Women of the Bible: Ruth

2002014

Subject: women of the Bible

Introduction:

A. Series continues.

B. Ruth is a book important to Jewish history. It gives us a link in the seed-line of the coming Christ.

1. It is presented as a love story.

2. Primarily – Ruth in her love & devotion to her mother-in-law Naomi. 1:14-22

3. The love was repaid w/a husband – Boaz – and the blessing of bearing a child would be in the lineage of Christ.

C. Throughout the book we see the providence of God. What God has promised – He is able & faithful to do.

D. Here are some facts about the book & some lessons for us.

I. Time Period.

A. Takes place during period of judges. Some think about 1100 BC.

B. A time of dark days for Israel.

1. Judges 17:6; 21:25

2. Even though the majority turned their back on God – there were some who still followed God.

II. Preliminary events:

A. Elimelec & Naomi married – have two sons – live in Bethlehem.

1. Because of famine – move to land of Moab.

2. While in Moab – Elimelech dies (1:3)

3. His sons – Mahlon & Chilion take on wives from land of Moab. They were named Ruth & Orpah.

4. 1:5 – Mahlon & Chilion die.

B. 1:6 – Naomi hears that famine had ended in Judah – decides to return.

C. 1:8-14 – instructs her two daughters in law to remain in Moab – seek out husbands and get on w/their lives.

1. Orpah decides to remain in Moab – while Ruth “clung” to Naomi.

2. Ruth’s commitment to stay w/Naomi – 1:16-18

D. 1:19-22 – return to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.

III. The plight of widows during this time.

A. almost nothing worse than this.

B. Taken advantage of or ignored.

1. almost always poverty stricken.

2. Deut. 25:5-10 – God’s law provided that nearest relative of dead husband should care for the widow.

3. This law kept the widow from poverty and provided a way for the name of her dead husband to continue on.

C. Ruth knowingly gives us security and the possibility to have more children – to go back to Israel – a foreign land – to care for Naomi.

III. Their life in Bethlehem…

A. 2:1-3 – Ruth went out to work in the grain fields – to provide for herself & Naomi.

1. When wheat/barley ready to be harvested – reapers were hired to cut down stalks and tie them into bundles.

2. The leftover grain could be collected/gleaned by widows; foreigners and then made into food.

3. Lev 19:9; 23:22; Deut. 24:19 – purpose of this law was to feed the poor and prevent the owners from hoarding.

a) was a type of welfare program.

B. 2:3 – as it happened she would up gleaning in the field of Boaz.

1. 2:4 – Boaz was a godly man.

2. 2:5-17 – worked hard gleaning in field. In field till evening. By end of day she had an ephah of grain. (Half a bushel.)

3. 2:18-23 – goes back & tells Naomi who she had worked for – for which Naomi praised God.

4. Her hope was renewed in that perhaps Boaz would serve as a “kinsman redeemer” for Ruth.

IV. What was a “kinsman redeemer?”

A. This was a relative who volunteered to take responsibility for the extended family. See Deut 25:5-10

1. Naomi had no more sons – the nearest relative to the deceased husband could become a “kinsman redeemer” and marry the widow.

2. This person did not have to marry the widow.

3. If he chose not to – the nearest relative could take his place.

B. If no one helped the widow – rest of her life would probably be spent in poverty – b/c inheritance passed on to the son or to the nearest male relative.

C. In Chapter’s 3-4 – we have the story of Boaz becoming Ruth’s kinsman redeemer.

1. She would eventually become the mother of Obed – who was the grandfather of David – king of Israel.

2. Her loyalty to Naomi was rewarded w/her being remembered for all time as playing a role in the lineage of Jesus. Mt 1:5

V. In this lesson we see good people in action.

A. We see the selflessness of Naomi.

1. Naomi had a great deal of hardship in a very short period of time.

a) famine moves them to Moab

b) Elimelech dies.

c) Her sons die

d) Then determines to move back to Judah – by herself.

2. Overcome by grief & loneliness – living in a foreign land – family lies buried in a foreign land

3. 1:8-9 – her entreaty….

a) others may have implored them to stay.

b) But Naomi concerns herself w/needs of two women whom she really loved. She put them before herself.

