The Story of Ruth
A Study of the Women in the Genealogy of Jesus
Ruth 1-4
Part 3
In our previous studies, Tamar and Rahab could have been accused of incest and prostitution. For those reasons they could have been discounted as part of the lineage of Jesus. It was incredulous that God showed them grace and extended His salvation to them, making them a part of His incredible family line.
Ruth is another story. She was not a fallen woman in any sense of the word, but she was a stranger and not of the Jewish faith. Ruth was from the idolatrous nation of Moab and really had little knowledge of God. However, we know that she was a beautiful person because of her character as portrayed in the book of Ruth. From Ruth 2: 11–13 we see that Boaz recognized compassion, loyalty and courage in her willingness to follow her mother–in–law, Naomi, to the land of Judah, far from her homeland.
11 Boaz replied, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. 12 May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” 13 “May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord,” she said. “You have put me at ease by speaking kindly to your servant—though I do not have the standing of one of your servants.”
In previous years Naomi, her husband Elimelech and their two sons fled to Moab to escape the ravages of famine in Judah. Both sons married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. Over time Elimelech and his sons, Mahlon and Kilion, died and Naomi was left a bitter and sad woman. She made the decision to return to Bethlehem in Judah and told her daughters–in–law to stay in Moab since she had no more sons for them to marry. Orpah decides to remain, but Ruth in an impassioned speech implored Naomi to take her to Judah. These words of Ruth 1:16–17 are often used in wedding ceremonies today as an oath of loyalty and faithfulness.
When they arrived in Bethlehem, Ruth helped Naomi by going to the barley fields and gleaning the sheaves that were left on the ground when the harvesters were through. It was there that she caught the eye of the owner of the field, Boaz. He was a relative, also from the clan of Elimelech. Ruth found favor with Boaz (Chapter 2) to the extent that he shared his noonday meal with her and had his harvesters deliberately drop barley for her to glean.
As Ruth relayed the events of the day, Naomi realized that Boaz could be a kinsman–redeemer for her family and that there was hope he would care for Ruth. She advised Ruth to wash, put on perfume and get dressed in her best clothes. She was to sleep at Boaz’s feet on the threshing floor that night. When Boaz awoke, he saw Ruth there. She asked him to spread the corner of his garment over her, signifying that he was her kinsman–redeemer. Boaz blessed her and noted her kindness, but indicated that he had to talk to a closer kinsman–redeemer before he could provide for Ruth (Chapter 3). After that discussion, Boaz was cleared to purchase back Naomi’s land and take Ruth as his wife (Chapter 4).
Questions
- Ruth was a Moabite. What makes this story really incredible is the curse in Deut. 23:3. What does this say about the Moabites and God?
- How did God break that curse with the story of Ruth?
- Why do you think that Ruth felt such an affinity for Naomi that she wanted to return with her to Judah?
- How did Ruth’s character show her loveliness? Cite verses.
- Do you feel that Ruth was a seductress of Boaz or was this a “divine moment” orchestrated by God?
- Read Ruth 4:1–11. What was the ritual of deciding a kinsman–redeemer?
- What benefits did Boaz receive by becoming Ruth’s kinsman–redeemer? What benefits did Ruth receive? Chapter 4:9–15.
- What relationship makes Jesus our Kinsman–Redeemer? Look at your answers to question 7.
Digging Deeper
Ruth was shut out of relationship with God by the verse in Deuteronomy 23:3. A beautiful part of this story is that though she was shut out by law, the love, grace and mercy of God folded her back into His story. Sometimes we may feel shut out from God, but He is always waiting to welcome us back into His fold.
As far as the kinsman–redeemer ritual is concerned, Boaz could have taken off his sandal, which would say to Ruth, “You are a dirty shoe as far as I am concerned. I don’t want you.” Boaz would then be called “the man from whom the shoe was loosed in Israel.” The other kinsman–redeemer ultimately rejected Boaz’s offer and handed over his sandal to fulfill the law and pass the right to Boaz (Chapter 4:7–8).
