Ruth

A Story of Faith, Hope, and Love

Background

The book of Ruth is set during the time of the judges – commentators note that these were “dark and bloody days” during Israel’s history. Israel cycled through seven periods of sin, judgment by foreign oppression, and crying out to God for deliverance.[i] There was suffering in the land due to the rebellious nature of Israel, summed up in Judges 21:25 – “In those days Israel had no king and everyone did as he saw fit.” The writer of Ruth presents an “up close” and personal view of love and loyalty (hesed) in the relationship between Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth that contrasts sharply with the national scene in Israel, characterized by rebellion and self-seeking behavior. We witness the perseverance of Ruth and Naomi through famine, culture-shock, infertility, and death as they make bold choices in faith. Their love and loyalty (hesed) for God and one another became the canvas for God to reveal Himself as provider both on a physical level and in terms of His ultimate redemptive purposes.          

Like Naomi and Ruth, we all feel like strangers in a strange land at some point in our lives. We live in a global community; most of us have at some time traveled away from home and family to pursue our education or for career. We also live in tough economic times and families are often separated to find work.  And like Naomi and Ruth, tragedy often strikes when we are far away from those who care the most, and we feel frightened and alone. We too need to know that God loves us with a steadfast love, and that He is present and working in even the most difficult of circumstances for good. We need to know that our lives are a canvas on which God will reveal His faithful love to us, and as a witness to a watching world.     

Session One Discussion Questions: Ruth 1:1-6

1.      Why were Naomi, Elimelech, and their sons forced to flee Bethlehem (Deut. 28:17, 23, 38-40, 42) and where did they go?

2.       Look up Genesis 19:36-37 to find the origin of the Moabites.

3.      Marriage with Moabites was not forbidden[ii] (Deut. 7:3) but what does Deuteronomy 23:3-6 and 2 Kings 13:20 say about Israel’s history with Lot’s descendants?

4.      What are some of the difficulties experienced when Israel lived among pagan nations (Gen. 12: 10-20; 13: 10-13; 34: 1-2; Ex. 1)?

5.      How do you think Naomi felt about living in Moab?

6.      Have you ever felt like a stranger in a strange land where the customs and religious beliefs did not match your own? Describe your circumstances and how you felt.

 

7.      We are commanded repeatedly in Scripture to make Jesus known to the world.
             a)Find verses that confirm this mandate

b) How do we walk that fine line of living in the world without being polluted by the world?

8.      What tragic events occur in verses 3 and 5? How did these tragic circumstances affect Naomi and her two Moabite daughters-in-law? Note: The Hebrew word for widow (almanah) comes from the root alem which means “unable to speak.”[iii] How does this accurately depict the plight of the widow in biblical culture?

9.      In addition to their status as widows, Ruth and Orphah were childless. Imagine what this was like for these women.

10.  Read verse 6 aloud. What do you think that hearing this news meant to Naomi? Share a time when hearing of God’s provision for someone gave you hope in your own life.




11. If Elimelech's departure was disobedient then how can we interpret Naomi's return to Bethlehem and the people of God? Note: The theme of "return" is prevalent in the book of Ruth (1:6).






12. Why is it important for believers to have fellowship with other believers? Have you ever been away for a time and then returned to fellowship with other believers? Describe the experience.

Session One Summary

An Israelite family leaves their homeland, the land of promise, because God has also made another promise to judge His chosen ones if they fail to show loyal love to Him. This judgment against idolatry was the probable cause for the famine in Bethlehem which ironically means “house of bread.” Some scholars suggest that Elimelech’s decision to leave the God’s land for Moab was the reason for the suffering that would come to his family.[iv] Even so, God’s judgments always contain an element of redemption; He is working even in our sin and He is pursuing us even when we are running away as fast as we can.

Moab became the uneasy destination for Naomi, Elimelech and their sons. Certainly they felt like strangers in a strange land though the Moabites were distant cousins of the Israelites. They say that "location is everything" and Abram’s nephew Lot was lured by the conveniences offered by the city of Sodom. His strategy proved deadly when God judged that evil city sparing only Lot and his two daughters. The Moabites were the result of the ungodly union of Lot and one of his daughters. So, Naomi and Elimelech settled among the Moabites and hoped for the best, not realizing that more tragedy was headed their way.