4. as go through story – becomes evident that she still trusted God & acknowledged His presence.

a) 2:20

b) She may have felt bitter – but her faith in God was still alive & she praised God for Boaz’s kindness to Ruth.

5. We need more selfless people today!

B. The Character of Ruth

1. Was Orpah wrong by leaving?

a) she did no wrong – actions understood & lawful.

2. 1:16-18 – the loyalty of Ruth.

a) here’s a young lady – willing to go to foreign land; willing to give up ties to the past b/c of her love for her mother in law.

3. Here we also see her good example.

a) She choose the true God; the right path; a godly home; and godly associates.

b) She made a wise choice – a personal choice; a determined choice. Because of this she was rewarded.

4. 2:6-7 – worked hard.

a) didn’t matter that her work was probably menial; tiring; and perhaps degrading – she did her work faithfully.

b) We need this attitude today!

c) Your “menial” job may be a test of character that can open up new doors of opportunity!

5. As you continue through chapter 2 – we find her gaining reputation for showing kindness/generosity for others. 2:11-13

a) a good reputation is our most valuable asset!

b) Good reputations are gained through hard work; strong moral character; devotion to Christ.

c) Good reputations are built upon God honoring character and kindness toward others.

C. Boaz.

1. 2:9, 14-17 – went far beyond the intent of the gleaners law in demonstrating kindness & generosity.

2. Told his servants to let grain fall on purpose in her path.

3. Out of his abundance – he provided for the needy.

4. We need to have a spirit of giving among us.

VI. We see God’s providence in action again.

A. He was with Ruth every step of the way.

B. 2:3 – as it happened… in the field of Boaz…a godly man….a close relative….all by chance? Hardly! The hand of God was in action!

C. Point: as we go about in our daily lives – God is working in our lives in ways that we may not notice!

1. We must not close the door on what God can do!

2. We need to have faith that God is directing our lives for His purpose.

3. Events do not occur by luck or coincidence!

Conclusion:

