The Book of Ruth Providence and Loving Kindness Produce Blessing February 26, 2017 Through the Bible in One Year Xavier Reyna, Director Ben Compere, Editor Wayman Lim, Choir Director Susan Turner, Prayer Warrior “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Agenda Introduction Lesson Canon Chronology Summary Purpose Themes Analysis Exposition Lesson Application Test “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

An Introduction to a Book of the Bible Provides Three Things: Information: general information about the book Insights: to enhance a more detailed study of the book Incentive: whets your appetite to pursue further study of the book “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Providence and Loving Kindness Produce Blessing Lesson Providence and Loving Kindness Produce Blessing The Lord blesses his people (Providence) as they bless one another (Loving Kindness) so they can bless the world (Messianic Line). “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Ruth is Located Among the Historical Books Canon Ruth is Located Among the Historical Books The Petateuch - 5 Wisdom Books - 5 Major Propets - 5 Gospels - 4 General Epistles - 8 Genesis Job Isaiah Matthew Hebrews Exodus Psalms Jeremiah Mark James Leviticus Proverbs Lamentations Luke I Peter Numbers Song of Songs Ezekiel John II Peter Deuteronomy Ecclesiastes Daniel I John History - 1 II John Historical Books - 12 Minor Prophets - 12 Acts III John Joshua Hosea Jude Judges Joel Paul's Epistles -13 Ruth Amos Romans Apocalypse - 1 I Samuel Obadiah I Corinthians Revelation II Samuel Jonah II Corinthians I Kings Michah Galatians II Kings Nahum Ephesians I Chronicles Habakkuk Colossians II Chronicles Zephaniah Philippians Ezra Haggai Philemon Nehemiah Zechariah I Thessalonians Esther Malachi II Thessalonians I Timothy II Timothy Titus Old Testament - 39 books New Testament - 27 Books “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Ruth Links Judges with 1 Samuel Canon Ruth Links Judges with 1 Samuel The Book Of Judges Ruth 1:1 In the days when the judges ruled Ruth 4:18-22 Genealogy ending with David The Book 1 Samuel “This book [Ruth] explains how David, the most significant human character in the Hebrew Bible, could emerge from the spiritual and ethical morass that characterized the period of the judges.” D.I. Block “Ruth – Exegetical Commentary of the Old Testament “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Ruth Takes Place During the Judges Era Chronology Ruth Takes Place During the Judges Era Ruth is somewhere in this period “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Summary of the Book of Ruth The book of Ruth tells the story of three people: Naomi, a widow from Bethlehem in Judah; Ruth, her daughter-in-law from Moab; and Boaz, a gentleman farmer from Bethlehem. After the death of their husbands, Ruth, in an act of loving kindness, follows Naomi home from Moab (Chapter 1) and there meets Boaz, Naomi's close relative and gleans in his barley field. Boaz learns that Ruth is a relative of Naomi’s and gives her special gleaning privileges (Chapter 2). Boaz understands that Ruth, though a foreigner, is a woman of worth. Through a scheme of Naomi to send Ruth to meet Boaz in secret (Chapter 3), and through the cleverness of Boaz, who claims Ruth before the city elders, Boaz and Ruth marry and have a child, thus insuring the continuation of the Davidic line that eventually leads to the birth of Jesus (Chapter 4). “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

The Purpose of the Book of Ruth is to Demonstrate: Even in the chaotic times of the Judges the messianic line is not preserved by heroic feats of military deliverers but by the subtle hand of a providential God working through the loving kindness (hesed) of ordinary people. “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Themes Providence in the Book of Ruth No Miracles; God Never Speaks; But He Acts Famine in Bethlehem (1:1) Elimelek and his sons die (1:5) Famine in Bethlehem ceases (1:6) Naomi says “ The Lord’s hand has turned against me” (1:13) and “The Lord made my life bitter.” (1:20) Ruth “happens” to glean in Boaz’s field (2:1-3) Boaz arrives in time to meet Ruth (2:4,5) The anonymous kinsman-redeemer passes up the opportunity to redeem Naomi and marry Ruth (4:6) Boaz and Ruth’s son, Obed, is in the messianic line (4:16) “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Themes The Hebrew Word Hesed (Loving Kindness) Appears Four Times in the Book of Ruth Naomi asks for the Lord to give hesed to Ruth and Orpah as they have shown hesed to Naomi (1:8) [appears twice in this verse] Naomi comments that Boaz has shown hesed to both her and Ruth (2:20) Boaz commends Ruth for the hesed in her marriage proposal on the threshing floor (3:10) “… throughout the book hesed is the underlying factor in various acts of loyalty and mercy.” K.L. Younger, “Judges/Ruth” “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Examples of Hesed (Loving Kindness) in the Book of Ruth Themes Examples of Hesed (Loving Kindness) in the Book of Ruth Ruth wants to return to Bethlehem with Naomi and Naomi allows her to do so (1:11-18) Ruth volunteers to glean to support both her and Naomi (2:2) Boaz greets his workers “The Lord be with you.” (2:40) Boaz’s workers greet Boaz with “The Lord bless you.” (2:4) Boaz shows extraordinary concern and care for Ruth while she gleans in his field because she is Naomi’s relative (2:8-16) Naomi blesses Boaz (2:20) Ruth proposes marriage to Boaz on the threshing floor (3:1-9) Boaz acts honorably to the proposal (3:10-13) Boaz gives Ruth grain (3:14,15) Boaz offer the anonymous kinsman-redeemer the opportunity to redeem Naomi and Ruth (3:12; 4:1-8) Boaz redeems Naomi’s property and Ruth in front of the town elders (4:9,10) Boaz marries Ruth (4:13) “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

