Naomi was from Bethlehem and moved to Moab with her husband Elimelek and two sons, Mahlon and Kilion. Application: God had a wonderful plan for Ruth. He should have already taken her in to provide for her. Free Online Four-Week Book of Ruth Bible Study PDF: Our latest study will take you through the Book of Ruth. Ruth is an interesting Biblical story because it contains no miracles or prophecies. Dear Lord,
Ruth could have had her fill and left it there. So she went down to the threshing floor and did according to all that her mother-in-law instructed her. The odds of being taken into marriage were low because she was a stranger among the Hebrews. In fact, we know more about the relationship between these two women than we know about them individually. Bathsheba (referred to as Uriahs wife in the genealogy of Jesus) only became Davids wife after David took her for himself and killed her husband. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You will be surprised at how much growth will take place in your life and how much less the struggle to your next level will be. One of the most important Naomi and Ruth relationship principles is to trust God. He went to meet with the kinsman who was before him in line as well as the elders. This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. No matter what devastating situation comes into play, love will conquer all because it is ultimately what brings people together. God doesnt not discriminate and wants His people to have the same viewpoints and understanding. After moving to Moab with her husband and sons, she loses her husband and becomes a widow. Even though Ruth wasnt a Jew and was a Moabite, God didnt allow those titles to change His love for Ruth. But it is important to consider that at that time and in that society, it is very likely that he already had a wife. If she had to go it alone, it would be 10 times harder. She chose to serve the God of Naomi, and she believed there was still life left for her to live. Its hard to have faith. The love of a man and the love of a woman should always be considered as an equally powerful element. Now the way was clear for him to marry Ruth. Have you ever heard of the saying, dont throw rocks at a glass house? They were being punished with a famine. Every week you will receive a devotional and a free printable PDF that will help you dive deeper into our Ruth Bible Study. Elimelech was trying to escape hard times by leaving Bethlehem to a pagan country. Remember to thank and recognize your partner each day. She took action. In the Book of Ruth, both Naomi and Ruth are continuously blown away by others who thank and recognize them for what they did rather than what they may have done incorrectly. 51 Best Bible Verses About Relationship With God. It was later in the story that any signs of romantic love were expressed. Here are seven lessons to learn from Ruth. Naomi was essentially empty and devastated after she lost her husband and sons. Chances are that he thought he would have had time to go back. His father was Salmon, an Israelite prince. He made a decision that God didnt approve. Everyone loves in a different way and has a unique relationship that cannot be replicated or reproduced. She could not be accused of being idle. After moving to Moab with her husband and sons, she loses her husband and becomes a widow. Blessings occur seven times in the book of Ruth, from Naomi blessing both her daughters-in-law (1:8) and Boaz (2:19-20), to Boaz's casual blessing of his workers (2:4) and deeper blessing of Ruth (3:10), and climactically to the women blessing the Lord for the birth of the child (4:14). Once they realize that their significant other doesnt have bad intentions when they make mistakes, theyll discover that their relationship will truly prosper. Bible Study: Book of Ruth Chapter 4. There is no clear answer to this question in Scripture. Lesson 1 - The Power of Loyalty. If you are a Bible study teacher, you are free to allow this content to influence the lessons you teach or the sermons you present. A simple Moabite widow becomes an essential character in the powerful story of salvation woven through the Bible. After Naomi's two sons died in Moab, she decided to return to Bethlehem. It doesnt matter if youre a male or female, God cares about everyone the same. She grew up in an evil country an enemy of Israel. In that society, kinsmen had a duty to make sure that if a relative of theirs died without children, that relatives name would live on. Note that he addressed her as daughter. Introduction. 1. a. Men and Women should respect each other equally. When we are going through some of our toughest struggles, he often brings us to the mindbarthis is where he gives us strength. Tamar resorted to trickery to bear a son. Because Ruth was a childless widow of a Hebrew male, she was entitled to remarriage from a member of Mahlons family. Ruth was the Moabite daughter-in-law of a Jewess named Naomi. She urges Ruth and Orpah to stay in Moab and find new husbands. Their . But one thing is clear: Boaz was extremely attracted to her characteristics of being hardworking and morally sound. The same things that turn on a worldly man are the same things which will excite your man of God. Relationships today are the exact same! No matter what, they see it all and because they are there each day its easy to get lost in that safety net. Boaz took notice of Ruth. He was