When it was just a matter of property, it was easy to decide on; but if he must take Ruth as a wife, that was another matter. Ruth had a whole lot to learn. She did not know her rights as a young widow in the Jewish community. She didnt just pray. Often, we think of the Book of Ruth as "outdated" or "too old," yet there are important lessons we can learn. But even when her sister-in-law chose to go back, Ruth made a different decision. This next characteristic of Ruth in the Bible has to do with who she was at heart. Dont over spiritualize your relationship. From the beginning, God had a number of smaller things that needed to happen before the bigger plan could come into fruition. Also, there was a considerable age difference between them. Which man is going to ignore a beautiful, well-dressed sweet smelling damsel, especially one who has already caught his attention with her character? Here are four relationship lessons I gleaned from my most recent re-reading of the book of Ruth. Don't miss the rest of our series on loving your in-laws! Book of Ruth: 30 Day reading plan for kids; Video clip of the Story of Ruth for kids; Ruth gleaning in the field coloring page "Book of Ruth" coloring page; Bible Lesson: Ruth and Boaz (older elementary) God takes care of Ruth & Naomi (preschool lesson) Lesson: Ruth is Faithful (Ruth 1:1-22) Lesson: Ruth Marries Boaz (Ruth 2-4) Her actions told Boaz that she was there to claim her right to be redeemed by him. This other characteristic of Ruth in the Bible often goes unnoticed. When Ruth went out in the fields to glean each day, she did so with consistency and diligence. . In the end, everyone lived their life and love prevailed. The book of Ruth offers an entirely different perspective on this often maligned relationship. The indescribable passion and struggles that accompany love is displayed in the Book of Ruth and these actions personify our own struggles that we come face-to-face with on a daily basis. The good thing is that Boaz wasnt concerned about Ruths past. They were being punished with a famine. Now that we have dealt with what it means to wait for your Boaz, there are some other relationship nuggets buried in the story. This in-depth Bible Study will take you verse-by-verse and chapter-by-chapter through the book of Ruth. The odds of being taken into marriage were low because she was a stranger among the Hebrews. Build Your Life On A Strong Foundation. Every relationship will have its ups and downs because no relationship is perfect. Naomi was from Bethlehem and moved to Moab with her husband Elimelek and two sons, Mahlon and Kilion. Ruth kept some of the food to take home for Naomi. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Naomi even extends thanks and recognition to Ruth for providing her with a beautiful blessing. But Boaz was different. The story of Ruth and Boaz in the Bible is one of the most romantic in Scripture. God heard her cries and helped her feel complete again. No matter what devastating situation comes into play, love will conquer all because it is ultimately what brings people together. Now, what are some of these characteristics that you should be looking for in your Boaz? This chapter also displays the gracious provision and protection . Everything that she did showed her character, and because of that character, she was honored by God. i. We often feel like we need to keep our questions and thoughts about God to ourselves within a relationship. Here are seven lessons to learn from Ruth. Character its who you really are when no one else is watching. Ruth Chapter 4: Fruits of Freedom. Later we see him ensuring that they have food to eat during their lunch break and he sits and eats with then. . Naomi knew this and so she cautioned Ruth to wait until Boazs stomach was full and he was pretty much at rest. It seems that Naomis entire life crumbles in those years. Perhaps thats what makes it so compelling. Later tragically, Naomis husband and two sons died. The book of Ruth focuses on this romantic story that represents Jesus and what He did for us. God is always in the business of rewarding the faithful. Providing your significant other with gratitude will show them that you genuinely care and want to make this relationship last forever. The Book of Ruth tells the story of Ruth and Naomi, Ruth's deep love for her mother-in-law, and the love and loyalty that not only existed between them but that Ruth had for Naomi's people. Ruth gave up everything in Moab to follow Naomi and the God she barely knew. In a place where many would have thought shed be ostracized, she found love with a man named Boaz. I imagine that they must have prayed for Gods favor. But when God is with you, whatever touches you has Gods permission and in those times, you also have Gods protection and provision. After moving to Moab with her husband and sons, she loses her husband and becomes a widow. Ruth was a Moabite, a nation of pagans and idol worshippers. Are they the same with you as they are with everyone else? This was backbreaking work. With love does come heartache this can is seen through break-ups, divorce, or even death. Boaz knew that he had every right to be Ruths kinsman, so he could have demanded her hand in marriage whether Ruth wanted to or not. Our doctrines, practices, policies. Soon, Naomi becomes aware that Boaz has a thing for Ruth. And guess what, Ruth was consistent. So, Ruth and Naomi both return to Bethlehem. The sons too perish, and at last Naomi . Look out for a man who is proud to call you his own. God had an amazing plan for Ruth. Mrs. Mckinnel would stay at home, while her father was the type of person who saw well in everyone. The story is a mirror opposite of Israel's depressing journey from triumph to tragedy that is presented in the book of Judges. No matter what, work with excellence, even if the work is boring and you hate it. Naomi hatches a "plan" to join Ruth and Boaz for "good" ( Ruth 2:22 ). Two of the most popular judges in Scripture were Deborah and Samson. The couples two sons both married when they moved to Moab. The story of Naomi and Ruth are woven together closely that their stories are nearly inseparable. She was so thankful, especially considering her status of