RUTH Faithfulness in the Midst of Chaos

RUTH: Major Characters Naomi – An Israelite woman who becomes a widow Ruth – Naomi’s daughter-in-law, also a widow Boaz – A kindly farmer who takes care of & ultimately marries Ruth Obed – The son born to Boaz & Ruth, becomes the father of King David

RUTH: Important Background Widows were normally provided for by their sons; otherwise they were often destitute If a widow had no son, her husband’s next-of-kin was supposed to produce a son with her (serve as “kinsman redeemer” – Deut 25:5-10) Land owned by the dead man could be purchased by a near relative Foreigners rarely adopted the religion of another nation

RUTH: Plot “In the days when the judges ruled” – 1:1 Elimelech & Naomi migrate to Moab b/c of a famine in Israel Elimelech & both sons die, leaving Naomi, Ruth, & Orpah as widows Ruth follows Naomi back to Bethlehem & takes care of her Boaz takes care of Ruth (& Naomi) Boaz & Ruth marry & have a son Obed (their son) is the grandfather of King David

RUTH: Ancient Israelite Customs Gleaning by the Poor (Lev. 19:9-10) Role of the Kinsman-Redeemer (Deut 25:5-10) Lying at a man’s feet to show willingness to marry & spreading the garment to show acceptance (??) Giving one’s sandal in pledge (Deut 25:9-10)

RUTH: Lessons for Today God rewards those who are __________ to Him & ________ to one another. Anyone who trusts God & wants to be part of His people is ___________ to Him. Trust in God can occur even in the most _______________ circumstances. ____________ circumstances are not necessarily God’s final word about our lives, so never discount the ____________.

RUTH: Key Verse “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, & may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life & a nourisher of your old age.” Ruth 4:14-15