The writer of Ruth utilizes various literary tools to present God’s sovereign purposes in the life of Naomi and Ruth. The themes of “full” and “empty” give the reader a visual and a visceral understanding to the events of the story. The family arrives in Moab with "empty" stomachs and becomes increasingly "empty" through the death of Elimelech and his two sons, preceded by the pain of the "empty" wombs of Ruth and Orphah. Now three childless widows are left to fend for themselves in a culture where the presence of a man was necessary for reputation and survival. No wonder that the Hebrew word for widow means “without a voice.”

But a sliver of hope breaks through their despair as Naomi learns that God has indeed provided for His people in Bethlehem. Perhaps there are loaves again in the “House of Bread” as Israel has again called upon the Lord in repentance. Another theme appears as Naomi prepares to “return” to Bethlehem.[v] The goal of God’s pursuit and even His discipline is that we will stop running and return to Him. Are you running from God, finding yourself a long way from home? Have you made a mess of your life by trying to meet your own needs instead of relying on God? It’s time to go home. Naomi and Ruth will show us the way.

 

Session Two Discussion Questions: Ruth 1:7-22

1.     Naomi releases her daughters-in-law to go back to their own families. Why would she have reasoned that it was better for Orpah and Ruth to stay in Moab?

2.      Imagine the tearful scene between these three women. What emotions must have they been feeling?

 

3.      What does Ruth say to Naomi in verses 16-17? Many scholars believe that this statement indicates Ruth’s commitment to Israel’s God as much as to Naomi.[vi]

 

4.      Do you think that Ruth’s decision to stay was rooted in her faith in Israel’s God, and why?

5.      How does faith in God help us to maintain loyalty and commitment in relationships? How can our faith also create distance from family and friends? Share an example from your life.

6.      Ruth had certainly learned about the one true God from Naomi’s family. What was Israel's call to the nations (see Gen. 12:1-3; Deu. 4:5-8)? Which woman was showing more faith in this instance, and why?  

 

7.      Arriving in Bethlehem, Naomi announces that her name has changed.

a)     What is her new name and what is its meaning?

b)     How would you respond to Naomi’s statements about God as the source of her pain?

c) Surely Naomi had reason to despair; but how can we avoid becoming hardened by our circumstances?

8.        In verse 21 Naomi contrasts between her once “full” and now “empty” life. Count the number of times where these words are used throughout the book. John 10:10 says that Jesus came to give us life to the full. What does this verse mean to you in your present situation? 

 

9.      Look up Exodus 23:14-17. What were the three annual festivals that Israel was commanded to celebrate?  What did harvest time represent in Israel and how does this also represent hope for Naomi and Ruth? 






10. Where do you need to trust that God will provide? Ask God to bring to mind His faithfulness in the past and a reminder of what He can do in your current situation. Share what He revealed to you. 

Session Two Summary

Names were significant in biblical times; their meanings revealed their character and set forth an expectation of what the person would become. We’re reminded of Jacob the ‘schemer,’ and Isaac, whose miraculous and long-awaited birth brought “laughter” to his aging parents. A name change announced a significant change in the role and destiny of a person. Think of Abram whose name was changed to Abraham as evidence of God's promise to him, and Simon whose name was changed to Peter as a reflection of his ministry.

Consider the meaning of the key characters and places in the story of Ruth:[vii]

Ebimelech – “my God is King”

Naomi  - “gracious one” or “my delight” later changed to Mara – “the bitter one.”

Mahlon – “sick”

Chilion – “weakening” or “pining”

Orpah – “mane” or “gazelle”

Ruth – “friend” or “companion”; “pleasantness”

Boaz – “fleetness” or “strength is in him” or “he comes in strength”

Obed – “servant” as he is the ancestor of King David, and Israel’s kings are considered as servants of Yahweh.

Bethlehem – “house of bread/food”

Lord – “Yahweh” is used 17 times (covenant relationship with His people)[viii]

God – “Elohim” is used 3 times[ix]

Almighty – “El Shaddai” is used twice[x] (root  relates to strength and nurture/provision)

God was sovereign over every detail in the life of Ruth and her family, down to the names of the people whose story would reveal His greatness in the pages of Scripture. Will you trust today that whatever circumstances have been allowed by God Almighty (“El Shaddai” in verse 20) will not cause you to become bitter but will serve to deepen your faith in Him?

