Lessons From Ruth Lessons From The Book Of Ruth Copyright © 2004, Jeff Smith. All Rights Reserved. Permission is granted from the author for free distribution of this material, but only as it appears.

Lessons From Ruth 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

Lessons From Ruth 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

Lessons From Ruth 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, 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

Lessons From Ruth 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

Lessons From Ruth 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

Lessons From Ruth 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

Lessons From Ruth 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

Lessons From Ruth 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

Lessons From Ruth 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

Lessons From Ruth 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

Lessons From Ruth 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

Lessons From Ruth 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

Lessons From Ruth 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

Lessons From Ruth 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