ruth, vv. 15-16 8. Upon returning home, Naomi councils Ruth to stay in Boaz’ field III) Chapter 3 The Courtship of Ruth A) Naomi tells Ruth how to get Boaz’ attention, vv. 3-8 B) Boaz recognizes the virtues of Ruth, vv. 9-10 1. Boaz is not the next of kin, Deut. 25.5-10 (8-10) 2. Naomi’s words of wisdom, v. 18 IV) Chapter 4 A) Boaz calls together ten elders of the city and the next of kin B) Informs the man of his responsibilities; 1. To purchase the field sold by Elimelech 2. Marry Ruth, and rear a son to carry on Elimelech’s lineage. V. 6 C) The man renounces his responsibilities which allows Boaz to do so, v. 10 V) Lessons A) Ruth showed the virtues of love, loyalty, a willingness to listen B) Obedience leads to blessings C) She chose God over her people D) There are two gentile women in the lineage of Christ; Rahab is due to her faith (James 2.25), and Ruth. VI) Christ in Ruth A) Boaz bought the right to redeem Elimelech’s lineage; Christ is our redeemer, Ephesians 1.7 1. The redeemer had to have the right to redeem by being related to the redeemed, Hebrews 2.14-15 2. He had to have the power to redeem by being able to pay the price of redemption, 1 Peter 1.18-19 3. He had to have the will to redeem, Matthew 20.28 D.T. @ Westside Church of Christ 11.19.06 |