1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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 days. It requires travelers to cross the river Jordan and to climb over feet in elevation to reach Bethlehem.
“Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

24. 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

25. 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

26. 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

27. 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

28. 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

29. 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

30. 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

31. 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

32. 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

33. 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

34. 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

35. 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

36. 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

37. 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

38. 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