Every relationship will have its ups and downs because no relationship is perfect. While working, Ruth catches Boazs eye. She admitted that she felt that God had dealt with her bitterly. The Hebrew word Boaz used to describe Ruth means some one of moral strength, sound integrity and courage. Be Blessed. They choose to stay together and forge a union. Bathsheba (referred to as Uriahs wife in the genealogy of Jesus) only became Davids wife after David took her for himself and killed her husband. There is no clear answer to this question in Scripture. Do you have a mentor? I imagine that they must have prayed for Gods favor. The time of year is early spring, "the beginning of the barley harvest " (Ruth 1:22 ). Everyone lives their lives the way it best suits them therefore, others shouldnt judge love. God heard her cries and helped her feel complete again. These blessings point out how God works in the . But she did not. What you are looking for is consistency. But she didnt. Owning a field was not easy then. A selfish man will give you headaches. 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. Just 10 years later her sons die, too. The world is not kind to widows today, and being a widow was even more difficult back then. Obviously, the author was familiar with Israels greatest king. Ruth lived in the time of the judges. Painful. You see, we are all desolate as a result of our sinful natures. A simple Moabite widow becomes an essential character in the powerful story of salvation woven through the Bible. The book of Ruth follows the book of Judges in our Bibles because its setting was in that time period. Act 2: Ruth and Boaz the Judahite meet in the fields ( Ruth 2:1-23 ). Ruth the Moabite is loyal to Yahweh and Naomi. So, Ruth and Naomi both return to Bethlehem. Ruth and Naomi Relationship Principle #4 Trust God. God is always in the business of rewarding the faithful. Seek and heed the advice of the righteous. Two of the most popular judges in Scripture were Deborah and Samson. This would mean marrying the widow of the deceased and making children. Boaz would have needed to set up his inheritance which would include having sons to leave all his wealth to. She had nowhere to go and yearned to feel complete, so she returned to Judah. Once they realize that their significant other doesnt have bad intentions when they make mistakes, theyll discover that their relationship will truly prosper. But there is a lesson in the book of Ruth. Even though Ruth wasn't a Jew and was a Moabite, God didn't allow those titles to change His love for Ruth. The LORD bless you, my daughter, he replied. You have your identity when you find out, not what you can keep your mind on, but what you can't There are two texts in the book of Ruth which speak to the relationship of conjugal love to divine love. 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. Here are three lessons from the Book of Ruth for all believers: 1. And Ruth, without being asked by Naomi, saw the value and took advantage of the opportunity. Instead couples should have equal say on what happens within a relationship and each voice should hold the same value. When you least expect it God provides His children with the things they need in life. He was not in Gods will. Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse. Plus, Naomi was too old to have any more children. The events occurred during the period of the judges, about a century before David became king of Israel. Read Ruth 1. And what a bountiful blessing she reaped! But God had him turn up on the perfect day so he could meet Ruth. After moving to Moab with her husband and sons, she loses her husband and becomes a widow. Many interpreters read Ruth as a happy-ending romance featuring Ruth, the beautiful young Moabite widow who captivated the heart of the older wealthy landowner Boaz. He knew this man well enough to know how he would respond to each part of the proposition. Book of Ruth: 30 Day reading plan for kids; Video clip of the Story of Ruth for kids; Ruth gleaning in the field coloring page "Book of Ruth" coloring page; Bible Lesson: Ruth and Boaz (older elementary) God takes care of Ruth & Naomi (preschool lesson) Lesson: Ruth is Faithful (Ruth 1:1-22) Lesson: Ruth Marries Boaz (Ruth 2-4) 1:6-22: Widowed Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth return to Bethlehem. Listen To The Advice of The Wise. 6 Naomi was a pious and charitable woman "whose ways were nice and pleasant." 