The Book of Ruth Has Three Major Sections Analysis The Book of Ruth Has Three Major Sections Introduction 6% Main Narrative 88% Narrative Introduction(1:1-5) Main Narrative (1:6-4:17) Concluding Genealogy (4:18-22) Genealogy 6% “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Providence and Loving Kindness in Preserving the Messianic Line Analysis Providence and Loving Kindness in Preserving the Messianic Line Introduction: Flight to Moab (1:1-5) Return to Bethlehem (1:6-22) Hope in Bethlehem (2:1-23) Problem on the Threshing Floor (3:1-18) Resolution at the Town Gate (4:1-17) Conclusion: Davidic Genealogy (4:18-22) “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Analysis Four Keys to Understanding the Book of Ruth 1. Historical Hostility Between Israel and Moab Moabites are descendants of Lot (Gen 19:30-38) They have a history of unfriendly relations with Israel Balak, king of Moab hires Balaam, the seer, to curse Israel (Num 22-25) No Moabite may enter the assembly of the Lord down to the 10th generation (Deut 23:3-6) King Eglon of Moab subjected Israel for 18 years (Judg 3:12-30) Ruth is from Moab “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Four Keys to Understanding the Book of Ruth 2. Hesed – Loving Kindness Analysis Four Keys to Understanding the Book of Ruth 2. Hesed – Loving Kindness A prominent theological term in the Old Testament There is no EXACT English equivalent of hesed: Various words are used: Kindness Faithfulness Mercy Goodness Loyalty Steadfast love Loving kindness is a typical translation of hesed. “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Four Keys to Understanding the Book of Ruth 2. Hesed – Loving Kindness Analysis Four Keys to Understanding the Book of Ruth 2. Hesed – Loving Kindness Hesed  describes how God relates to His people. Having entered a covenant relationship with them, God bound Himself to act toward them in certain ways He is utterly faithful to His self-commitment. Hesed mainly describes exceptional acts of among people, meeting extreme need outside the realm of what is considered normal “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Four Keys to Understanding the Book of Ruth 3. Redemption Analysis Four Keys to Understanding the Book of Ruth 3. Redemption The next of kin (goel) had the responsibility of buying back property that was sold due to foreclosure or poverty so the property would remain in the family (Lev 25:25-28). “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Four Keys to Understanding the Book of Ruth 4. Levirate Marriage Analysis Four Keys to Understanding the Book of Ruth 4. Levirate Marriage The next of kin of a deceased man had the responsibility to marry his widow and produce children to prevent the deceased man’s lineage from disappearing (Deut 25:5-10). “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Elimelek, Naomi and the Boys Travel to Moab Introduction: Flight to Moab 1:1-5 Exposition Elimelek, Naomi and the Boys Travel to Moab A famine in Bethlehem of Judah prompts Elimelek, Naomi and their two sons to migrate to Moab. “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Death and Widowhood in Moab Introduction: Flight to Moab 1:1-5 Exposition Death and Widowhood in Moab Elimelek dies The two sons marry Moabite women Ten years later the two sons die All three women are left alone “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Naomi and Ruth Return to Judah Bethlehem 1:6-22 Exposition Naomi and Ruth Return to Judah The Judean famine ends Naomi tells her daughters-in-law to return to their families she is returning to Judah Orpah returns but Ruth stubbornly refuses to leave Naomi “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” Ruth 1:16,17

