Podcasts about moabitess

Ruth 1:19-22 (KJV) So they two went until they came to Beth-lehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Beth-lehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi? 20 And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. 21 I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me? 22 So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Beth-lehem in the beginning of barley harvest.

This message explores the interaction between Ruth, the Moabitess, and Boaz, the Israelite. The sermon emphasizes Boaz as a "type" of Christ, highlighting the parallels between Boaz's relationship with Ruth and Christ's relationship with those who belong to Him.

Ruth the Moabitess is in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Watch to the end to avoid misunderstanding. ‪@companionchapel1033‬ Please email: CompanionChapel@gmail.com Please consider helping this registered non-profit ministry at: CompanionChapel.com Companion Chapel Worldwide Ministry is located at #338 Sideroad 28/29 Paisley Ontario Canada N0G 2N0 Thank you for the donations so far, God bless you

Many of us are probably familiar to some extent with Rahab, the Jericho prostitute who turns to God and is spared along with her family when the Israelites destroy the city. But there is much more to her story that should cause us to marvel at Gods mercy and grace, and warn us against hypocrisy. Lets go look at where we encounter her. Israel had sent out two spies to check out Jericho. They go to the home of Rahab, the prostitute, where presumably it would not be unusual to find strangers. But someone alerts the authorities and Rahab is told to turn over the men. She covers for them and hides them on her roof. A search party begins looking for them near the Jordan River. Joshua 2:8-21 8Now before[a]the spies lay down, she came up to them on the roof,9and said to the men, I know that theLordhas given you the land, and that theterror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land have despaired because of you.10For we have heard how theLorddried up the water of the[b]Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, andwhat you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you[c]utterly destroyed.11When we heardthese reports,our hearts melted and no[d]courage remained in anyone any longer because of you; for theLordyour God, He is God in heaven above and on earth below.12Now then, please swear to me by theLord, since I have dealt kindly with you, that you also will deal kindly with my fathers household, and give me apledge of[e]truth,13and[f]spare my father and my mother, and my brothers and my sisters, and all who belong to them, and save our[g]lives from death.14So the men said to her, Our[h]life[i]for yours if you do not tell this business of ours; and it shall come about when theLordgives us the land that we willdeal kindly and[j]faithfully with you. 15Then she let them down by a rope through the window, for her house was on the city wall, so that she was living on the wall.16And she said to them, Go to the hill country, so that the pursuers will not encounter you, and hide yourselves there for three days until the pursuers return. Then afterward you may go on your way.17And the men said to her, Weshall beexempt from this oath[k]to you which you have made us swear,18[l]unless, when we come into the land, you tie this cord of scarlet thread in the window through which you let us down, andgather into your house your father, your mother, your brothers, and all your fathers household.19And it shall come about that anyone who goes out of the doors of your house outsidewill have[m]his blood on his own head, and wewill beinnocent; but anyone who is with you in the house,his bloodwill beon our head if a hand islaidon him.20But if you tell this business of ours, then we shall be exempt from the oath which you have made us swear.21She then said, According to your words, so be it. So she sent them away, and they departed; and she tied the scarlet cord in the window. Lets think about a couple of things. First: How did God communicate with Rahab? By dream?By vision? How did she learn that Yahweh was the one true God? However He did it, we must be humbled by the love and concern God showed to a woman who was part of an accursed tribe and who lived an immoral lifestyle. Second: Think about the scarlet cord hanging out her window. Where else do we see in Scripture that a red mark protects everyone inside a dwelling? The night of Passover, when the blood of the lamb on the lintel and doorposts protected those who were inside. Here is another picture of Passover, but this one is not protecting Israelites, but pagan Canaanites! Were these Hebrew spies thinking about how their relatives had been spared from wrath by a similar process? Here is an example of faith resulting in right standing with God apart from the Law, just like Abraham, proving that God is no respecter of persons. Now we pick up in Joshua Chapter 6. Most of us know how Israel marched around Jericho for seven days, so we will skip to the relevant portion for our study today: Joshua 6:20-25 So the people shouted, and[g]the priests blew the trumpets; and when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted with a great shout, and thewall fell down[h]flat, so that the people went up into the city, everyone straight[i]ahead, and they took the city.21They[j]utterly destroyed everything in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, sheep, and donkey, with the edge of the sword. 22And Joshua said to the two men who had spied out the land, Go into the prostitutes house and bring the woman and all she has out of there, just as you have sworn to her.23So the young men who were spies went in andbrought out Rahab, her father, her mother, her brothers, and all she had; they also brought out all her relatives, and placed them outside the camp of Israel.24Thenthey burned the city with fire, and all that was in it. Only the silver and gold, and the articles of bronze and iron, they put into the treasury of the[k]house of theLord.25However,Rahab the prostitute and her fathers household and all she had, Joshua[l]spared; and she has lived in the midst of Israel to this day, becauseshe hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho. Lets think about this first from Rahabs perspective. She and her family have been listening to utter chaos and terror outside her house. The screams of people and animals as they are brutally slaughtered. Then, there is, literally, a deathly quiet, and then there is a knock at the door. With great trepidation, they open the door and step out into a living nightmare. Everything destroyed. All people, all livestock, all structures. Everybody Rahab and her family knew was dead, their corpses lying mutilated on the ground. Spared, but unclean, she and her family are put outside the camp. So was Jesus. Hebrews 13:11-13 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the Holy Place by the high priest as an offering for sin are burned outside the camp. Therefore Jesus also suffered outside the gate, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood. So then, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. Jesus has a special affinity for those who are rejected, scorned, despised by the in crowd, just as Rahab was and many others. He personally experienced that same rejection, and invites us to journey with Him to where He resides with those whom He has rescued from rejection. Back to Jericho. Imagine the terror of what Rahabs family was feeling. You are now totally dependent on these people who just destroyed your city and killed all your friends and neighbors. You are feeling not just terror, but profound loneliness and sense of loss. Imagine if Russians invaded and killed everybody in your city except you, and now you were dependent on them. What about the other side? As Israelites, you were warned to kill all the Canaanites completely, to avoid being infected with their idols. Now, what do you do with this family? Im sure some advocated to let them starve. They only promised to spare their lives from the destruction of Jericho. There were no promises about feeding and caring for them. But Rahab knew that Yahweh was the God of heaven and earth. God had somehow revealed Himself to her, and He would not see her abandoned. But she is a profound sinner, from a foreign culture, filled with idolatrous practices, living in enforced isolation. How does she become discipled, and an important figure in Jewish history? Yes. That is exactly what happens to her, but we have to fill in the details with our imagination. As with the mystery of Melchizedek, sometimes the most profound biblical stories are about whats left out of the narrative. There had to have been interaction between Rahabs family and the Israelites. Probably, there was daily interaction as more merciful heads prevailed and food was delivered to keep them alive. But that doesnt solve the problem. Keeping her alive doesnt equate to discipleship. I can imagine a godly woman provoking her husband to think about these poor people and shouldnt someone try to teach Rahab and her family about the Lord? Im sure the idea was met with apprehension at first. What if we get infected with their idolatry? No, its too risky. Too bad they werent born Jews. Time passes, but somewhere along the line, at least Rahab is discipled, probably by one of those godly wives who kept persisting until her husband acquiesced! Rahab responds and learns well. In fact, she surpasses most of the young Israelite women in her devotion to the Lord, and becomes known for her character and the radical transformation of a changed life. How do we know that? Because of something revealed in the Book of Ruth and a one-sentence reference in Matthew Chapter 1. So, lets turn our attention first to Ruth. If you are not familiar with Ruth, it is a short book packed with depth and meaning. The story centers around a family from Bethlehem, a husband named Elimelech and his wife Naomi. They have two sons, Mahlon and Chilion. A severe drought causes them to move east across the Jordan river to the area of Moab, where Naomi stays for 10 years. While there, her husband dies. Her sons marry Moabite women. But then her sons die, and she is left in Moab with her two daughters-in-law, Orpah, and Ruth. Naomi hears that the drought is gone in Bethlehem and she decides to return, and tries to convince her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab. Orpah does, but Ruth insists on going to Bethlehem with Naomi and staying with her until her death, and will worship the God of Israel. So, they return. When they arrive in Bethlehem, it is the beginning of the barley harvest, probably mid-April. How to get food? Well, Ruth goes out to glean in the common area which the landowners use, and she just happens to get connected with a man named Boaz. We need to learn something about Boaz. He is described as gibbor, which is sometimes translated as mighty man. It implies he is a man of substance and character, and when we read Ruth, we are touched by his compassion and concern both for Naomi and for Ruth. He is impressed by Ruths devotion to Naomi, and her willingness to seek shelter under Yahwehs wings. Interestingly, he is also a kinsman redeemer (Leviticus 25:47-55) to Naomi, and is willing to redeem her land including the necessity of giving her offspring through Ruth, the Moabitess. He was willing to marry a foreign woman. Boaz and Ruth had a child, Obed, who was the grandfather of David. Ruth 4:21-22. So, Ruth the Moabite woman participates in establishing the earthly lineage of the Messiah. We are told in Ruth 4:21 that Salmon (or Salma) begot Boaz. We dont know from the account here who Boaz mother is, but Matthew clears that up for us. Matthew 1:5 tells us Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab, Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth, and Obed fathered Jesse. Salmon was the father of Boaz, and Boaz mother is Rahab. Interestingly, she is not referred to as Rahab the Harlot, just Rahab. She is a harlot no more. Remember, Boaz is a man of influence and character in Bethlehem. There is no doubt that Boaz character was formed in large part due to his mothers influence. She would have had to be a woman of great moral character to attract the attention of Salmon. Knowing people as we do, we can be sure that Salmon was scorned and rejected by some of his peers for marrying a former pagan harlot. That took a lot of courage on his part. And think about his parents! Lets say our son came home all excited about this woman he met at a Bible study, who had been a sexual abuse victim by her stepdad, ran away from home, wound up on Colfax Avenue in Denver, was befriended by a man who turned out to be a pimp, got her strung out on fentanyl, and trafficked her as a prostitute? Sound like something that happens every day. But she had been arrested, detoxed, came to Christ while in substance abuse treatment, and was now a very godly young woman in love with Jesus. We love to hear stories like that. But what if our son decided he wanted to marry her? Would we be accepting of her as a redeemed child of God, or would we be concerned about our familys reputation, and suggest he seek out a virgin from one of the good families from his Awanas group? What if your son said, But what about that verse in Second Corinthians Five? 2 Corinthians 5:17 If anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Is that true, or not? Do we feel the conviction of hypocrisy as we contemplate our reaction? Are we interested more in what serves Gods purposes, or being concerned about what our peer group will think? Remember, God chose Rahab and Ruth (and Tamar, for that matter) to be mothers of men in the lineage of Christ. He did that on purpose to teach us something about His mercy and grace. No doubt, Boaz own family history was a strong influence for him to so readily agree to marry Ruth the Moabitess. He knew his parents story, had heard from his mother Rahab about the pain of loneliness and rejection when they lived outside the camp, and had no hesitation to marry a foreign woman who so obviously loved God and honored Naomi. The character of Rahab may also be inferred from Hebrews. She and Sarah are the only two women named in the Hall of Faith (Hebrews Chapter 11). Rahab is also mentioned by James as an example of the works of faith. (Call up the worship team) So, who are the Rahabs in our life? The people who have a checkered past, but who are growing in the Lord? Can we see past who they were, and see what they can become as the Lord changes them? He wants us to see with His eyes, and be His hands and feet to disciple them so they can become the godly Rahabs of this generation. The main reason why I love working in the criminal justice system is that I get to participate in Gods mission of making modern-day Rahabs. To see a life in chaos become a godly man or woman is a privilege I have witnessed repeatedly over the past 35 years. Fact is, none of us come from good families. There is only one Good Family, and that consists of all of us, from whatever background, who have repented, been born again, and belong to the body of Christ. We all are new creations in Christ, and our sinsall of themare forgiven and forgotten by our Lord. May we celebrate our new beginnings every day!