7 Ruth considered her a spiritual guide whose advice . Which man is going to ignore a beautiful, well-dressed sweet smelling damsel, especially one who has already caught his attention with her character? The story has three main characters: Naomi, Ruth and Boaz. More often than not, youll find that love mirrors our reality in many cases within biblical stories. Serving God Requires Faith. There is no bitterness or hostility that shadows over their relationship. I. The Book of Ruth provides many relationship lessons that perpetuate the meaning of true love. She wasnt expecting this level of kindness and she that as a stranger this was very much out of the ordinary. And again, after the night at the threshing floor, he gave barley to take home. He dies in Moab. Naomi was too old to remarry or to work. Everyone experiences grief and sorrow during their lifetime. The past is the past. Its crushing to lose a spouse. For example, both belong to the same sex but from different . 4:17). Hope in Trouble times. It doesn't matter if you're a male or female, God cares about everyone the same. When two people fall in love its a beautiful thing. 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. He was wealthy. Boaz described Ruth as a woman of noble character. The word that Boaz used to describe Ruth is the same word used to describe the Proverbs 31 woman. More often than not, youll find that love mirrors our reality in many cases within biblical stories. Ruth is the festal scroll for Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, 50 . Ruth had no idea that millions of people would read her story. The book of Ruth presents the inspiring journey of God's people from tragedy to triumph. The first concerns the happy accident of Ruth's Relationships today are the exact same! Through Naomi and Ruths mother and daughter-in-law relationship, were able to see the heavenly presence that takes place because of love. Thanks for sharing some of it. Boaz firstly asks the kinsman if he would be willing to purchase Naomis land. Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links which wont change your price. 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. The rest of the book tells how Ruth married a . Naomi was from Bethlehem and moved to Moab with her husband Elimelek and two sons, Mahlon and Kilion. It's very great to learn from the book of Ruth and it's very challenging book and great book very interesting to read this 7 powerful lession. While in Moab, the boys get married. Ruth was one of those women. There was a law that provided this opportunity. The truth is that this other kinsman should have already come forward to claim Ruth and help to get settled. Books to Keep You Company When Youre Walking Through Suffering, When All You Want for Christmas is a Baby, When Everything in the World Seems Wrong, Its Worth Keeping House, why God never calls us from something without calling us to something, When Christmas Leaves You Feeling Lost and Disappointed. The book of Ruth is a beautiful piece of sacred literature, applauded by many for its literary excellence. Good, godly relationships should not produce more problems and stress than you bargained for. Each person within the relationship must understand that everyone has imperfections and its imperative that they come to terms with this reality. Ruth is just a widow one from an enemy nation, at that. The saying that there is a light at the end of the tunnel is very true. Boaz saw the beauty in love and accepted Ruth for who she was. Open your Safari menu and tap "Add to Home Screen". However, Naomi stayed committed to her daughter-in-law and wanted her to follow the God of Israel. Love works in mysterious ways. Go get married. Elimelech passes away, and about 10 years later, both of Naomis sons die, as well. 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. She chose to serve the God of Naomi, and she believed there was still life left for her to live. Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah are all widows. On top of that, she was a widow, she was childless, and she lived with her mother-in-law. He also added that she stood out in the community for this quality. Finding someone to spend the rest of your life with is serious business. 4 They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. 1. 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 . In that instant, she decided, Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.. Naomi even extends thanks and recognition to Ruth for providing her with a beautiful blessing. The meeting with the other kinsman was held in the presence of Ruth, Naomi and elders in the community. When these two women arrive back in Naomis home town, they are destitute, devastated, and broken. There is Always Hope. 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, 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. 