The Journey from Moab to Bethlehem is Difficult Return to Bethlehem 1:6-22 Exposition The Journey from Moab to Bethlehem is Difficult Bethlehem Moab The trip from Moab to Bethlehem takes 7-10 days. It requires travelers to cross the river Jordan and to climb over 2000 feet in elevation to reach Bethlehem. “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Return to Bethlehem 1:6-22 Exposition Naomi or Mara? As the townspeople recognize Naomi she tells them to call her Mara for the Lord has made her life bitter. She went away full She returns empty But the barley harvest is about to begin Notice how the last verse in Chapter 1 introduces the setting in Chapter 2. “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Ruth Gleans in the Field of Boaz the Barley Man Hope in Bethlehem 2:1-23 Exposition Ruth Gleans in the Field of Boaz the Barley Man Boaz is a relative of Naomi on her husband’s side Boaz is a man of good standing in the community Notice how Boaz greets his workers: “the Lord be with you” “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Ruth Meets Boaz Boaz asks about the young woman in his field Hope in Bethlehem 2:1-23 Exposition Ruth Meets Boaz Boaz asks about the young woman in his field She is Naomi’s relative She is a hard worker Because of the above Boaz treats her with extraordinary care Stay in my field Gave her food and drink Allowed her to glean among the sheaves “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Hope in Bethlehem 2:1-23 Exposition Ruth Returns to Naomi Ruth tells Naomi that she gleaned in Boaz’s field Brings an ephah of grain to Naomi Naomi blesses Boaz for his hesed Naomi tells Ruth to continue to glean in the field of Boaz Notice how the last verse in Chapter 2 introduces the setting in Chapter 3. “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Ruth’s Proposal Per Naomi’s Plan Problem on The Threshing Floor 3:1-18 Exposition Ruth’s Proposal Per Naomi’s Plan Naomi hatches a plan for Boaz to redeem both her and Ruth: proposal on the threshing floor A Problem – there is another redeemer who is a closer relative “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Ruth’s Returns to Naomi with Six Measures of Barley Problem on the Threshing Floor 3:1-18 Exposition Ruth’s Returns to Naomi with Six Measures of Barley Ruth tells Naomi all that transpired between her and Boaz The six measures of barley is a sign that Boaz will not rest until he resolves the matter 6 Notice how the last verse in Chapter 3 introduces the setting in Chapter 4. “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Boaz Redeems Naomi’s Property and Ruth Resolution at The Town Gate 4:1-17 Exposition Boaz Redeems Naomi’s Property and Ruth Boaz proceeds to the town gate where he offers the redemption to the closer relative The closer relative declines the offer Boaz then redeems Naomi’s land and Ruth’s hand in the presence of the elders and people at the gate The people bless Ruth May you be famous in Bethlehem May your offspring be like that of Perez “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Resolution at The Town Gate 4:1-17 Exposition Obed, the Father of Jesse and Grandfather of David is Born of Boaz and Ruth Boaz and Ruth marry and Ruth conceives The women bless Naomi and the child Naomi cares for little Obed Naomi has a son – her empty life has been filled (cf. 1:21) Obed is the grandfather of David The hesed shown by Naomi, Ruth and Boaz has implications far beyond their lifetimes. “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

From Perez to David Perez Hezron Ram Amminadab Nashon Salmon BOAZ Obed Conclusion: Davidic Genealogy 4:18-22 Exposition From Perez to David This genealogy demonstrates that even in the chaotic times of the Judges the messianic line is not preserved by heroic feats by military deliverers but by the subtle hand of a providential God working through the loving kindness (hesed) of ordinary people. Perez Hezron Ram Amminadab Nashon Salmon BOAZ Obed Jesse David “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Providence and Loving Kindness Produce Blessing Lesson Providence and Loving Kindness Produce Blessing The Lord blesses his people (Providence) as they bless one another (Loving Kindness) so they can bless the world (Messianic Line). “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Trust the Lord to Use Your Acts of Loving Kindness to: Application Trust the Lord to Use Your Acts of Loving Kindness to: Bring blessing to others. Extend far into the future beyond what you expect “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Who are the three main characters in the book of Ruth? Test Who are the three main characters in the book of Ruth? Elimelek, Mahlon and Kilion Obed, Jesse and David Naomi, Ruth and Boaz Naomi, Ruth and Orpah Ruth, Boaz and the un-named kinsman-redeemer “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Which three concepts provide the main theme for the book of Ruth Test Which three concepts provide the main theme for the book of Ruth Loving kindness, levirate marriage, redemption Hostility of Israel and Moab, levirate marriage Gleaning, levirate marriage, tithing Providence, gleaning, redemption Providence, loving kindness, messianic line “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

The purpose of the book of Ruth is to show Test The purpose of the book of Ruth is to show Young women how to acquire a husband. The value of loving kindness The proper techniques for gleaning a field That the Lord can work through the loving acts of ordinary people to bring great blessing to the world All was not chaotic during the times of the judges. “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Who is the meanest man in the Bible? Test Who is the meanest man in the Bible? Boaz Until he got married he was ruthless “Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16