Our text is from Ruth 4:13-17 So, Boaz married Ruth. Then he slept with her. The Lord blessed her so that she became pregnant. And she had a son. The women said to Naomi, “We praise the Lord. Today he has provided a family protector for you. May this child become famous all over Israel! He will make your life new again. He'll take care of you when you are old. He's the son of your very own daughter-in-law. She loves you. She is better to you than seven sons.” Then Naomi took the child in her arms and took care of him. The women living there said, “Naomi has a son!” They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse. Jesse was the father of David. The Lord's name is mentioned regularly in this little book, but mostly in prayers and blessings. Here, God finally emerges from behind the curtain. He acts by enabling Ruth to conceive a son, fulfilling the prayer Boaz prayed for her on the grain fields of Bethlehem. Yet, it is Naomi's lap that is full--so full the story nearly tumbles over itself with joy! “The Lord enabled Ruth to conceive” is the grand finale of this waltz of self-giving devotion! Naming just one generation isn't enough--this family went on and on, generation after generation! “The women living there said, “Naomi has a son.” They named him Obed (provider). “He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.” And without skipping a beat the joy and amazement are spoken again, from a bigger perspective, but that's for tomorrow. What a phenomenal act of God! Wrinkled, old Naomi sitting with a newborn on her lap. The Israelites hadn't seen anything quite this exciting since Abraham, “as good as dead,” and Sarah, having the dead womb, laughed together with Isaac on their knees. And now Naomi laughs with the women of Bethlehem. Death and emptiness have given way to life and fullness. Here sits Naomi with a womb perhaps as dead as Sarah's, and her husband isn't “as good as dead,” he is dead! No earthly possibility of an heir. What amazing things should we expect when God places a child on this old widow's lap? Look what the Lord is doing! The Lord is establishing something as important as the house of Israel. The Lord is establishing the throne of David. This is not just any throne. The “throne of David” will not be a mundane kingdom. It exists because the covenant Lord has acted. It exists because people as diverse as Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz emptied themselves for the welfare of others. It is this covenant faithfulness, not tribal affiliation or economic standing, that identifies the subjects of this kingdom, now named the Kingdom of God. Self-sacrificing devotion to the Lord and to one another are the ways of this kingdom. Naomi's lap is filled because of this covenant devotion. Ruth, the Moabitess, forsaking claims of nation and religion, devoted herself to Naomi, come what may; Naomi's devotion to Ruth prompted a risky scheme on the threshing floor; Boaz' devotion caused him to ignore self-interest and exceed the requirements of the guardian-redeemer; and God's devotion to his people graciously provided fruitfulness for field and womb. God himself wove these four devotions together to provide a home and husband for Ruth, the restoration of life and fullness for Noami, and immeasurable benefit for all Israel. This story illustrates the behaviour of the true Israelite and the faithfulness of God, inviting us to join this waltz of self-giving devotion! May you too receive the blessing of this God: May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm. May he bring you home rejoicing; at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

As the book of Ruth nears its end, everything appears to be topsy-turvy. Boaz gets the girl, Naomi gets a son, a Moabitess is blessed by Israelites, and the nanny is cared for by the child. Despite the appearance of everything being upside-down and a bit backwards, the mercy, providence, and love of God is front and center. Join Nathan in this study of Ruth 4:11–17 and see how even topsy-turvy circumstances can lead us unto Christ Jesus.------------» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Nathan, Eric, Leslie, and the team at Ellerslie in one of our upcoming discipleship programs – learn more at: https://ellerslie.com/be-discipled/» Receive our free “Five Keys to Walking Through Difficulty” PDF by going to: https://ellerslie.com/subscribe/» For more information about Daily Thunder and the ministry of Ellerslie Mission Society, please visit: https://ellerslie.com/daily» If you have been blessed by Ellerslie, consider partnering with the ministry by donating at: https://ellerslie.com/donate/» Discover more Christ-centered teaching and resources from Nathan Johnson that will help you grow spiritually by checking out his website at: https://deeperchristian.com/

"Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down. And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down. And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's: And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it. Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance. And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it. Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour: and this was a testimony in Israel. Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe. And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi. Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day. And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. The Lord make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem: And let thy house be like the house of Pharez, whom Tamar bare unto Judah, of the seed which the Lord shall give thee of this young woman. So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bare a son." Ruth 4:1-13

A @Christadelphians Video: # Summary The PRESENTATION explores the historical and biblical significance of Moab, a region east of Israel, and its complex relationship with the Israelites. It discusses the origins of the Moabites from Lot, Abraham's nephew, and highlights the lack of hospitality shown by the Moabites towards the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. The presentation reflects on biblical commandments regarding Moabites and emphasizes the importance of hospitality through the story of Ruth, a Moabitess, who exemplifies kindness and acceptance.

