Ruth Chapters 1-4 A Warm Glow amid the Darkness of the Era of the Judges. A Pearl among the Swine of the Time of Judges.

Lessons from Ruth 1 The Gentiles were able to clearly recognize godly principles and accept godly character. 1: Some, like Ruth, saw the godly example of the Jews and declared the LORD as God. (Another lesson from chapter 2,3, During the time of the judges, not everyone was like evil Micah of Ephraim: some were like righteous Boaz of Judah. Not all towns were like Gibeah: some were as admirable as Bethlehem. God is at work among the righteous, even in dark times.)

Comparing Ruth to Abraham Abraham received a promise of land from God. Abr. had Divine blessing pronounced on him. Abr. had a spouse, possessions, servants. Ruth had no promise of land or a home. She had no Divine blessing given to her from early on. She gave up chance for a marriage in Moab to support a former mother in law in her old age.

How Gorgeous is Gods Word Ruth is Example of Chiastic Structure – e.g., a Ringed Arrangement of ABC then CBA Ruth is Example of Chiastic Structure – e.g., a Ringed Arrangement of ABC then CBA

Naomi too old to conceive (ch. 1) Naomi receives a son (4:17)

A Naomi too old to conceive (ch. 1) B The possible redeemer introduced (2:1) C Ruth and Naomi's plan begins (2:2) D Ruth and Boaz's field (2:3) E Boaz comes from Bethlehem (2:4) F Boaz is introduced to Ruth: Who is she?" (2:5-7) G Boaz provides food for Ruth & Ruth brings ephah to Naomi (2:8-18) H Naomi blesses Boaz (2:19) I Boaz is in position to redeem (2:20) J Ruth joins Boaz's workers, is protected (2:21-23) K Naomi seeks security, comfort, rest for Ruth (3:1-8) J' Ruth requests Boaz's protection in marriage (3:9) I' Ruth asks Boaz to act as redeemer (3:9) H' Boaz blesses Ruth (3:10) G' Boaz promises & Ruth brings 6 measures to Naomi (3:11-15) F' Boaz will conclude the matter with Ruth (3:16-18) E' Boaz goes to Bethlehem (4:1) D' Ruth and a field that was Naomis (4:2-12) C' Ruth and Naomi's plan ends (4:3) B' The redeemer redeems (4:14-16) A' Naomi receives a son (4:17)

Naomi too old to conceive (ch. 1) Naomi seeks security and rest for Ruth (3:1-8) Naomi receives a son (4:17)

Bethlehem Moab

Bethlehem Moab

Chapter 2 – Ruth Meets Boaz What does Naomi call Ruth in 2:2? What is gleaning (Lev 19:9,10, Deut 24:19)? What was Boazs greeting in 2:4? Their response? Does this sound typical from what we know of the Judges?

Chapter 2 – Boaz is Kind In what ways is Boaz kind to Ruth in 2:8-10? What encouraged Boaz to show Ruth kindness in 2:11-13? Shouldnt a man of wealth be hard and oppressive?

Chapter 2 – Ruth is Kind In what ways does Boaz continue to show kindness to Ruth in 14-16, particularly v 15? According to verse 14, what does Ruth do on behalf of Naomi? How is Naomis faith in Gods goodness revived in 2:20?

Why are the people in this farm field in Bethlehem so kind, thoughtful and caring? Are their actions genuine?

Chapter 3 – Ruths Appeal to Boaz At the advice of Naomi, Ruth makes an appeal to Boaz to redeem her rightful inheritance as Mahlons widow (the land that was sold by Naomi in 4:3) and take her as a wife under the principle of a levirate (brother-in-law) marriage. Boaz receives Ruths appeal with joy (3:10-11).

Chapter 3 – Ruths Appeal to Boaz What had the town come to think of Ruth in verse 11? And what leads to the conclusion that Boaz is older than Ruth in verse 10? What is Boazs only concern before taking Ruth as his wife in verses 12,13?

Chapter 4 – Boaz Clears the Legal Hurdles Boaz is a man of principle so will resolve the matter of a closer relative to Ruth who has the right of redemption. The court is convened in the gate of the city and the opportunity for redemption is presented to the closer relative. He concedes the right of redemption to Boaz. Boaz receives the blessing of the elders.

Chapter 4 A Blessed Marriage Marriage to a Gentile seems to have been mitigated by the fact that Ruth has adopted both the worship and the character of an Israelite: she has renounced her homeland in favor of Israel: she is a proselyte.

Chapter 4 A Blessed Marriage Marriage to a Gentile seems to have been mitigated by the fact that Ruth has adopted both the worship and the character of an Israelite: she is a proselyte. According to 4:10, what was more important than the nationality of Ruth? The elders and people pray that Ruth will be made like whom in 4:11?

Chapter 4:13-22 The Family of Ruth and Boaz Naomi is given a grandson, Obed, who would be grandfather of a king. Further, through Ruth, a Gentile enters into the lineage of Christ. Ruth was said to be better than what to Naomi in 4:15? Who is the noteworthy grandson of Obed?

God uses the faithfulness of ordinary people to do great things Your people will be my people and your God my God... May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me. Ruth 1:16-17

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another... Romans 12:10