Session Three Discussion Questions: Ruth 2:1-11

1.      The meaning of Boaz’ name relates to strength: “In him is strength.” What emotion does his name evoke?

2.      Scripture has a lot to say about names. Look in the concordance of your Bible to see how many times the word appears within its pages. Explain the importance of names in Scripture.

3.      Look up Acts 2:21 and 1 John 5:31. What does it mean to believe in the name of Jesus Christ?

 

4.      What does verse 3b tell you about God? Share a recent example of God’s providence in your life? (God's providence is defined as His omniscient direction of the affairs of the universe and humankind according to His wise benevolence - dictionary.com) 

 

5.      What do we learn about the character of Boaz from his relationship with his employees?

6.       Ruth’s status as a foreigner is emphasized in this chapter. Find all the verses where she is noted as being an “outsider.” (2:2, 6, 10, 11, 21). How do you think she must have felt going into the field that day to glean?

 

7.      Ruth impresses the foreman with her initiative (pressing him to go beyond what was required by the Mosaic Law) and with her work ethic (2:6-7). What lessons do we learn from Ruth when we are in a desperate situation? 

8.      Having heard their story (2:11) Boaz recognizes the plight of Ruth and Naomi.

a)     Are his actions in accordance with God’s commands to Israel in regard to the needy (Lev. 19:9; 23:22; Dt. 24:19)?

 

b)     What were the three categories of people that God instructed Israel to care for?

c)      Can you identify these people in your own life today and how might you also care for them?

9.      Boaz extends protection for Ruth as she gleans in his field. In light of her status as a foreign woman with no male advocate, what must that have meant to her? Share from your own experience when someone stood up for you and what that meant to you.




10.    While human advocates may fail, we have an advocate or intercessor who will never disappoint us. What is His name (Romans 8:34 and Hebrews 7:25)?

Session Three Summary

In this world you are an orphan –          

eagerly anticipating your adoption as God’s child.

      In this world you are a widow –

longing for reunion with your Bridegroom.

      In this world you are a stranger –

a pilgrim waiting to become a citizen of heaven.

     And in this world, God has called you to care for the orphan, the stranger and the widow.

-From Fields of the Fatherless by C. Thomas Davis[xi]

Our God has a passion for those marginalized by the world, the most vulnerable and often ‘voiceless’ members of society: the widow, alien, and the orphan. Scripture resounds with God’s mandate to care for the needy among us (over 60 times). Listen to a few of the verses that passionately display God’s heart for the fatherless:[xii]

A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy habitation. God sets the        solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity (Ps. 68:5-6).

He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing (Deut. 10:18).

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted from the world (James 1:27).

Ruth was both a widow and an alien when she stepped into the field of Boaz to glean to receive God’s provision for her. She might have even been without an earthly father, certainly if still living he was far away in Moab. But, Ruth did have a heavenly Father, the one true God of Israel, to whom she has expressed her devotion (1:16-17). And this God had known her before she was born, pursued her, and would provide for her as His daughter. Ruth, a new believer in the one, true God expressed bold faith in the field that day (maybe she didn’t know better). Ladies, let’s look to her example of bold faith to really trust that God is “for” us when we are seeking Him with all our hearts. And as our hearts are aligned with Him, let us also become passionate about protecting and providing for the fatherless among us.

  

Session Four Discussion Questions: Ruth 2:12-23

1.      Look up Psalm 17:8 and 36:7. Describe the refuge that God offers.

2.      Look up Matthew 23:37 and read it alongside Ruth 2:12.

a)     Contrast those who refuse God’s protection and those who receive it with a grateful heart.

b)     What is the difference in their attitude, actions, and outcome?

3.      Share a time when you have personally experienced refuge in God.

4.      We often take food for granted in our culture of excess; but to share a meal in ancient culture was to literally share life as a form of refuge.

a)     In light of this how will you apply Matt. 25: 37-40?

b)     The New Testament church broke bread together as an extension of their unity and fellowship (Acts 2: 46-47). How can our time around the table nurture us spiritually as well as physically?







c) Read Matthew 26:26-28. What do the wine and bread represent for believers? Why do you think that Jesus used a communal meal as a lasting ordinance for His followers to remember Him?