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. Naomi told the women, Go back home. Grief and sorrow do not trump love. God heard her cries and helped her feel complete again. But she cannot wash her face with the looking-glass. (NLT). Instead, he waited for her to choose him. Hopefully the story of Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth will hold additional lessons for us as well. But, according to the practices of the time, Boaz was free to take another wife, especially since he was a kinsman. Related: How to Choose Faith . The Book of Ruth is a fantastic example that exemplifies the rollercoaster ride that love can take us on. When entering into a relationship, its important that each person understand and respect the other as an equal. All rights reserved. Naomi told the women, Go back home. i. The couples two sons both married when they moved to Moab. Id say yes but they were definitely not in her control. There will be days where you completely mess things up and there will be other days when you succeed in every aspect. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. He hired people to help him manage his assets. But we all know that reality is the furthest thing from a fairytale. And Boaz did not delay in calling a meeting to secure his rights to marry her. Like Abraham, Ruth left her life of false worship, a life surrounded by a predictable routine and people she knew. In fact, it often takes great sacrifice. Ruth had a whole lot to learn. Be wary of men who are uncomfortable with your relationship being public knowledge. But Boaz was willing to follow the proper civil procedures to have Ruth. From the beginning, God had a number of smaller things that needed to happen before the bigger plan could come into fruition. It was a sacrifice for Ruth to refuse to return to her family. But life was actually worst. The story of Naomi and Ruth are woven together closely that their stories are nearly inseparable. All these little details in the story, gives us a glimpse of Boazs character and influence. Lesson #1 - There is Hope Even in the Most Devastating Times of Our Life. Ruth soaked up everything Naomi taught her. Having dedicated herself to the God of Israel, Ruth, in chapter 2, begins to grow in her relationship and dedication to Boaz. God had every intention of Ruth being part of the story for the lineage of Jesus. The Midrash points out that Ruth would only go to the fields with the permission of her mother-in-law. For this reason, she was at a disadvantage. As Naomi pointed out, Ruth was free to leave her mother-in-law after the death of her husband. Go have babies. ( Ruth 2:2). Your email address will not be published. Samson's relationship with Delilah is a far cry from Ruth's relationship with Boaz. When we are going through some of our toughest struggles, he often brings us to the mindbarthis is where he gives us strength. A man named Elimelech, from Bethlehem-Judah, left his hometown when a famine struck. Examining the second chapter of Ruth. We will start with some of the spiritual lessons we can learn from Ruth in the Bible. But there is a question for you to ponder: Are you the kind of woman who Boaz would be drawn to? Sometimes it seems like I take my worries everywhere except to you. v 2 - Moab: located east of the Jordan River and the Dead Sea. every one on earth will fail. 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. Build Your Life On A Strong Foundation. There are many but I will only go over 6 of them. Everyone loves in a different way and has a unique relationship that cannot be replicated or reproduced. 33 Short Bible Verses About . No enemy does all this: Israelites do it to each other. No earth-shattering miracles, like the Red Sea parting, happen in her life. 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. And thats why when youre dating you should probably spend lots of time outdoors or around other people. Lesson 3 - Working Isn't A Lack Of Blessing. Boaz invited Ruth to eat with his employees. Like Ruth, we also need to work to be women and men of integrity. It has really helped me to still have hope even in difficulty times. Life changing conversations should probably happen when both parties are fully present and engaged. The story is told in the Book of Ruth, part of the biblical canon called Ketuvim, or Writings. Ruth chose to go with her mother-in-law, showing not only how dedicated she was to Naomi, but also her dedication to the God of Israel. The book of Ruth does not always get the respect it deserves. If she had to go it alone, it would be 10 times harder. We cannot say for sure how old either of them were but there was a notable age difference. Although Boaz was in love with Ruth, he never pushed or pressured her to commit to him. They have nothing, so Ruth goes to work in the grain fields so they have enough food to eat. The Book of Ruth relates that Ruth and Orpah, two women of Moab, had married two sons of . There is no bitterness or hostility that shadows over their relationship. The saying that there is a light at the end of the tunnel is very true. He made kind gestures to reveal his heart to her and left it there. 