widow which made her automatically become a part of the lowest class in society, right there with beggars, orphans and people with disabilities. He says The Lord be with you. Ruth took advantage of what was available to her. In a place where many would have thought shed be ostracized, she found love with a man named Boaz. Naomis ability to be open and honest with Ruth about her relationship with God is inspiring. It is HIS story. Lesson 1: Sometimes, the right choice requires immense sacrifice. He died where there was plenty to feed his body but nothing to feed his soul. "Wherever you go I will go, wherever you lodge I will lodge.". Each person within the relationship must understand that everyone has imperfections and its imperative that they come to terms with this reality. Inside the Core this week, many students are reading the book of Ruth in the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament. Ruth and Naomi Relationship Principle #4 Trust God. She doesnt have great riches or great position. Everyone loves in a different way and has a unique relationship that cannot be replicated or reproduced. He found who she was in the present to be what he was looking for. Orpah decided to stay but Ruth decided to go with Naomi and start over in a new place. As a widow myself, Im drawn to the story of Ruth again and again. Rahab, the prostitute who escaped Jericho was Boazs mother. More often than not, youll find that love mirrors our reality in many cases within biblical stories. What makes the story particularly interesting is that Ruth is . The funny thing is, she was just minding her own business not realizing that she was being watched. v 2 - Moab: located east of the Jordan River and the Dead Sea. And thats why when youre dating you should probably spend lots of time outdoors or around other people. Clearly, the exalted nation of Israel, God's chosen people, has lost its sense of direction. Do you have a mentor? When we are going through some of our toughest struggles, he often brings us to the mindbarthis is where he gives us strength. Boaz is presented as a "man of character" ( Ruth 2:1 ). Examining the second chapter of Ruth. This was completely not her fault. No matter your past, you still have a purpose. Therefore, Boaz would need to marry her instead of Naomi. She left behind her family to go with Naomi back to Bethlehem. The Book of Ruth provides many relationship lessons that perpetuate the meaning of true love. Boaz did this without any apparent expectation of getting anything from Ruth. We know that the other kinsman did not want to marry Ruth because he didnt want to divide his inheritance even further among his existing children. Free Online Four-Week Book of Ruth Bible Study PDF: Our latest study will take you through the Book of Ruth. Men and Women should respect each other equally. She urges Ruth and Orpah to stay in Moab and find new husbands. Were there negative characteristics of Ruth in the Bible? These blessings point out how God works in the . A man named Elimelech, from Bethlehem-Judah, left his hometown when a famine struck. Everyone loves in a different way and has a unique relationship that cannot be replicated or reproduced. Both of her parents worked in the church. She took action by going to the fields everyday day to glean. Naomi, later on, lost her husband and she was left with her two sons. Ruth 1-4 | Lessons 1-12: Getting to Know God Through Old Testament Stories and Genealogies. And she took on a religion that she knew very little about just like Abraham. The Book of Ruth is a fantastic example that exemplifies the rollercoaster ride that love can take us on. And even in our obscurity, and in the mess of what may be our lives, God finds a way to use the most unlikely people in ways that we could never imagine. And they respond with similar pleasantries. In the Book of Ruth, Orpah and Ruth chose different paths because that was best for them. Book of Ruth, Old Testament book belonging to the third section of the biblical canon, known as the Ketuvim, or Writings. While there are many things to learn from the story of Ruth, here are seven powerful lessons from this tiny book that stood out to me. When these two women arrive back in Naomis home town, they are destitute, devastated, and broken. And when you think of how friendship was all Ruth and Naomi had during a time of serious grief and . In fact, it often takes great sacrifice. The book of Ruth does not always get the respect it deserves. Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse. All Rights Reserved. Lesson no. After completing this lesson, children will learn what it means to be redeemed by Jesus by comparing how Boaz was the kinsman-redeemer for Ruth. Since Boaz was the great-grandfather of David (4:21), the book recounts events that The past is the past. God had every intention of Ruth being part of the story for the lineage of Jesus. They see you when youre good and when youre bad. Naomi reminded Ruth that she was free to leave and go back to her family. Now the way was clear for him to marry Ruth. When the meeting was done, Boaz publicly declared and celebrated his relationship with Ruth. Elimelech of Bethlehem departs the country for Moab, taking his wife Naomi and their two sons along. This story of Ruth . At the time this story is unfolding, Israel had strayed from Gods will. At the beginning of the story, we meet Elimelech, the husband of Naomi. When were in a relationship, its relatively easy to subconsciously take advantage of your partner because they are with you each day. Its heart-wrenching to lose a child. The word that Boaz used to describe Ruth is the same word used to describe the Proverbs 31 woman. Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah are all widows. On the other hand, Ruths husband had died leaving her without children and she was still young. A famine in Canaan forces Elimelech and Naomi, along with their sons, to migrate from Bethlehem to Moab. Naomi planned to return to Israel and encouraged Ruth to stay in Moab and return to her mother's family. God be thanked for your love to me. Love was different for all of the women involved Ruth, Orpah and Naomi. 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