 

5.      Boaz goes beyond the requirements of the Law in providing for Ruth (2:15-16) and as a result Ruth took home an unusually large amount of grain.

a)     What does his example set before us in terms of stewardship of our time, talents, and resources?

b)     Name a specific area where God is calling you to go beyond the minimum requirements and what would that look like?

 

6.       Naomi is overjoyed at Ruth’s success and even more joyful to learn that she was gleaning in the field of Boaz. What is the reason for her excitement? Look up Dt. 25:5-10 for information about a kinsman-redeemer.

 

7.      What do you see changing in Naomi’s attitude?

8.      Ruth and Naomi had certainly gone to bed many nights with hunger pangs, but that night they went to bed with full stomachs and probably full hearts as well. Imagine what they might have been thinking or feeling before they drifted off to sleep.

9.      Where do you need a glimmer of hope? Will you go to the Lord right now and ask Him to open your eyes to His provision?

Session Four Summary

Naomi reveals with joy and excitement that Boaz is a kinsman-redeemer in 2:20. According to the NIV Study Bible, “The kinsman-redeemer was responsible for protecting the interests of needy members of the extended family – to provide an heir for a brother who had died (Deut. 25:5-10), to redeem land that a poor relative had sold outside the family (Lev. 25:25-28), to redeem a relative who had been sold into slavery (Lev. 25:47-49) and to avenge the killing of a relative (Nu. 35:19-21).” The Hebrew word for kinsman-redeemer is Goel and is notably found in Job 19:25 where Job proclaims his hope to see His redeemer, the coming Messiah.[xiii]

The theme of redemption in Ruth also points us to Jesus. He is qualified to be our kinsman-redeemer because of His incarnation where He became flesh in order to do what we could not do: fulfill the holy obligations of God’s law. He also had the power and the willingness to redeem humanity as God, accomplished that by His the shedding of His blood on the cross. We too come to Him like Ruth went to Boaz, desiring that we be covered under the refuge of His grace.

According to Mosaic Law the redemption was complete when the ransom price was paid in full (Lev. 25:27). Jesus’ words from the cross proclaim the fruition of His ministry, our redemption, as He states: “It is finished.” The writer of Hebrews also confirms the finality of Jesus’ work on the cross: “He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.

Will you praise Him today that your redemption was secured once for all by the blood of Christ? And if you have never knelt (in your heart) before the Lord and asked Him to cover you with grace will you do that now? You too have a kinsman-redeemer and His name is Jesus. 

           

Session Five Discussion Questions: Ruth 3:1-11

1.      I can just imagine the wheels turning in Naomi’s mind as her plan to provide a home for Ruth begins to take shape. One scholar thinks that this too is a sacrificial act of devotion on Naomi’s part.[xiv] In 3:1 (see also 1:9) the word home means “find rest.”

a)     Is your marriage and your home a place of rest, retreat, and refuge where sacrificial love is practiced?

 

b)     If not, what can you do to work toward that goal and set that example for your family?

Note: The threshing floors in Israel are circular flat places in open fields (about 25-50 feet in diameter) made by stamping the earth firm.[xv] They were usually located in elevated places with exposure to the wind so that the chaff (husk) would be blown away. Threshing floors in Scripture were used by the prophets as a symbol of judgment (Jer. 51:33; Dan 2:35; Micah 4:12; Matt 3:12) and full threshing floors symbolized the bounty of God’s blessing (Joel 2:24). The landowner and his family would often “camp out” on the threshing floor to protect his crop at harvest time. 

2.      What do you think is the significance of the threshing floor as the setting for the encounter between Ruth and Boaz?

3.      Look up Ezekiel 16:1-12. What similarities do you see between Naomi’s instructions in verses 3-4 and those given by God to describe His covenant relationship with Israel (Jerusalem)?

4.       As the church we are called the “Bride of Christ.” How are we also being prepared to meet our Bridegroom, Christ?