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 ). God bless you. The Book of Ruth, the second of the Tanakh's five scrolls to be read on Shavu'ot, turns on at least one of these mandated forms of charity. First, I will tell you the summary of the story from the Bible, and then I will talk about the morals of this story. He found who she was in the present to be what he was looking for. But when things are the most difficult, thats when we need faith and hope the most. The story of Naomi in the Bible and lessons we can learn, The story of Rebekah in the Bible meaning, characteristics and lessons learned . They struggled with poverty. 2: Ruth wins Boaz's admiration and protection. At the beginning of the story, we meet Elimelech, the husband of Naomi. He owned land and servants. But one thing is sure: Boaz didnt add to Ruths stress. 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. Free Online Four-Week Book of Ruth Bible Study PDF: Our latest study will take you through the Book of Ruth. Go get married. Anissa McClain November 1, 2014 English 280 Penny Riggs The Case of Winnie Ruth Judd Winnie Ruth Judd was born in 1905 and raised in Darlington, Indiana, by her parents Reverend and Mrs. McKinnell. In Ruth we see the attitude and character of one in whom God is pleased. He had not done what he was supposed to do. She wasnt hired but he invited her to partake of those provisions. Ruth means friend or companion. Are they the same with you as they are with everyone else? Things will go faster and will be much better. The characteristics of Ruth in the Bible makes for an exciting study! Its heart-wrenching to lose a child. Ruth and Boaz got married and had a child they named Obed. He is still working. Naomis husband had died but he died leaving two sons. In the Book of Ruth, Orpah and Ruth chose different paths because that was best for them. And this was in a time when women werent ordinarily included in genealogies. a. Sermon series: Building Lasting Relationships - Ruth. Even though Ruth wasnt a Jew and was a Moabite, God didnt allow those titles to change His love for Ruth. And wasnt she quite the friend to her mother-in-law Naomi? Some conversations require perfect timing because of the issue that needs to be discussed. Join me on this journey as we study the depth of . She could have qualified for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. She is known for her faithfulness, loyalty, virtue, and love. She was letting him know she was ready for the next stage. 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). Boaz recognized that Ruth was quite vulnerable. Rahab was a prostitute whose faith saved her from the crashing walls of Jericho. Although she was married before, Naomi seemed not to realize that Boaz had taken to her. The first lesson from the Book of Ruth is that there is always hope. Communication is one of the hardest things for human beings to accomplish. Its every girls wish to have such a happy ending. When Boaz showed up, Ruth was having a pretty rough season in her life. She had nowhere to go and yearned to feel complete, so she returned to Judah. Boaz was a prophetic symbol and his redemptive work lives on even today. When Ruth and Naomi got back to Bethlehem, they had to fend for themselves as they were both widows. Both of these women showed faith and clung to the belief that better days were ahead. Ruth was a Moabite, a nation of pagans and idol worshippers. But it could also mean a term of endearment. Despite the pain, Naomi chooses to stand by her daughter-in-laws side and continue their relationship. The Book of Ruth enables readers to view, in a small-scale way, the foundational biblical story of the exodus. She was bending over all day long to pick up grain. She was a convert to Judaism and she knew very little about Jewish rules. It doesnt matter if youre a male or female, God cares about everyone the same. Ruth 1:1: " In the days when the judges ruled,there was a famine in the land". Your past is not your final destination when you make a choice in faith. Ruth gave up everything in Moab to follow Naomi and the God she barely knew. The opportunity was there for her to glean. Ruth was willing to go harvest in the fields daily. Copyright by Michael Bradley and Chris Bradley, When People Let You Down: Dealing with Disappointment. We all must understand the importance of being thankful and recognizing others that make a difference within our life especially within our relationships. So Ruth took on the responsibility of providing for them. which revealed that our heavenly father do not differentiate. He also gave compliments, protection, and respect. When you least expect it God provides His children with the things they need in life. Thankfully, she had Naomi to help. It is a story of friendship, family, and redemption. Its evident that Naomi understands that God wants her to continue her relationship with Ruth and she expresses these feelings with thanks and recognition. The Book of Ruth provides many relationship lessons that perpetuate the meaning of true love. Because of the famine in Bethlehem he decided to move his family to Moab. For Ruth and Naomi, they needed