When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her. So, the two women went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they arrived in Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them, and the women exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi?” “Don't call me Naomi,” she told them. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.” So, Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by Ruth the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, arriving in Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning (Ruth 1:18-22). This chapter is filled with tragedy, encapsulated by Naomi's lament, “Call me Mara.” Things went from bad to worse. Elimelech, “God is King”, left the king's country, turning away from the “House of Bread” (Bethlehem) because there is nothing to eat. His attempt to stay alive in Moab ends in his death. His wife, Naomi, meaning “pleasant”, suddenly finds herself in a very unpleasant situation. Unpleasant but not destitute -- she has two married sons who will support her. This unpleasant state descends into a worst-case-scenario when both of her sons die before any grandchildren are conceived. Naomi's lap is empty. The hunger that brought her family to Moab was nothing compared to the sick, black, void in the pit of her stomach. Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth--each widow stares blankly into the future across an empty lap--their family extinguished. Widows indeed -- all three of them. At least Orpah and Ruth have options. They can find new husbands. Naomi offers them the blessing of the God of Israel, “May the Lord grant that each of you will find rest (security) in the home of another husband” (1:9). She does not want them included in the curses of the covenant which God has set against her. She must return alone, desolate without hope. But, as we saw yesterday, Ruth, the Moabitess, refuses. Moab's origin story is one of deception and manipulation, drunkenness and incest (see Genesis 19:30-38). But Ruth does not selfishly manipulate circumstances to survive at any cost. She adopts her mother-in-law! This is one of the most striking examples of the loving and sacrificial loyalty contained in the word “mercy”. Ruth's devotion to Naomi caused her to cast aside all concern for her future and security and to break the bonds even of community and religion. She has committed herself to the life of an old woman rather than the search for a husband in a world where life depends upon men. And so, the two “bound-together-for-life” widows arrive in Bethlehem. In her extreme despair, Naomi returns to the country of the very God that she names as afflicting her. Full she went away, but empty has God brought her back. Her future has flickered out; her life is bitter. Naomi is home, empty barren, desolate, without husband or son. No longer Naomi, pleasant, but Mara, bitter. In her bitterness, Naomi cannot see that she has a daughter-in-law, who, oddly enough, has committed herself to Naomi, to Naomi's people, and to their God. Also, it is barley harvest. God has removed the famine from Israel. These two, Ruth and barley, are the beginnings of the thick rich feast of God's redemption for Naomi and for all of us. But Naomi cannot see it yet. And that is encouraging for all of us. She has returned to her country, her people, her land, her God. But she has no hope for laughter, no hope for fullness; no hope that the bitterness will be taken away. But that does not stop God from assembling the ingredients that will fill Naomi's emptiness and turn her bitterness to laughter. God does not need us to notice what he is up to, just to receive it when it comes. Go now with God's blessing: May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm. May he bring you home rejoicing; at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

The PRESENTATION focuses on the story of Ruth, a faithful woman from Moab who chose to follow the God of Israel. It explores her humble beginnings, unwavering dedication, and the significance of her actions, which ultimately lead to her becoming an ancestor of King David and, consequently, Jesus Christ. The presentation highlights themes of faith, hard work, and divine providence, illustrating how Ruth's character serves as an inspiration for believers today. Highlights

Harold Paisley (1924-2015) begins a series of sermons on the book of Ruth by looking at 4 sets of 3 in Chapter 1: three men and their graves, three women and their decisions, 3 titles of God and their meaning, and 3 beautiful pictures of the Lord Jesus Christ. Ruth the Moabitess is a picture of a Christian going all the way with Christ. (Recorded in Northern Ireland) Complete series: Ruth 1:1-18 Ruth 1:19-22 Ruth 2 Ruth 3 Ruth 4 The post Going All The Way With Christ (36 min) first appeared on Gospel Hall Audio.

Ruth 4:1-9 (KJV) Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down. 2 And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down. 3 And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's: 4 And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it. 5 Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance. 6 And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it. 7 Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour: and this was a testimony in Israel. 8 Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe. 9 And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi.

Difficulties and uncertainty often arise in our lives when we least expect it. The question we must answer in such moments is not “why” but “how”…“how does God want to use this challenge in my life?” In this study from Ruth 1:3–22, we discover that Naomi's life is at rock bottom, her life is practically over—and sadly, she blames her bitterness on God. Yet amidst the story, we find beautiful hope in Ruth the Moabitess. Join Nathan as we explore this stirring story from Ruth 1 and what it practically means for our lives today.------------» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Nathan, Eric, Leslie, and the team at Ellerslie in one of our upcoming discipleship programs – learn more at: https://ellerslie.com/be-discipled/» Receive our free “Five Keys to Walking Through Difficulty” PDF by going to: https://ellerslie.com/subscribe/»For more information about Daily Thunder and the ministry of Ellerslie Mission Society, please visit: https://ellerslie.com/daily» If you have been blessed by Ellerslie, consider partnering with the ministry by donating at: https://ellerslie.com/donate/» Discover more Christ-centered teaching and resources from Nathan Johnson that will help you grow spiritually by checking out his website at: https://deeperchristian.com/

So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley. And she took it up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed. And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man's name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz. And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the Lord, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen. And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest. And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field. So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law. Ruth 2:17-23

église AB Lausanne ; KJV Ruth 4 Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down. And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down. And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's: And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it. Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance. And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it. Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour: and this was a testimony in Israel. Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe. And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi. Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day. ...

église AB Lausanne ; KJV Ruth 2 And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz. And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter. And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech. And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee. Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this? And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab: And she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house. Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens: Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn. Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger? ...

God cares for the vulnerable, God cares for the poor, God cares for the foreigner.

"And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz. And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter. And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech. And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The Lord be with you. And they answered him, The Lord bless thee. Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this? And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab: And she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house."

Ruth 4 New King James Version 4 Now Boaz went up to the gate and sat down there; and behold, the close relative of whom Boaz had spoken came by. So Boaz said, “Come aside, friend, sit down here.” So he came aside and sat down. 2 And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, “Sit down here.” So they sat down. 3 Then he said to the close relative, “Naomi, who has come back from the country of Moab, sold the piece of land which belonged to our brother Elimelech. 4 And I thought to inform you, saying, ‘Buy it back in the presence of the inhabitants and the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, redeem it; but if you will not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know; for there is no one but you to redeem it, and I am next after you.' ” And he said, “I will redeem it.” 5 Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you must also buy it from Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to perpetuate the name of the dead through his inheritance.” 6 And the close relative said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I ruin my own inheritance. You redeem my right of redemption for yourself, for I cannot redeem it.” 7 Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning redeeming and exchanging, to confirm anything: one man took off his sandal and gave it to the other, and this was a confirmation in Israel. 8 Therefore the close relative said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself.” So he took off his sandal. 9 And Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses this day that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, from the hand of Naomi. 10 Moreover, Ruth the Moabitess, the widow of Mahlon, I have acquired as my wife, to perpetuate the name of the dead through his inheritance, that the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brethren and from his position at the gate. You are witnesses this day.” 11 And all the people who were at the gate, and the elders, said, “We are witnesses. The Lord make the woman who is coming to your house like Rachel and Leah, the two who built the house of Israel; and may you prosper in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem. 12 May your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring which the Lord will give you from this young woman.” Descendants of Boaz and Ruth 13 So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife; and when he went in to her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. 14 Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a [f]close relative; and may his name be famous in Israel! 15 And may he be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has borne him.” 16 Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her bosom, and became a nurse to him. 17 Also the neighbor women gave him a name, saying, “There is a son born to Naomi.” And they called his name Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David. 18 Now this is the genealogy of Perez: Perez begot Hezron; 19 Hezron begot Ram, and Ram begot Amminadab; 20 Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot Salmon; 21 Salmon begot Boaz, and Boaz begot Obed; 22 Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse begot David.