all too willing to do so. by I Gordon. The Book of Ruth is a fantastic example that exemplifies the rollercoaster ride that love can take us on. Just because one couple doesnt live like another doesnt mean that theyre any less or more in love than another couple. She wasnt hired but he invited her to partake of those provisions. Character its who you really are when no one else is watching. In Ruth we see the attitude and character of one in whom God is pleased. Everything that she did showed her character, and because of that character, she was honored by God. And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman. (Ruth 2:11, Ruth 3:10,11 KJV). The rest of the book tells how Ruth married a . So, Ruth and Naomi both return to Bethlehem. This means she was ready to be taken as his wife and to enter into a relationship of mutual submission and trust. This other characteristic of Ruth in the Bible often goes unnoticed. Ruth was a Moabite, a nation of pagans and idol worshippers. Boaz redeemed Ruth, but years later Jesus would become the redeemer for mankind. In those days when men died before they had children, a male relative was responsible for taking his widow as wife and giving her children who would be considered the child of the deceased. I hear people say, Gods got Made with by India A place where world feel the words. Love is organic and the Book of Ruth is just one of the best examples to portray these ideal. Are they the same with you as they are with everyone else? The good thing is that Boaz wasnt concerned about Ruths past. The saying that there is a light at the end of the tunnel is very true. But he didnt do that. Her best days were ahead. Soon, Naomi becomes aware that Boaz has a thing for Ruth. But, according to the practices of the time, Boaz was free to take another wife, especially since he was a kinsman. There is no bitterness or hostility that shadows over their relationship. Ruth lived in the time of the judges. The book of Ruth follows the book of Judges in our Bibles because its setting was in that time period. Later tragically, Naomis husband and two sons died. Ruth followed Naomi into the unknown. Her two sons found wives, Ruth and Orpah, but 10 years later, both sons died as well. And yet it was that sharing and intimacy that was the foundation of the deep relationship these two women shared. I. God had an amazing plan for Ruth. As women, we can look up to Ruth as an example of goodness and someone worth emulating. Ruth 1-4 | Lessons 1-12: Getting to Know God Through Old Testament Stories and Genealogies. Its easy to judge others and caste your own beliefs and judgment upon the way theyre living their life; however its important to be able to see both sides of the fence. So Boaz had to be out there in the rain and sunshine with his workers. Who only wants to go out at night even when there are opportunities to go out during the day. It was all manual labor. It's loaded with life lessons; it teaches you about the importance of being at the right place, being ready for change, hope, determination, wisdom, generousity, strategy, kindness, favour, being at your best, the list is endless. God heard her cries and helped her feel complete again. So Ruth took on the responsibility of providing for them. Naomi told the women, Go back home. Go get married. While you may be going through pain in your current heartbreak, its important to realize that this is all for a reason. We all must understand the importance of being thankful and recognizing others that make a difference within our life especially within our relationships. Orpah decided to stay but Ruth decided to go with Naomi and start over in a new place. When Boaz is introduced in the story, the first thing he does is to greet his workers and servants. Well, there is a lot to be said about her. But God had him turn up on the perfect day so he could meet Ruth. Tucked between the books of Judges and 1 st Samuel, it can be easily missed when thumbing through the Old Testament. When life brings devastation, its not easy to hope. Instead couples should have equal say on what happens within a relationship and each voice should hold the same value. And again, after the night at the threshing floor, he gave barley to take home. Ruth could have waited on the benevolence of stranger to come to her door but she did not. Naomi loved Ruth, but she was willing to let her go back to her family. Build Your Life On A Strong Foundation. Issues that require mental and emotional effort should probably happen when people are not tired and hungry. Instead, Boaz brought relief to her life. Lesson 1: Sometimes, the right choice requires immense sacrifice. It seems that Naomis entire life crumbles in those years. At the beginning of the Book of Ruth, we meet Ruth, who is a Moabitess. Ruth and Naomi Relationship Principle #4 Trust God. Every relationship will have its ups and downs because no relationship is perfect. so powerful and inspirational, may Almighty God bless those that put their head together to establish this work. Ruth means friend or companion. Site by Gretchen Louise. For this reason, she was at a disadvantage. Id say yes but they were definitely not in her control. Even though Ruth wasn't a Jew and was a Moabite, God didn't allow those titles to change His love for Ruth. Stranger among the Hebrews Naomi & # x27 ; s two sons, Mahlon and.! 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