A. There a number of lessons we can learn from this book.

B. Hope this lesson has helped you in your walk w/God.

C. Are you walking w/God?

D. You can, if you obey the gospel!

E. I N V I T A T I O N



Women of the Bible: Ruth 2002014 Subject: women of the Bible Introduction: A. Series continues. B. Ruth is a book important to Jewish history. It gives us a link in the seed-line of the coming Christ. 1. It is presented as a love story. 2. Primarily – Ruth in her love & devotion to her mother-in-law Naomi. 1:14-22 3. The love was repaid w/a husband – Boaz – and the blessing of bearing a child would be in the lineage of Christ. C. Throughout the book we see the providence of God. What God has promised – He is able & faithful to do. D. Here are some facts about the book & some lessons for us. I. Time Period. A. Takes place during period of judges. Some think about 1100 BC. B. A time of dark days for Israel. 1. Judges 17:6; 21:25 2. Even though the majority turned their back on God – there were some who still followed God. II. Preliminary events: A. Elimelec & Naomi married – have two sons – live in Bethlehem. 1. Because of famine – move to land of Moab. 2. While in Moab – Elimelech dies (1:3) 3. His sons – Mahlon & Chilion take on wives from land of Moab. They were named Ruth & Orpah. 4. 1:5 – Mahlon & Chilion die. B. 1:6 – Naomi hears that famine had ended in Judah – decides to return. C. 1:8-14 – instructs her two daughters in law to remain in Moab – seek out husbands and get on w/their lives. 1. Orpah decides to remain in Moab – while Ruth “clung” to Naomi. 2. Ruth’s commitment to stay w/Naomi – 1:16-18 D. 1:19-22 – return to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest. III. The plight of widows during this time. A. almost nothing worse than this. B. Taken advantage of or ignored. 1. almost always poverty stricken. 2. Deut. 25:5-10 – God’s law provided that nearest relative of dead husband should care for the widow. 3. This law kept the widow from poverty and provided a way for the name of her dead husband to continue on. C. Ruth knowingly gives us security and the possibility to have more children – to go back to Israel – a foreign land – to care for Naomi. III. Their life in Bethlehem… A. 2:1-3 – Ruth went out to work in the grain fields – to provide for herself & Naomi. 1. When wheat/barley ready to be harvested – reapers were hired to cut down stalks and tie them into bundles. 2. The leftover grain could be collected/gleaned by widows; foreigners and then made into food. 3. Lev 19:9; 23:22; Deut. 24:19 – purpose of this law was to feed the poor and prevent the owners from hoarding. a) was a type of welfare program. B. 2:3 – as it happened she would up gleaning in the field of Boaz. 1. 2:4 – Boaz was a godly man. 2. 2:5-17 – worked hard gleaning in field. In field till evening. By end of day she had an ephah of grain. (Half a bushel.) 3. 2:18-23 – goes back & tells Naomi who she had worked for – for which Naomi praised God. 4. Her hope was renewed in that perhaps Boaz would serve as a “kinsman redeemer” for Ruth. IV. What was a “kinsman redeemer?” A. This was a relative who volunteered to take responsibility for the extended family. See Deut 25:5-10 1. Naomi had no more sons – the nearest relative to the deceased husband could become a “kinsman redeemer” and marry the widow. 2. This person did not have to marry the widow. 3. If he chose not to – the nearest relative could take his place. B. If no one helped the widow – rest of her life would probably be spent in poverty – b/c inheritance passed on to the son or to the nearest male relative. C. In Chapter’s 3-4 – we have the story of Boaz becoming Ruth’s kinsman redeemer. 1. She would eventually become the mother of Obed – who was the grandfather of David – king of Israel. 2. Her loyalty to Naomi was rewarded w/her being remembered for all time as playing a role in the lineage of Jesus. Mt 1:5 V. In this lesson we see good people in action. A. We see the selflessness of Naomi. 1. Naomi had a great deal of hardship in a very short period of time. a) famine moves them to Moab b) Elimelech dies. c) Her sons die d) Then determines to move back to Judah – by herself. 2. Overcome by grief & loneliness – living in a foreign land – family lies buried in a foreign land 3. 1:8-9 – her entreaty…. a) others may have implored them to stay. b) But Naomi concerns herself w/needs of two women whom she really loved. She put them before herself. 4. as go through story – becomes evident that she still trusted God & acknowledged His presence. a) 2:20 b) She may have felt bitter – but her faith in God was still alive & she praised God for Boaz’s kindness to Ruth. 5. We need more selfless people today! B. The Character of Ruth 1. Was Orpah wrong by leaving? a) she did no wrong – actions understood & lawful. 2. 1:16-18 – the loyalty of Ruth. a) here’s a young lady – willing to go to foreign land; willing to give up ties to the past b/c of her love for her mother in law. 3. Here we also see her good example. a) She choose the true God; the right path; a godly home; and godly associates. b) She made a wise choice – a personal choice; a determined choice. Because of this she was rewarded. 4. 2:6-7 – worked hard. a) didn’t matter that her work was probably menial; tiring; and perhaps degrading – she did her work faithfully. b) We need this attitude today! c) Your “menial” job may be a test of character that can open up new doors of opportunity! 5. As you continue through chapter 2 – we find her gaining reputation for showing kindness/generosity for others. 2:11-13 a) a good reputation is our most valuable asset! b) Good reputations are gained through hard work; strong moral character; devotion to Christ. c) Good reputations are built upon God honoring character and kindness toward others. C. Boaz. 1. 2:9, 14-17 – went far beyond the intent of the gleaners law in demonstrating kindness & generosity. 2. Told his servants to let grain fall on purpose in her path. 3. Out of his abundance – he provided for the needy. 4. We need to have a spirit of giving among us. VI. We see God’s providence in action again. A. He was with Ruth every step of the way. B. 2:3 – as it happened… in the field of Boaz…a godly man….a close relative….all by chance? Hardly! The hand of God was in action! C. Point: as we go about in our daily lives – God is working in our lives in ways that we may not notice! 1. We must not close the door on what God can do! 2. We need to have faith that God is directing our lives for His purpose. 3. Events do not occur by luck or coincidence! Conclusion: A. There a number of lessons we can learn from this book. B. Hope this lesson has helped you in your walk w/God. C. Are you walking w/God? D. You can, if you obey the gospel! E. I N V I T A T I O N