Ruth 2 New King James Version Ruth Meets Boaz 2 There was a relative of Naomi's husband, a man of great wealth, of the family of Elimelech. His name was Boaz. 2 So Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Please let me go to the field, and glean heads of grain after him in whose sight I may find favor.” And she said to her, “Go, my daughter.” 3 Then she left, and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers. And she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech. 4 Now behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said to the reapers, “The Lord be with you!” And they answered him, “The Lord bless you!” 5 Then Boaz said to his servant who was in charge of the reapers, “Whose young woman is this?” 6 So the servant who was in charge of the reapers answered and said, “It is the young Moabite woman who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab. 7 And she said, ‘Please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves.' So she came and has continued from morning until now, though she rested a little in the house.” 8 Then Boaz said to Ruth, “You will listen, my daughter, will you not? Do not go to glean in another field, nor go from here, but stay close by my young women. 9 Let your eyes be on the field which they reap, and go after them. Have I not commanded the young men not to touch you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink from what the young men have drawn.” 10 So she fell on her face, bowed down to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?” 11 And Boaz answered and said to her, “It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and have come to a people whom you did not know before. 12 The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.” 13 Then she said, “Let me find favor in your sight, my lord; for you have comforted me, and have spoken [a]kindly to your maidservant, though I am not like one of your maidservants.” 14 Now Boaz said to her at mealtime, “Come here, and eat of the bread, and dip your piece of bread in the vinegar.” So she sat beside the reapers, and he passed parched grain to her; and she ate and was satisfied, and kept some back. 15 And when she rose up to [b]glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, “Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. 16 Also let grain from the bundles fall purposely for her; leave it that she may glean, and do not rebuke her.” 17 So she gleaned in the field until evening, and beat out what she had gleaned, and it was about an ephah of barley. 18 Then she took it up and went into the city, and her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned. So she brought out and gave to her what she had kept back after she had been satisfied. 19 And her mother-in-law said to her, “Where have you gleaned today? And where did you work? Blessed be the one who took notice of you.” So she told her mother-in-law with whom she had worked, and said, “The man's name with whom I worked today is Boaz.” 20 Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “Blessed be he of the Lord, who has not forsaken His kindness to the living and the dead!” And Naomi said to her, “This man is a relation of ours, one of our close relatives.” 21 Ruth the Moabitess said, “He also said to me, ‘You shall stay close by my young men until they have finished all my harvest.' ” 22 And Naomi said to Ruth her daughter-in-law, “It is good, my daughter, that you go out with his young women, and that people do not meet you in any other field.” 23 So she stayed close by the young women of Boaz, to glean until the end of barley harvest and wheat harvest; and she dwelt with her mother-in-law.

Ruth 1 New King James Version Elimelech's Family Goes to Moab 1 Now it came to pass, in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem, Judah, went to dwell in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. 2 The name of the man was Elimelech, the name of his wife was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion—Ephrathites of Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to the country of Moab and remained there. 3 Then Elimelech, Naomi's husband, died; and she was left, and her two sons. 4 Now they took wives of the women of Moab: the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth. And they dwelt there about ten years. 5 Then both Mahlon and Chilion also died; so the woman survived her two sons and her husband. Naomi Returns with Ruth 6 Then she arose with her daughters-in-law that she might return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the Lord had visited His people by giving them bread. 7 Therefore she went out from the place where she was, and her two daughters-in-law with her; and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah. 8 And Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each to her mother's house. The Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. 9 The Lord grant that you may find rest, each in the house of her husband.” So she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept. 10 And they said to her, “Surely we will return with you to your people.” 11 But Naomi said, “Turn back, my daughters; why will you go with me? Are there still sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? 12 Turn back, my daughters, go—for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say I have hope, if I should have a husband tonight and should also bear sons, 13 would you wait for them till they were grown? Would you restrain yourselves from having husbands? No, my daughters; for it grieves me very much for your sakes that the hand of the Lord has gone out against me!” 14 Then they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. 15 And she said, “Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” 16 But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. 17 Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.” 18 When she saw that she was determined to go with her, she stopped speaking to her. 19 Now the two of them went until they came to Bethlehem. And it happened, when they had come to Bethlehem, that all the city was excited because of them; and the women said, “Is this Naomi?” 20 But she said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. 21 I went out full, and the Lord has brought me home again empty. Why do you call me Naomi, since the Lord has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me?” 22 So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess her daughter-in-law with her, who returned from the country of Moab. Now they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest

Established In The Faith · Israel's Future And The Field Of Boaz Ruth 2:1-3 (KJV) 1 And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz. 2 And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter. 3 And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.

"Uncover his feet, and lie down; and he will tell you what you should do." Ru 3:4NKJVAs a Moabitess, the law said Ruth was unqualified to mix with Jews. "An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter the assembly of the Lord" (Dt 23:3 NKJV). But when God has a plan for your life, He steps in and says, "I have called you by your name; you are Mine.. you were precious in My sight...I will give men for you, and people for your life" (Isa 43:1, 4 NKJV). When Boaz began showering Ruth with kindness, she knelt before him saying,"Why have I found favor in your eyes...?" (Ru2:10 NKJV). Notice how Boaz answered: "It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done" (v. 11 NKJV). Aware that Ruth has become the object of Boaz's affection, Naomi instructs her: "He is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. Therefore wash yourself and anoint yourself, put on your best garment and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. Then it shall be, when he lies down, that you shall notice the place where he lies; and you shall go in, uncover his feet, and lie down; and he will tell you what you should do" (Ru 3:2-4 NKJV). She started at his feet and ended up by his side. "Do not make yourself known." Don't push, don't try to impress God with your performance, just stay at His feet and He will raise you up to His side. "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time" (1Pe 5:6 NKJV).Support the Show.Changing Lives | Building Strong Family | Impacting Our Community For Jesus Christ!

Established In The Faith · Ruth The Moabitess Ruth 1:22 (KJV) 22 So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest.

Advent is a time of longing and waiting for the return of our Redeemer. Hardship, grief and sorrow can make that waiting difficult, but there is hope for those who come to Christ. Discussion Questions 1. When are you most likely to feel pressure to act happier and cheerier than you really feel, or to conceal sorrow and grief? Why? 2. Is Naomi's attitude a sign of unfaithfulness? Why or why not? 3. How does the gospel give us freedom to lament in difficult times? 4. Why is it sometimes hard to see clues of God's grace at work in our world and lives? Where do you see his grace in your life today? 5. Naomi experiences the kindness of God in the kindness of Ruth, Moabitess. Why is this surprising? Where in your life are you experiencing God's kindness through the kindness of a non-Christian? 6. Does hardship make it easier or more difficult to remain close to Jesus? Why? 7. Why isn't the notion of “waiting” a more prominent spiritual discipline for Christians?