 

5.      In verse 9 Ruth reminds Boaz of an earlier statement of God’s provision (see 2:12) directly linking him to the fulfillment of that blessing. Note: to “spread the corner of your garment” is a request for marriage.[xvi] One writer notes that Ruth is appealing to the laws regarding levirate marriage and kinsman-redeemer in this verse. In doing so she reveals her concern for the family land and the family line.[xvii]

a)     What kind of faith does Ruth exhibit by her request?

b)     Share a time when in faith you boldly acted on God’s promises.

 

6.      Boaz recognizes Ruth’s noble character by her words and deeds.

a)     What qualities do you think he admired?

 

7.      What do Proverbs 12:4 and 14:1 have to say about the value of wisdom and character for women?

8.      What consequences do we see today when virtue is absent?  

 

9.      We must trust God to make us women of bold faith and virtue. How will you in faith begin to allow God to change your words and deeds so that they are a reflection of His transforming power?

Session Five Summary

I was impacted by an Old Testament professor who repeated throughout the course that God was pleased by people who were willing trust Him when it involved great risk. Men like Abraham whose life exhibited inconsistent morals when he passed off Sarah as his sister (not once, but twice) was held as the “poster child” of faith in the Old and New Testaments: “Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness;” and “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” The author of Hebrews confirms that it is impossible to please God without faith. And I find comfort in that step that Abraham took to follow God in “blind” faith because I too feel sometimes like I’m trusting God in the dark when I don’t know where I’m going.

That night on the threshing floor Ruth exercised great faith and not a little risk as she pushed for not only a protector but progeny as well. Think of the faith of this woman whose womb had lain empty for years as she entertained the prospect of having a child to continue the line of Elimelech. What is the source of your deepest pain? Will you trust even that to God believing that He has the power to work in and through that situation to show you His steadfast, transforming love?       

Session Six Discussion Questions: Ruth 3:12-18

1.      Boaz states that there is one problem: he is not the closest relative (3:12).

a)     When you are faced with an obstacle what is your first reaction?

 

b)     How might you begin to practice perseverance and remember God’s faithfulness when you come across “bumps” in your life?

2.      Boaz sends Ruth home with a shawl full of grain (about 90 lbs.) making sure that she did not go back to Naomi “empty-handed.” This was like a “deposit” for the provision that was to come.

a)     See 2 Cor. 1:22; 5:5; Eph. 1:14; 2 Ti. 1:14. What is the deposit that we are given as believers in Christ and what are the benefits?

b)     What benefit from the Holy Spirit are you depending on right now and what does it mean to you?

3.      Sometimes we are called to action and at other times we are called to wait. Naomi ends the third chapter with a statement of faith that includes the dreaded “wait” (lit. “sat”);  although she concludes that the time of waiting will not be long.

a)     Which is more difficult for you: action or waiting?

b)      In what area is God calling you to wait?

c)      How can we use “waiting” times effectively?

 

4.      We are in a waiting time now as believers anticipating the return of our Lord (Matt. 28:18-20).

a)     How is this an active waiting time? 

 

b)     How could you use this time effectively to make Christ known?

 

    Session Six Summary

 Someone once said that God’s will is given on a “need to know” basis. We simply do not know everything we want to know about how we are to proceed in many situations in our lives. In this process we learn to discern His leading through reading His Word and through talking with Him. Even then, sometimes the will of God eludes us and the answers that we desire remain shrouded in mystery – these are the waiting times.

We left Ruth at the end of Chapter 3 as Naomi tells her to “wait” for Boaz to resolve the matter regarding her kinsman-redeemer. Naomi whose faith had faltered under grief and despair now speaks with hopeful conviction: “the man will not rest until the matter is settled today.” Only a few hours to wait possibly but sometimes we know that those hours or minutes can seem like an eternity. When a loved one is hanging on to life by a thread or in harm’s way then every heartbeat pulses with longing for the wait to be over. I wonder how Naomi and Ruth passed the time before they received the news from Boaz. Did they refuse to speak of the issue at hand, busying themselves with chores to make the time pass more quickly? Did they work to formulate a “Plan B” in case Boaz didn’t come through for them? Or were they like Abram when he marched up the mountain with Isaac sure that God would provide a way.  And because their eyes were focused on God as provider they recounted His providential faithfulness in the events of the last several weeks. I believe that they were praising God in their hearts and with their mouths as they saw with hopeful eyes that He had indeed been with them in the darkest days as He was with them now on the precipice of a new beginning.

