Ruth
The book of Ruth is about a woman from Moab who found family with Israelites. She remained loyal to her mother-in-law even after her husband died.
The nation of Moab came from Lot’s daughter after the events of Sodom and Gomorrah. They were the ones who hired Balaam to curse Israel in Numbers. In Deuteronomy it is said that the Moabites would never be allowed into the sanctuary of the Lord because of the way they had treated God’s people. How does this all impact the story of Ruth and how she entered into Israel with Naomi?
Compare the two daughters-in-law. Orpah and Ruth both first decided to stay with Naomi, but when she gives them reasons to stay in their home country and find a new life, Orpah and Ruth differ in their responses. Why would Ruth’s faithfulness to Naomi be important to the rest of this story? Why is this how the author would start this book?
Ruth and Boaz both show great commitment in this book. Ruth followed her mother-in-law to a foreign country, worked hard in the field to provide for them, and listened to what Naomi says to do with Boaz. Boaz ensured that Ruth was safe and taken care of as she worked, quickly accepted being their redeemer, and continued the name of Naomi’s family by fathering a child with Ruth. Boaz was losing his own family name in doing so but brought hope to Naomi and Ruth and would be part of the family line of Israel’s King David. Why would their faithfulness be significant during this time in Israel’s history? Why would this book of David’s genealogy be significant to the readers?
You Finished Ruth!
Now that you have finished observing and interpreting, I would encourage you to reflect on the timeless truths you have found in the Word and to apply it to your life. Here are some questions to help bring Ruth home.