Istrouma Baptist Church (BR) Dec 17, 2023 ========== December 17 | Christmas at Istrouma Welcome! We're glad you've joined us today for our Sunday morning worship service! For more information about Istrouma, go to istrouma.org or contact us at info@istrouma.org. We glorify God by making disciples of all nations. ========== Connection Card https://istrouma.org/myinfo December 17, 2023 | Tim Keith ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬-‭6‬‬ Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab, Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth, Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered King David. David fathered Solomon by Uriah's wife, Ruth's Situation Deuteronomy 23:3 No Ammonite or Moabite may enter the Lord's assembly; none of their descendants, even to the tenth generation, may ever enter the Lord's assembly. John 3:36 The one who believes in the Son has eternal life, but the one who rejects the Son will not see life; instead, the Romans 5:9 How much more then, since we have now been justified by Jesus' blood, will we be saved through him from wrath. Ephesians 6:7-8 Don't be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a person sows he will also reap,8because the one who sows to his flesh(sinful nature) will reap destruction from the flesh (sin)… Ephesians 2:12 At that time you were without Christ, excluded from the citizenship of Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of promise, (Empty) John 3:16-18 For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.18Anyone who believes in him is not condemned... Ruth's Proclamation ‭‭Ruth‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬-‭17‬‬ But Ruth replied: Don't plead with me to abandon you or to return and not follow you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me, and do so severely, if anything but death separates you and me. "Your God is now My God" Ruth 1:16 Ruth's Salvation * God's Family * God's Forgiveness * God's Future ‭‭Ruth‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬-‭17‬‬ Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses today that I am buying from Naomi everything that belonged to Elimelech, Chilion, and Mahlon. I have also acquired Ruth the Moabitess, Mahlon's widow, as my wife, to perpetuate the deceased man's name on his property, so that his name will not disappear among his relatives or from the gate of his hometown. You are witnesses today.” All the people who were at the city gate, including the elders, said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman who is entering your house like Rachel and Leah, who together built the house of Israel. May you be powerful in Ephrathah and your name well known in Bethlehem. May your house become like the house of Perez, the son Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring the Lord will give you by this young woman.” Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. He slept with her, and the Lord granted conception to her, and she gave birth to a son. The women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you without a family redeemer today. May his name become well known in Israel. He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. Indeed, your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” Naomi took the child, placed him on her lap, and became a mother to him. The neighbor women said, “A son has been born to Naomi,” and they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David. Want to receive weekly announcements in your inbox each week? https://istrouma.org/email Give Online Text ISTROUMA IBC to 73256 or go to: https://istrouma.org/give Our Website https://istrouma.org

Ruth 1: 1-22, Matthew 1:5 // Nathan MillerSo what's it about? It's about a God who so loves outsiders. Who so pursues the people who don't belong. Who has such a big heart for losers and outcasts, for sinners. For the people we tend to ignore or despise. A God who has so much love. That even a Moabitess from Moab can find a home. A place to belong.And Jesus was also an outsider! He left His home. In heaven. To become a peasant, a child out of wedlock, spending the first years of His life as a refugee, eventually rejected by those He came to save, even abandoned by His closest friends, and then dying on a cross for our sins. Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49173781 Prayer Requests: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2542/responses/new23.12.03

Ruth 1:1-22 // Bill GormanSo what's it about? It's about a God who so loves outsiders. Who so pursues the people who don't belong. Who has such a big heart for losers and outcasts, for sinners. For the people we tend to ignore or despise. A God who has so much love. That even a Moabitess from Moab can find a home. A place to belong.And Jesus was also an outsider! He left His home. In heaven. To become a peasant, a child out of wedlock, spending the first years of His life as a refugee, eventually rejected by those He came to save, even abandoned by His closest friends, and then dying on a cross for our sins. Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49173777 Prayer Requests:  https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2546/responses/new23.12.03

A biographical sermon on God's Redemption of Ruth the Moabitess from Ruth 1:1-17.

Ruth 1:1,3-6,14-16,22 ·(Ruth the Moabitess is brought to Bethlehem by Naomi) Isaiah 58:6-11 ·(Then will your light shine like the dawn)

Ruth the Moabitess, the widow of Mahlon, I have acquired as my wife, to perpetuate the name of the dead through his inheritance . . . Taught at Agape Bible Church on July 16, 2023. [44 minutes]

Naomi and Ruth Return Rth 1:19  So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi? Rth 1:20  And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. Rth 1:21  I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me? Rth 1:22  So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest.

Enter..... Ruth - the Moabitess ancestor of Jesus!

It was no accident that Ruth found herself gleaning in the field of Boaz and it was not accidental that Boaz noticed Ruth. We romanticize the text but the book of Ruth is not primarily a love story between an rich man and a lovely Moabitess virgin. It is the story of the providential care of God.

* Ruth: "Now it came to pass, in the days when the judges ruled," that the world gained its oldest book of romance. Ruth's love story tells the world's love story. Ruth became King David's great-grandmother. And since Ruth is not a Jewish woman, but a Moabitess, her inclusion in Christ's genealogy (Mat. 1:5) raises interesting questions. Further, Ruth's mother-in-law, Rahab, had been a Canaanite prostitute. Skeptics dismiss the Bible as exclusionary and unforgiving. But students know the truth. The marriage proposal in this book, from a well-established Jewish man to a widowed Moabite woman, symbolizes God reaching out to fallen man. Boaz, a type of Christ, symbolizes Christ's role as man's redeemer. The Kinsman Redeemer perpetuates the name of the dead, raising up life where there was only death, an inheritance where there was none.  Available on MP3-CD or download.

* Ruth: "Now it came to pass, in the days when the judges ruled," that the world gained its oldest book of romance. Ruth's love story tells the world's love story. Ruth became King David's great-grandmother. And since Ruth is not a Jewish woman, but a Moabitess, her inclusion in Christ's genealogy (Mat. 1:5) raises interesting questions. Further, Ruth's mother-in-law, Rahab, had been a Canaanite prostitute. Skeptics dismiss the Bible as exclusionary and unforgiving. But students know the truth. The marriage proposal in this book, from a well-established Jewish man to a widowed Moabite woman, symbolizes God reaching out to fallen man. Boaz, a type of Christ, symbolizes Christ's role as man's redeemer. The Kinsman Redeemer perpetuates the name of the dead, raising up life where there was only death, an inheritance where there was none.  Available on MP3-CD or download.

* Ruth: "Now it came to pass, in the days when the judges ruled," that the world gained its oldest book of romance. Ruth's love story tells the world's love story. Ruth became King David's great-grandmother. And since Ruth is not a Jewish woman, but a Moabitess, her inclusion in Christ's genealogy (Mat. 1:5) raises interesting questions. Further, Ruth's mother-in-law, Rahab, had been a Canaanite prostitute. Skeptics dismiss the Bible as exclusionary and unforgiving. But students know the truth. The marriage proposal in this book, from a well-established Jewish man to a widowed Moabite woman, symbolizes God reaching out to fallen man. Boaz, a type of Christ, symbolizes Christ's role as man's redeemer. The Kinsman Redeemer perpetuates the name of the dead, raising up life where there was only death, an inheritance where there was none.  Available on MP3-CD or download.

* Ruth: "Now it came to pass, in the days when the judges ruled," that the world gained its oldest book of romance. Ruth's love story tells the world's love story. Ruth became King David's great-grandmother. And since Ruth is not a Jewish woman, but a Moabitess, her inclusion in Christ's genealogy (Mat. 1:5) raises interesting questions. Further, Ruth's mother-in-law, Rahab, had been a Canaanite prostitute. Skeptics dismiss the Bible as exclusionary and unforgiving. But students know the truth. The marriage proposal in this book, from a well-established Jewish man to a widowed Moabite woman, symbolizes God reaching out to fallen man. Boaz, a type of Christ, symbolizes Christ's role as man's redeemer. The Kinsman Redeemer perpetuates the name of the dead, raising up life where there was only death, an inheritance where there was none.  Available on MP3-CD or download.

As with truthful eyewitnesses of the same event who stand in different places, so when we compare Matthew's and Luke's accounts of the genealogy and birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, we note several striking differences. Matthew is very specific and uses the word -beget, become the father of, sire- ------- genn--- throughout his narrative- whereas, Luke uses the genitive of relationship, without telling us what that relationship is. It could be that of a father or a father-in-law. --The two genealogies also differ about which son of King David is the ancestor of the Lord Jesus. Matthew is giving the legal line of descent through the kings of Judah, and he names Solomon -Matthew 1-6-- whereas, Luke cites David's son Nathan -Luke 3-31-.--Tamar was the Canaanite daughter-in-law of Judah. She posed as a cult prostitute in order to make sure that she became pregnant through levirate marriage to her late husband's next of kin -Matthew 1-3- Genesis 38-.--Rahab was a Canaanite prostitute who plied her trade in Jericho, and who having protected the Israelite spies, then married into the tribe of Judah -Matthew 1-5- Joshua 2- 6-22-25-.--Ruth was a Moabitess, a cursed people -Matthew 1-5- Deuteronomy 23-3-.--The last woman is alluded to in Matthew 1-6, Bathsheba, who was either a gentile or an Israelite married to a gentile, Uriah the Hittite. She and David committed adultery -2 Samuel 11-, and David had her husband murdered in order to cover up the adultery, a death penalty offense under God's law -Leviticus 20-10-.--The practical truth of this list is that God not only blesses people, he makes them a blessing, no matter their wicked past or ancestry.