I propose to you that this is the way that we should respond to times of waiting. Even when we are called to sit/wait our hearts and minds can be active in recalling God’s faithfulness. We can also be actively listening for His voice as we meditate on Scripture and spend time in solitude. God will use the waiting times to develop our faith and to refine our desires, learning that He is the author and finisher of our faith – and everything in between.   

Session Seven Discussion Questions: Ruth 4:1-17

The city gate was the common location for business and legal matters to be settled as the elders positioned themselves there.[xviii] Look up Genesis 19:1; Deuteronomy 25:7; 21:19 for more information about the city gate.

1.      Count the numbers of times a form of the word “sit” is used verses 4:1-4. What do you think is the significance of this repetition? Sometimes we are called to act and other times we are called to wait. And sometimes it is difficult to know which one we should be doing.  Will you share about a time when you knew that you were called to wait or to act and what were the results?

2.      What were the obligations of the kinsman-redeemer from verse 5?








3.       Why did the nearest kinsman decline the offer to redeem? (Note: The process of renouncing one's property rights and passing them to another was publicly attested by taking off a sandal and transferring it to the new owner - niv notes)





4.       Is biblical redemption possible without cost or sacrifice? What was the price of our redemption? See I Peter 1:18-19 , Eph. 1:7.





5.       Spend some time now praising Jesus for His willingingness complete the Father's plan for redemption. How will you live in response to this costly sacrifice paid by our Lord?

 

5.      The elders proclaim a blessing on Ruth in verse eleven. What is the connection to Rachel and Leah,the wives of Jacob (Gen. 35:23-26)? To which tribe does Perez belong (Matt. 1:3)?

4.      Read the story of Tamar in Genesis 38. What similarities do you see between her situation and that of Ruth?

 

5.      The Lord enables Ruth to conceive and bear a son. What is his name and what is his legacy (Matt. 1:5-6)?

6.       What had God promised regarding the tribe of Judah (Gen. 49:10) and specifically David (2 Sam. 13-16)? To whom do these verses ultimately point? 

7.      What kind of legacy do you want to leave and what are you doing to that end?








8.       Search the Scriptures for a verse that encapsulates God's calling for your life. If you have never thought about this before or feel like you're in a "rut," spend some time in the Word and in prayer asking God to lead you in meaningful areas of service. Remember you may be in a time of waiting which can be spent actively growing in your walk with Jesus.  

9.      Compare Naomi at the end of the book (4:16-17) and at the beginning. What changes do you see in her circumstances and her attitude?







10.    What has changed in your attitude through the study of God's faithful love to Ruth?

Session Seven Summary

We read the story of Tamar this week in Genesis 38. She like Ruth was a Gentile woman or “foreigner” who married an Israelite, Er, whose wickedness caused him to be put to death by God. Tamar was left a childless widow. The second brother refused his duty in levirate marriage to produce a child for Tamar and so the Lord put him to death as well. Cast aside as a widow with the futile promise of the youngest brother Shelah when he was grown causes Tamar to seek action. She deceives Judah by dressing as a prostitute and finally produces offspring (actually twin sons) to carry on the family name. When Judah realizes what has happened he actually praises the righteousness of Tamar and admits his sin of withholding Shelah from her. The older twin Perez would become the ancestor of Boaz and eventually King David would proceed from this line.

Certainly the details of Tamar’s story are difficult to contextualize in our own lives, at least I hope so. What can we learn from this woman who certainly exercised great tenacity to carry out God’s plan? I love that the Bible does not cover up the “messy” parts of human relations because they serve as a contrast to the absolute goodness and much needed grace that God brings to the narrative. My faith is also strengthened when I see that God works in and through it all to accomplish His great plan for our redemption. So in Tamar I see a stubborn faith, and absolute tenacity to achieve God’s purpose for her life. She experienced disappointments and setbacks but she acted in faith even when people let her down. And much of the Christian life is accomplished by trudging forward on feet of clay in stubborn faith that God is doing something and that we “messy” humans have a part in it. This I think is the story of Ruth too and the hesed displayed throughout the book reminds me of the stubborn faith of Tamar. Where do you need to exercise stubborn faith – an unmoving tenacity that God is working and He wants to use you to accomplish His will? 

