Marriage and the Bible Based on the Living in Love Series by Richard L. Strauss, Biblical Studies Foundation

What You Bring to the Marriage Chapter 5: Boaz and Ruth

Ground Rules Do we have them down by now?

Good Husbands and Wives What makes for a good prospective husband? What qualities would you look for? What makes for a good prospective wife? What qualities would you look for? I suspect society’s list would not be far different from ours. The main difference, is perhaps the order in which they appear.

Setting Up the Story The story of Boaz and Ruth takes place 500 years after we left off with Jacob and Rachel. Israel has experienced Egypt, the exodus, wandering in the wilderness, possession of the promised land, and establishment as a nation. We are now in the midst of the cycle of sin, servitude, and salvation inherent to Judges.

Setting Up the Story Naomi’s family flees to Moab to escape famine. While there, Naomi’s husband dies, followed by her two sons. She is left with two Moabite daughters-in-law, whom she urges to return to their families (and their culture) as she sets off to return to Israel.

Who is Ruth? Where does Ruth stand as a Moabitess? –Genesis 19:36-37 –Numbers 25:1-3 –Deuteronomy 23:3-4 –Judges 3:28-30 Ruth experiences the God of Israel through 10 years of marriage in Naomi’s family. She clearly knows and reveres The LORD. –Ruth 1:16b-17

Who is Ruth? Upon the foundation of her relationship to God, Ruth shows a compassionate regard for her mother-in-law, vowing to stay with her and provide for her. This was not the safe play! There is no direct mention of Ruth’s physical appearance. Her inner beauty is apparent in the story, though.

Inner Beauty In the course of the story, Ruth demonstrates a quiet spirit and a genuine sense of humility. Why does this make her beautiful and appealing as a [prospective] wife? –1 Peter 3:1-4

Who is Boaz? Relative of Naomi’s husband. Name denotes “strength.” Boaz clearly has a close relationship with God, such that it permeates his dialogue spoken in this story. –Ruth 2:4, 3:10, 3:13 It is implied that Boaz is a fair amount older than Ruth.

Generous Spirit By the end of the story, Boaz is shown to be kind, thoughtful, considerate, gentle, and modest. Ruth first encounters Boaz gleaning barley from his fields. –God’s law provides for the corners of the fields and grain dropped by the harvesters to be devoted to the poor, widows, and foreigners. –Ruth qualified on all three categories!

Generous Spirit Boaz shows special consideration when he learns who Ruth is: –Encourages her to remain at his field. –Offers protection from “men touching her.” –Offers the water allotted to his workers. –Invites her to eat her fill with his workers. –Encourages his workers to deliberately leave excess grain for Ruth to pick up.

Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:1-4 sounds more like a dare than anything else! God’s laws include the redemption of widows through brothers in a family…extending outward if none are alive. Naomi encourages Ruth to seek Boaz as her “goel” or redeemer.

Modesty Abounds The event that night was absolutely modest. There is no language to suggest that anything happened between the lines. Boaz shows his modesty through his surprise that Ruth would have chosen him, and confesses that a closer relative may have the right to redeem her himself.

The Fruits of this Relationship Boaz and Ruth marry. Unlike previous stories, she is unhindered in conceiving and giving birth to a son. That son is generously regarded as Naomi’s own. That son’s name is Obed. Significance?

Practical Applications Ruth and Boaz bring into the relationship preexisting devotion to God. Did you, or someone you know enter marriage before knowing God on a personal level? Why do some relationships appear to thrive apart from devotion to God? Can they thrive? What are they missing?

Love Even your Mother-in-Law! Our society assumes a tense relationship with the in-laws unless told otherwise. Ruth showed selfless regard for Naomi, even when unbound to do so. Your relationship with Christ enables you to do likewise. Do you have a relationship that does not show the openness and generosity shown between Ruth and Naomi?

Modesty and Self-Control The episode at the threshing floor shows exemplary self-control. (A lesser man and a former pagan could have clearly led to something!) Society today values “trial marriages” through living together. What obstacles do these marriages have to overcome?

The Model in Your Home Do your children see the kind of selfless and genuine love shown in this story? What will your children take with them to their own relationships based on what they’ve experienced in your home? If this is a rocky area for you, do you feel the conviction to address this?

Challenge You brought your own attributes to your marriage? How have they changed over the years? For the better? Wives – Do you have a meek and quiet spirit? Husbands – Are you kind and gentle toward your wife? Are you protective and generous?

Additional Discussion What is your evaluation of Naomi’s attitude upon her initial return to Israel? Ruth challenges the contemporary view of foreigners within Israel. What about this story challenges the contemporary views we have today? How are Ruth’s actions and circumstances amplified by God? - Luke 16:10

Additional Discussion The story of Ruth takes place during a dark and tumultuous time for Israel. Ruth is a ray of light and hope, underscoring the power of Israel’s ultimate Judge and Deliverer. Ultimately, the answer to all of our questions and problems lead to the same word. –GOD