As with truthful eyewitnesses of the same event who stand in different places, so when we compare Matthew's and Luke's accounts of the genealogy and birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, we note several striking differences. Matthew is very specific and uses the word -beget, become the father of, sire- ------- genn--- throughout his narrative- whereas, Luke uses the genitive of relationship, without telling us what that relationship is. It could be that of a father or a father-in-law. --The two genealogies also differ about which son of King David is the ancestor of the Lord Jesus. Matthew is giving the legal line of descent through the kings of Judah, and he names Solomon -Matthew 1-6-- whereas, Luke cites David's son Nathan -Luke 3-31-.--Tamar was the Canaanite daughter-in-law of Judah. She posed as a cult prostitute in order to make sure that she became pregnant through levirate marriage to her late husband's next of kin -Matthew 1-3- Genesis 38-.--Rahab was a Canaanite prostitute who plied her trade in Jericho, and who having protected the Israelite spies, then married into the tribe of Judah -Matthew 1-5- Joshua 2- 6-22-25-.--Ruth was a Moabitess, a cursed people -Matthew 1-5- Deuteronomy 23-3-.--The last woman is alluded to in Matthew 1-6, Bathsheba, who was either a gentile or an Israelite married to a gentile, Uriah the Hittite. She and David committed adultery -2 Samuel 11-, and David had her husband murdered in order to cover up the adultery, a death penalty offense under God's law -Leviticus 20-10-.--The practical truth of this list is that God not only blesses people, he makes them a blessing, no matter their wicked past or ancestry.

As with truthful eyewitnesses of the same event who stand in different places, so when we compare Matthew's and Luke's accounts of the genealogy and birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, we note several striking differences. Matthew is very specific and uses the word -beget, become the father of, sire- ------- genn--- throughout his narrative- whereas, Luke uses the genitive of relationship, without telling us what that relationship is. It could be that of a father or a father-in-law. --The two genealogies also differ about which son of King David is the ancestor of the Lord Jesus. Matthew is giving the legal line of descent through the kings of Judah, and he names Solomon -Matthew 1-6-- whereas, Luke cites David's son Nathan -Luke 3-31-.--Tamar was the Canaanite daughter-in-law of Judah. She posed as a cult prostitute in order to make sure that she became pregnant through levirate marriage to her late husband's next of kin -Matthew 1-3- Genesis 38-.--Rahab was a Canaanite prostitute who plied her trade in Jericho, and who having protected the Israelite spies, then married into the tribe of Judah -Matthew 1-5- Joshua 2- 6-22-25-.--Ruth was a Moabitess, a cursed people -Matthew 1-5- Deuteronomy 23-3-.--The last woman is alluded to in Matthew 1-6, Bathsheba, who was either a gentile or an Israelite married to a gentile, Uriah the Hittite. She and David committed adultery -2 Samuel 11-, and David had her husband murdered in order to cover up the adultery, a death penalty offense under God's law -Leviticus 20-10-.--The practical truth of this list is that God not only blesses people, he makes them a blessing, no matter their wicked past or ancestry.

As with truthful eyewitnesses of the same event who stand in different places, so when we compare Matthew's and Luke's accounts of the genealogy and birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, we note several striking differences. Matthew is very specific and uses the word "beget, become the father of, sire" (γεννάω gennáō) throughout his narrative; whereas, Luke uses the genitive of relationship, without telling us what that relationship is. It could be that of a father or a father-in-law. The two genealogies also differ about which son of King David is the ancestor of the Lord Jesus. Matthew is giving the legal line of descent through the kings of Judah, and he names Solomon (Matthew 1:6); whereas, Luke cites David's son Nathan (Luke 3:31).Tamar was the Canaanite daughter-in-law of Judah. She posed as a cult prostitute in order to make sure that she became pregnant through levirate marriage to her late husband's next of kin (Matthew 1:3; Genesis 38).Rahab was a Canaanite prostitute who plied her trade in Jericho, and who having protected the Israelite spies, then married into the tribe of Judah (Matthew 1:5; Joshua 2; 6:22-25).Ruth was a Moabitess, a cursed people (Matthew 1:5; Deuteronomy 23:3).The last woman is alluded to in Matthew 1:6, Bathsheba, who was either a gentile or an Israelite married to a gentile, Uriah the Hittite. She and David committed adultery (2 Samuel 11), and David had her husband murdered in order to cover up the adultery, a death penalty offense under God's law (Leviticus 20:10).The practical truth of this list is that God not only blesses people, he makes them a blessing, no matter their wicked past or ancestry.

Notas en Español e inglés

INTRODUCTION This book is truly a Divine Comedy. It is no tragedy, although it seems initially to be so. This story has a happy ending. A wedding, a baby, and a genealogy. What could be more thrilling? THE TEXT Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down. And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down. And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's: And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it. Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance... (Ruth 4). SUMMARY OF THE TEXT Boaz sets about to make good on his vow (3:13) to ensure that Ruth & Naomi would not be left bereft of a kinsman redeemer; it would either be the nearer kinsman, or else Boaz would fulfill the duty (v1). Boaz meets the man at the gate of Bethlehem and hails him as “such a one” (v1), assembles a council of ten elders (v2, Cf. Pro. 31:23), appraises the nameless kinsman of the opportunity to buy Elimelech's parcel (v3). Boaz informs the man that if he doesn't want to buy it, then Boaz will, but––to our disappointment––the man agrees to buy it (v4). However, Boaz has another card to play, the man must also marry Ruth the Moabitess and raise up a son in Elimelech's stead (v5). The kinsman balks at this out of fear of marring his own inheritance (v6). So, the customary transfer of duty was performed by removing his shoe & giving it to Boaz (vv7-8, Cf. Deu. 25:9-10). Boaz then announces to the council & all the people that he had purchased all that was Elimelech's, and his sons (v9), including marrying Ruth with the incumbent duty to raise up the name of the dead (v10). Both the elders and the people add their witness and a three-fold blessing: 1) that Ruth would be like the  matriarchs Rachel & Leah––building a mighty house of many sons, 2) that both Boaz and his offspring might be mighty & famous (v11); and 3) that the house of Boaz might  be like the house of Pharez, begotten from Tamar's righteous act of faith (v12, Cf. Gen 38). Boaz takes Ruth, and the Lord grants conception of a son (v13). Bethlehem's women bless the Lord for this gift to Naomi, for this son––who would be famous––would be unto Naomi as a resurrection, a comfort all her days, a blessing from the faithful loyalty of her daughter-in-law who turned out to be better than seven sons (vv14-15). Naomi's bosom is now filled with a son (v16), and the womenfolk take it upon themselves to name the boy Obed: the serving one (v17). This servant-son would be the grandfather of mighty David (v17b). The text concludes with a vital genealogy, tracing ten generations from Pharez unto King David (vv18-22). THE NAMELESS & SHOELESS The names of the characters in this story are integral to the story. The story opens with a Elimelech (God is King), acting as if God isn't king. His two sons are “sickly” & “pining”. Naomi (pleasantness) attempts to rename herself Mara (bitter). Boaz's name implies strength & virility. But the near kinsman is left deliberately nameless. Boaz calls him, “Hey so-and-so.” This isn't Boaz having a moment of forgetfulness. The Narrator is driving something home. As the law in Deuteronomy instructed, the man who refused to fulfill this duty to his perished brother would henceforth be known as the “one without a shoe.” But in Ruth's story, this man insists that he can't fulfill his duty so as to not mar his own inheritance. He tries to maintain his name, and as such his name is forgotten. He is left nameless & shoeless. He is forgotten, as it were, while the son which came from Boaz is blessed with fame. The nearer kinsman had a lawful claim, and both Naomi & Ruth & the land & name of Elimelech are bound up in this claim; Boaz cannot fulfill his vow until this nameless kinsman renounces his claim. The claim on Ruth must be nullified before she is free to marry Boaz. But once this obstacle is removed, nothing is left in the way. The wedding bells can peal. UNTIL THE TENTH GENERATION In Deuteronomy 23:2-3 we have two parallel laws that shed light on the story of Ruth: “A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the congregation of the LORD. An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever.” The mention of Pharez, the son born from Judah & Tamar's union, brings this into the foreground. Pharez would seem to be a bastard son; but in Tamar's faith, God's blessing flows even to bastard sons. Pharez's tribe grew to greatness in Israel (Num. 26:21), and the Bethlehemites pray that Boaz & Ruth's house would likewise become a great host. As you count up the generations here in this genealogy, you find ten generations. In other words, any objections to David's right to be a king are moot. The generational distance from both Pharez and the Moabites unkindness sufficed to ensure that God had now raised up for Himself a king after His own heart. God, like the ten generations from Adam to Noah, and from Noah to Abraham, was bringing about a new unveiling of His covenant glory. Ruth begins with God as King, and ends with God raising up a son to be a King over His people. Boaz points us to Christ, the bridegroom of the Church, who was restless until He removed every obstacle to our redemption. Obed points us to Christ, a servant-son to the widow, being her resurrection & life. And the book's final word , David, points us to Christ, a great King who would rule with God's people with truth & grace. By themselves they are incomplete portraits of Christ, but in Christ all the types and shadows come together in glorious array. A SON OF GREAT RENOWN Balaam had proclaimed in his curses over Israel, which turned into blessings, that God would raise up a Heavenly King in Israel who would crush Moab. Now, a Moabitess, by faith, becomes the matriarch of that King. Boaz's name indeed became famous, his name being assigned to one of the pillars of the temple. David, of course, becomes arguably the central character of the rest of OT history. But of course, the name of great renown which is in view here, is the name at which every knee must one day bow. The name is Jesus, the son of David. This story of Ruth tells us of a babe born in Bethlehem, in order that many centuries later we might not be surprised when God once more providentially causes a Son predestined for great renown to be born in that Little Town of Bethlehem. This whole story of Ruth teaches us more than just lessons of duty, loyalty, obedience, and virtue. It teaches us that God's hand is behind all things. Not only that, but the purpose behind all His mysterious movings is in order to raise up a Son of Great Renown. You must receive this name as yours. Don't try to rename yourself, according to your circumstances. Don't care about your own name so much that you end up nameless. Instead, receive the name of great David's greater Son. This divine novella ends in wedding bells, and leaves us with the name of a great king. But the whole of history is heading to a final day when the wedding bells will once more peal louder than ever, and the name of the King of kings shall be upon the lips of all who are His.