Session Eight Discussion Questions: Ruth 4:18-22

1.     Note: Verses 18-22 document the line of Perez to King David showing the role of Boaz and Obed in that genealogy. Read the genealogy of Jesus recorded in Matthew 1. Matthew is writing to a primarily Jewish audience to confirm the legitimacy of Jesus as David's heir and the promised Messiah. It was very rare for women to be listed in a genealogy and even more extraordinary is that three of these women are Gentiles.

a)     What are the names of the women listed in the genealogy?

 

b)     What do you know about these women and why do you think they were included in the genealogy of Christ?






2.     In Matt. 1:1 Jesus is called "the son of David." What does this term mean (Is. 9:6-7; Jer. 23:5-6; Rev. 22:16)?

3.      How did God use the details of Ruth and Naomi’s lives to accomplish His redemptive plan for the world?






4.      What do you think that Ruth and Naomi must have poured into Obed throughout his life about the faithful love of God? How do you think that this must have impacted David who would be called "a man after God's own heart"?





 

5.      How can God use what you are going through to accomplish His will on a larger scale? What kind of testimony of God's faithfulness is He building into your life?

6.      Take some time today to reflect on times when you have experienced God’s hesed- His faithful love. Write down these stories of God’s faithfulness and commit to share them with someone this week.

7.      How has your view of God changed through the study of Ruth?



 

8.      How will you apply this new knowledge of God and His ways in your life?

Session Eight Summary

We can quickly skim over the genealogies in Scripture, negating the personal triumphs and tragedies embedded in each name. And we should be struck with awe at the very presence of some of the names neatly placed within the family records. Obed is one such name whose back-story we do know after studying Ruth; and I hope that his presence in the genealogy of King David is a testimony to you of God’s hesed love. King David’s reign would usher in a time of rest for Israel and from his line would come Jesus Christ who would open the way for salvation-rest for all who would trust in Him (Heb. 4).

I believe that Ruth and Naomi poured into Obed the story of God’s hesed love to them as well as the history of his unflinching faithfulness to the people of Israel. Boaz shared with his son how God had worked within his heart and how the faith of Naomi and Ruth had challenged him to even greater obedience to God’s commands. These truths continued to be passed down building great faith into each successive generation. God’s hesed love was made known just as God had commanded:

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deut. 6:4-7)

It is my sincere hope that each time you read a genealogy in Scripture that you will pause and consider what God is building through your name and the details of your life. What can you pass on to the next generation, whether to your own children or those to whom you are a spiritual mother? Even in the midst of great suffering God will meet us with His hesed love. Will you trust that God will not waste the suffering in your life but will use them instead to develop a tenacious faith that will testify to His faithfulness?  

---

[i] NIV Study Bible notes. (Zondervan: Grand Rapides, 1973), 366.

[ii] Ibid.

[iii] Carolyn Custis James, The Gospel of Ruth: Loving God Enough to Break the Rules (Zondervan: Grand Rapides, 2008), 59.

[iv] Dr. Thomas Constable, Notes on Ruth (soniclight.com.), 2010, 8.

[v] Ibid, 10.

[vi] Carolyn Custis James, 49.

[vii] Source unknown

[viii] John W. Reed, “Ruth,” in Bible Knowledge Commentary, eds. John Walvoord and Roy Zuck (Colorado Springs: Cook, 1983), 417.

[ix] Ibid.

[x] Ibid.

[xi] Tom Davis, Fields of the Fatherless (Colorado Springs: David Cook, 2008), 13.

[xii] Ibid, 18.

[xiii] Wil Pounds, www.abideinchrist.com/messages/lev25v25.html

[xiv] Custis James, 134.

[xv] Merrill Tenney (ed.), Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, vol. 5 (Grand Rapides: Zondervan, 1975), 738-9.

[xvi] NIV notes, 369.

[xvii] Custis James, 139.

[xviii] NIV notes, 370.