Slide2: Lessons From The Book Of Ruth


General Introduction: General Introduction Overview Set in the days of the judges cp. 1:1 Not one of Israel’s “brightest moments” due to cycle of sin throughout 350+ years This book teaches us about… …true marital love with honorable intentions …true spiritual fidelity to Jehovah amidst sin


General Introduction: General Introduction Overview This book also teaches the providence of God cp. 1:1-4 1:22 – 2:3 3:1-5 4:17 Purpose The book’s main purpose appears to reveal information re: the lineage of the Messiah 4:17-22 cp. Mt 1:5


Naomi Returns To Jerusalem Ruth 1: Naomi Returns To Jerusalem Ruth 1 Elimelech’s family travels from Judah to Moab to escape a famine 1:1-2 Famine = punishment cp. Deut 28:15, 22-24 Naomi eventually returns to Judah 1:6 She discourages Orpah & Ruth from going 1:8 Orpah returns to Moab 1:14-15 Ruth will not be dissuaded…she has genuine commitment 1:16-17


Naomi Returns To Jerusalem Ruth 1: Naomi Returns To Jerusalem Ruth 1 Naomi was welcomed back in Judah, but she will filled with bitterness 1:19-21 She could not see any goodness in her life Christians today can make the same mistake re: unpleasant events in our own lives cp. 2 Cor 4:17


Ruth & Boaz Ruth 2-3: Ruth & Boaz Ruth 2-3 The act of “gleaning” plays a prominent role in the story of Ruth 2:2 Commanded by law Lev 19:9-10 Deut 24:19 We’re also introduced to Boaz 2:1 Ruth determines she must glean to provide for herself, Naomi 2:2 She comes upon Boaz’s field 2:3


Ruth & Boaz Ruth 2-3: Ruth & Boaz Ruth 2-3 Boaz was a good man He was kind to his own workers 2:4 He was concerned about Ruth’s efforts to glean 2:5-16 He was impressed with Ruth’s commitment to Jehovah 2:12 Ruth was equally “faithful” 2:10, 13 Especially to Naomi 2:17-18


Ruth & Boaz Ruth 2-3: Ruth & Boaz Ruth 2-3 Naomi begins to see something developing re: Ruth’s situation 2:20-23 She advises Ruth to continue to seek shelter under Boaz 2:22-23 She also knew what the Law taught about someone in Ruth’s situation cp. Deut 25:5-10 She describes Boaz as a “relative” 2:20 She mentions the “dead” 2:20


Ruth & Boaz Ruth 2-3: Ruth & Boaz Ruth 2-3 Naomi instructs Ruth re: Boaz, his potential to be the “near kinsman” 3:1-5 She wants Ruth to be secure v. 1 She tells Ruth how to approach Boaz vv. 3-4 Ruth used the traditional rites to request that Boaz become her “redeemer” 3:6-9 cp. Ezek 16:8


Ruth & Boaz Ruth 2-3: Ruth & Boaz Ruth 2-3 Boaz was impressed by Ruth 3:10-11 She wasn’t a “husband hunter” v. 10 She had an honorable reputation v. 11 Boaz was honorable in how he worked out the redemption of Ruth 3:12-13, 18 Boaz was also careful to protect Ruth’s public reputation 3:14-15, 17


The Marriage Of Ruth & Boaz Ruth 4: The Marriage Of Ruth & Boaz Ruth 4 Boaz begins the redemption process with the nearer kinsman, elders of the city 4:1-2 The nearer kinsman was reluctant to redeem Ruth 4:5-6 In keeping with custom, the nearer kinsman passed his redemption right to Boaz 4:7-8 Boaz agreed to redeem Ruth 4:9-10


The Marriage Of Ruth & Boaz Ruth 4: The Marriage Of Ruth & Boaz Ruth 4 Ruth was considered “blessed” and likened to Rachel & Leah 4:11 A reference to how Israel’s “house” was built The “house” Boaz would be forming with Ruth was also blessed, and likened to Perez 4:12 Perez = Boaz’s ancestor 4:18 1 Chron 2:5ff


The Marriage Of Ruth & Boaz Ruth 4: The Marriage Of Ruth & Boaz Ruth 4 Ruth provided Naomi a grandchild 4:14-17 A “redeemer” for her heritage A “restorer” for her life & “sustainer” for her old age A “son” to fill the emptiness in her life Ruth was praised to be better than 7 sons to Naomi 4:15


The Marriage Of Ruth & Boaz Ruth 4: The Marriage Of Ruth & Boaz Ruth 4 The purpose of the book of Ruth is stated in 4:18-22 David eventually emerges from the lineage of Boaz & Ruth 4:22 The Messiah eventually emerges from the lineage of David cp. Mt 1:2-6a, 16


Boaz & Jesus As “Redeemers”: Boaz & Jesus As “Redeemers” Boaz Redeemed Ruth Redeemed Ruth from “curse” of being a widow Redeemed Ruth to raise up sons Redeemed Ruth, purifying her to himself Jesus Redeemed Israel Lk 24:21 Redeemed us from the “curse of Law” Gal 3:13 Redeemed us to adopt us as “sons” Gal 4:1-7 Redeemed us, purifying us to Himself Titus 2:11-14