INTRODUCTION Each chapter of the tale of Ruth builds with tension. In this chapter, we're introduced to a mighty man, who could save our distressed damsels. But will he? This portion of the story is a real cliff-hanger. It doesn't give any resolution, but it does leave us important hints. It foreshadows, without giving anything away. THE TEXT And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz. And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter. And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech. And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee. Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this? […] (Ruth 2). SUMMARY OF THE TEXT Naomi & Ruth returned empty to Bethlehem, during the barley harvest (1:22). They were empty, but Bethlehem was full. The disaster has befallen, but now we witness a hero arise, a mighty man, of the kinfolk of Naomi, Boaz was his name. His name means “fleetness” or “in him is strength” (v1, Cf. 3:18); a clear contrast with Mahlon. Ruth sets out–with Naomi's blessing, and likely due to Naomi's instruction–to busy herself with the lawful means of subsistence given to widows & strangers (v2; Cf. Lev. 19:9). God's hand is clearly at work, for she “happens upon” the field of Boaz, Naomi's kinsman (v3). A diligent man, Boaz comes to see the state of his harvest with a blessing for his reapers who bless him in return (v4). Like any good love story, he spots the fair maiden, and inquires of his steward as to who she was (v5); the steward provides a thorough report: 1) she was the Moabitess who'd returned with Naomi, 2) she'd sought permission to exercise her right to glean, and 3) she'd displayed a remarkable work-ethic (vv6-7). Boaz speaks to Ruth, inviting her to glean permanently in his fields, permitting her to work alongside his maidens without harassment by his young men, and encouraging her to help herself to the cool waters of his wells (vv8-9, Cf. 2 Sam. 23:15). She bows in reverence, asking as to how she, a stranger, should procure his grace (v10). He explains that he'd heard the full tale of her loyalty to Naomi, forsaking her own land (v11), and he speaks a word of covenant blessing over her, for by her faith Jehovah's wings were spread over her (v12). She expresses her gratitude (v13), but his kindness to her is not yet done, for he welcomes her to dine with him & his harvesters (v14), and then instructs his reapers to purposefully make her gleaning both easier (v15), more abundant, and hassle-free (v16). After Ruth's full day of work, she returned to Naomi with the abundance of her industry: arms full of blessing (vv17-18). Naomi insists on knowing who to bless for this bounty, and Ruth informs her it was Boaz (v19). This news incites Naomi to burst forth in prayer & praise, explaining the importance of their relation to Boaz (v20). Ruth and Naomi then agree that this gleaning arrangement should be continued (vv21-23). THE ONE WHO CLUNG In some Rabbinic tradition Orpah is known as “the one who kissed,” and Ruth is known as “the one who clung.” Ruth clung to Naomi, displaying a true conversion to the God of Naomi. In Chapter 2, Boaz invites Ruth to cling to his fields amidst his handmaids and young men until the end of the harvest (Cf. 2:8,21); which is the very thing she does (2:23). This is the same word that's elsewhere used to describe a husband cleaving to his wife (Gen. 2:24). The Lord repeatedly tells Israel to cleave unto Him (Deu. 10:20, 11:22, 13:4, 30:20); and to not cling unto the cursed things (Deu. 13:17) or else the curses will cling to them (Deu. 28). Joshua renews the insistence that Israel continue cleaving to the Lord, if she would enjoy the Deuteronomic blessing (Jos. 22:5, 23:8,12). But Bethlehem has been under the curse of God, as evident by the famine. However, Ruth has come to cling to Naomi and her God; and now in Boaz, she clings to the fields of Israel. In contrast, Elimelech forsook the fields of Israel for the fields of Moab. Ruth has clung to God, and as the story unfolds we wait to see whether this clinging will result in blessing. We often want to see the blessing before we cling in faith. But Ruth displays the life of true faith, clinging comes first. Faith and then sight. As the hymn writer put it, “Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling.” THE MIGHTY MAN The arrival of Boaz into the narrative is meant to tantalize us, but not satisfy us. He's a close kin of Naomi, and thus he could fulfill the required duty of redeeming her, and raising up an heir for Elimelech (Deu. 25:5). There are a few things we learn about Boaz. He himself apparently doesn't have an heir. He was the son of Salmon and Rahab. Some scholars object to the timeline, and insist that the genealogy at the end of the book must have been streamlined. But this just shows a lack of imagination and basic math skills. John Tyler (born 1790), our tenth president (1841-1845), still has a living grandson. In other words, it is not at all unlikely that Boaz's mother was indeed that famous Jerichoite, Rahab. So his own mother had been a Gentile stranger who came to rest in the land of Israel. He was likely rather old, as his referring to Ruth as “my daughter” indicates. His care of her is initially paternal. He is a mighty one. And, as we see, a man of profound generosity. His charity is notable, and worthy of emulation. But most importantly, he's a possible Kinsman-redeemer for Naomi and Ruth. LIGHT IN THE SHADOWS This whole section is laden with important symbolism. There's a contrast being made between how Boaz treats this Moabitess with how Moab treated Israel during her wanderings (Deut. 23:3-4). Another shadow which is being illuminated for us is in the language used to describe Ruth's departure from the land of her nativity (2:11). It calls to mind Abram's departure out of Ur. Boaz's feast invites us to see in him a sort of Melchizedek, bringing wine and bread to this feminine version of Abram. The first man, Elimelech & his sons, left Naomi and Ruth in a wasteland. Not unlike Adam in Eden. Boaz arises to be a sort of second Adam. He is painted as what a good and godly king ought to be. Mighty, diligent to know the state of his flocks & fields (Pro 27:23), overflowing generosity, a mouth full of blessing. He is indeed a portrait of a godly patriarch, and all this is aimed to reinforce the Davidic Kingdom. UNDER JEHOVAH'S WINGS The only place of protection is under the wings of Jehovah. This expression will come into play again in the next chapter. But to be under the wings of Jehovah is likely a reference to the wings of the cherubim, which covered the ark of covenant. It was by the blood, sprinkled on the mercy seat, whereby all of Israel rested under the blessing and protection of God. The story of Ruth is the story of the Redemption of the world in miniature. It sets before you the question: have you come to rest under the wings of Jehovah? Ruth the barren, brings to Naomi, in the midst of her bitter trial, armloads of sweet blessing. Where did this abundance come from? It came from resting under the Shadow of the Almighty. But the blessings here only foreshadow greater blessings which await these godly women. This truth remains unchanged. Many people want God's blessing, but they do not want to forsake Moab's fields. They want their arms loaded full with the harvest, but they do not want to cleave to the fields of Boaz. God's blessing is found, even in the midst of bitter trial, by clinging to Him alone, obeying His Covenant Word, and steadfastly hoping in the promised Seed. Naomi gives a speech at the end of each chapter. The first chapter is her cry of godly despair; she even refuses to call God by His covenant name, opting instead to call Him El Shaddai (the Almighty). But here at the close of chapter 2, she praises Jehovah, and His covenant-mercies. The Redeemer arises, to make good on all the promised covenant blessings.