sovereignty and in essence a fresh start. So he put plans in place to ensure no harm would come to her. Later we see him ensuring that they have food to eat during their lunch break and he sits and eats with then. He was all too willing to do so. She made a choice to stay with Naomi and help her, all the while knowing that she was going to a country that wouldnt like her very much. Naomi was essentially empty and devastated after she lost her husband and sons. The biblical story of Ruth and Boaz is all of that and more. Thats not to say he didnt already have a wife though. He should have already taken her in to provide for her. The same things that turn on a worldly man are the same things which will excite your man of God. Well, there is a lot to be said about her. It doesnt matter if youre a male or female, God cares about everyone the same. But it was Ruths love for Naomi that made her willing to leave her country to return to Israel. Among them is how it illustrates the relationship between Jesus (Yahshua) with His Church. Ruth and Naomi were in a desperate situation. Love is a very interesting concept. Elimelech died, leaving Naomi with her two sons. Early in the story we met Ruth and Orpah. With love does come heartache this can is seen through break-ups, divorce, or even death. 51 Best Bible Verses About Relationship With God. They see you when youre good and when youre bad. And she took on a religion that she knew very little about just like Abraham. In the Hebrew Bible, Ruth stands with the Song of Solomon, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther; together they make up the Megillot, five scrolls that are read at prescribed times on Jewish religious festivals. God has a Redeemer for our lives, too, and His name is Jesus. Now that we have dealt with what it means to wait for your Boaz, there are some other relationship nuggets buried in the story. Ruth and Orpah made two different decisions. Lesson no. The men leave three grieving widows behind. No matter what, work with excellence, even if the work is boring and you hate it. In fact, we know more about the relationship between these two women than we know about them individually. That journey to Israel must have been frightening. Ruths diligence was being observed without her knowing it. It might mean he was old enough to be her father. Doing the right thing isnt always easy. It tells of a relationship between two women-Naomi, the senior of the two, and her daughter-in-law Ruth. If you intend to move from where you are in life, you have to put some skin in the game. Our doctrines, practices, policies. Lesson 4 - Fulfilling God's Plan. Or do they follow Naomi into an unpredictable future where Jehovah would lead? Sometimes were afraid that sharing our questions and doubts and disappointments will turn other people away from God, when actually, sharing about our relationship with God openly can bring more intimacy to our relationships and help draw other people to their own faith. We dont know anything about her beauty but we know her character was admirable. But we explore just a few that specifically have to do with dating. Ruth's story is celebrated during the Jewish festival of Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, 50 days after Passover. Boaz therefore went to a meeting in which he was able to win Ruth from that family member. He immediately takes to her and starts to protect her. 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. Lesson 1 - The Power of Loyalty. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc Used by permission. We dont usually share our unedited feelings and thoughts about God with friends or family members. But when it comes to relationships, its even harder. Boaz is presented as a "man of character" ( Ruth 2:1 ). Naomi organized a plan to let Boaz know that Ruth is open for marriage. Be sure to check out The Story of Naomi in the Bible and lessons you can learn. Naomi decided to move back to Bethlehem to be near family. Boaz was a type (prophetic symbol) of Christ and His redemptive work in our lives today. Whether youre dating or married, your man is flesh and bones. The book of Ruth focuses on this romantic story that represents Jesus and what He did for us. To some extent, she might be considered naive. She lived a simple live in obscurity. Remember to thank and recognize your partner each day. The book of Ruth begins by looking at the life of Naomi. But when God is with you, whatever touches you has Gods permission and in those times, you also have Gods protection and provision. Look out for a man who brings freshness to your life. The Book of Ruth provides many relationship lessons that perpetuate the meaning of true love. Just because one couple doesnt live like another doesnt mean that theyre any less or more in love than another couple. He made a decision that God didnt approve.
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