1. MAKE SURE YOU ARE FOLLOWING THE RIGHT PERSON   Ruth the Moabitess asked Naomi, “Will you let me go into the fields and gather fallen grain behind someone with whom I find favor?” Ruth 2:2 CSB   Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. Proverbs 13:20 NLT   A person's heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9 CSB   2. THE DILIGENT REAP THE HARVEST WHILE THE IDLE REAP SCARCITY   She asked, ‘Will you let me gather fallen grain among the bundles behind the harvesters? ' She came and has been on her feet since early morning, except that she rested a little in the shelter.” Ruth 2:7 CSB   Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty! Proverbs 14:23 NLT   Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring riches. The son who gathers during summer is prudent; the son who sleeps during harvest is disgraceful. Proverbs 10:4-5 CSB   The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2 Chronicles 16:9 NLT   3. DON'T CHASE AFTER FLEETING URGES   Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Don't go and gather grain in another field, and don't leave this one, but stay here close to my female servants. See which field they are harvesting, and follow them. Ruth 2:8-9 CSB   There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. Proverbs 14:12 NLT   4. FAITHFULNESS MUST PRECEDE FRUITFULNESS   Boaz answered her, “Everything you have done for your mother-in-law since your husband's death has been fully reported to me: how you left your father and mother and your native land, and how you came to a people you didn't previously know. May the Lord reward you for what you have done, and may you receive a full reward from the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.” Ruth 2:11-12 CSB   When she got up to gather grain, Boaz ordered his young men, “Let her even gather grain among the bundles, and don't humiliate her. Pull out some stalks from the bundles for her and leave them for her to gather. Don't rebuke her.” So Ruth gathered grain in the field until evening. She beat out what she had gathered, and it was about twenty-six quarts of barley. Ruth 2:15-17 CSB   YOUR CONSISTENCY DETERMINES YOUR CHARACTER AND YOUR  CHARACTER DETERMINES YOUR DESTINY.   But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 NIV   Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 NLT     5. SURRENDER IS THE PATHWAY TO REST   So she lay down at his feet until morning but got up while it was still dark. Then Boaz said, “Don't let it be known that a woman came to the threshing floor.” And he told Ruth, “Bring the shawl you're wearing and hold it out.” When she held it out, he shoveled six measures of barley into her shawl, and she went into the town. Ruth 3:14-15 CSB   Anyone trusting in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage. Proverbs 11:28 NLT   TRUE PEACE IS DISCOVERED WHEN CONSCIOUSLY RECOGNIZE OUR PROVIDER CONSISTENTLY   Look at the ravens. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? Luke 12:24,27-28 NLT   Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing. Psalms 34:10 NLT   Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father…James 1:17 NLT   6. WHEN WE TOTALLY SURRENDER TO GOD HE WILL TOTALLY FIGHT FOR OUR WELL-BEING!   She went to her mother-in-law, Naomi, who asked her, “What happened, my daughter?” Then Ruth told her everything the man had done for her. Naomi said, “My daughter, wait until you find out how things go, for he won't rest unless he resolves this today.” Ruth 3:16;18 CSB   So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.”For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. Romans 8:15-17 NLT DO YOU WANT THE LEFTOVERS, THE BUNDLES, OR THE FIELD? Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. James 1:6-8 NLT  

Ruth 2 New King James Version Ruth Meets Boaz 2 There was a relative of Naomi's husband, a man of great wealth, of the family of Elimelech. His name was Boaz. 2 So Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Please let me go to the field, and glean heads of grain after him in whose sight I… The post John Godwin – Ruth 2:1-2:23 appeared first on Springs Lighthouse.

Have you ever experienced an extended, difficult season in life—and, right in the middle of it, God provided a blessing that kept you going and trusting? That is exactly what happened to Ruth and Naomi. After her visit to Boaz’s field, Ruth arrived home with an extraordinary amount of barley. When Naomi saw God’s abundant provision, she proclaimed, "The LORD bless him!” (Ruth 2:20). Her next statement has interesting grammatical ambiguity in the Hebrew. She says, “He has not stopped showing his kindness [hesed] to the living and the dead.” Is Naomi referring to Boaz or the Lord? The NIV keeps the ambiguity of the original. Commentators debate the point. Was her lack of clarity intentional? Maybe her declaration relates to both Boaz and to God. Boaz was their kinsman- redeemer, their goel. Goel has no easy English translation. The concept is almost exclusively Hebrew, but the basic meaning is to “redeem, recover, and restore,” a theme not only in Ruth but also throughout Scripture. Boaz had redeemed Ruth and Naomi from starvation, but his redemption would go far beyond this, in God’s time. As chapter 2 ends, Ruth the Moabitess (the author reminds us again of Ruth’s foreign status) tells Naomi that Boaz did not just invite her to glean for one day but until the end of the harvest. It ensured that they would have food to eat and also guaranteed Ruth’s safety. Verse 23 summarizes the harvest season and gives three concluding details: Ruth stayed close to Boaz’s servants; she gleaned during both the barley and the wheat harvests; she was still living with her mother-in-law. Naomi and Ruth’s physical needs had been met for two months, but their long-term needs were still in question. >> Sometimes we experience what feels like a “yes, but” answer to prayer. God’s provision wasn’t entirely what we expected. Those times may challenge our faith, but it may also mean that God isn’t finished with our story.

Hesed is a beautiful Hebrew word that has no obvious English translation. It implies covenantal loyalty, kindness, faithfulness, and love. And this theme of hesed runs throughout the book of Ruth. In verse 15, Naomi urges Ruth to follow Orpah’s example and return to her people. Ruth famously replies: “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16). Despite Naomi’s pain and bitterness and logical appeal, Ruth pledged her loving commitment (hesed). And, through Ruth, God was caring for Naomi with His own act of hesed. So the two women traveled back to Bethlehem. When they arrived, the whole town gave a glad reception. The women chattered: “Can this be Naomi?” (v. 19). Naomi squelched their excitement with a strange order: “Don’t call me Naomi.” In that culture, a person’s name expressed her character. So Naomi said to call her Mara meaning “bitter” because the Lord had made her such. She had left Bethlehem full, and God had brought her back empty. Here she blames God four times (vv. 20–21). If the story were just about Naomi’s quest for food and home, it could finish right here. She was safely back in Bethlehem. She was bitter, but she was also fed. But verse 22 finishes with a subtle, and wonderful, foreshadowing of the work that God would do. Naomi was, in fact, not alone. She was accompanied by Ruth the Moabitess. Her foreignness is highlighted here. And the author notes that the barley harvest was just beginning. The timing was providential. God, in His hesed, would provide more than these two women could ever imagine. >> Sometimes we cling to our bitterness and pain, blaming God for the circumstances that have befallen us. Naomi’s story reminds us that we do not always realize what God is doing behind the scenes. Be encouraged that God is at work in your life, even when you do not see it.