2. Ruth
The Story of Ruth and Naomi
In Israel, famine was a recurring problem. A man from Israel relocated his family to Moab to escape the famine's grip. There, his two sons married local women, but tragedy struck when the father and sons passed away. Naomi, the mother of the sons, was left behind along with the women they had married. Naomi resolved to return to Israel, urging her daughters-in-law to seek security in their own families. Orpah heeded her advice, while Ruth remained steadfastly loyal, accompanying Naomi on her journey to a land unknown to her.
In Israel, Ruth worked diligently to sustain herself and Naomi, gleaning from the fields as per the rations outlined in Deuteronomy 24:19. It was during this time that she encountered Boaz, a landowner who extended kindness to her, allowing her to glean even more grain from his fields.
Boaz and Ruth's bond deepened over time, culminating in marriage and providing solace and stability to Naomi and Ruth.
The Book of Ruth
The story of Ruth dates back to around 1200 BCE, situated after the era of the Judges and before the time of the Kings.
Ruth, the protagonist, is part of the lineage of David.
The Davidic Convenant
The Davidic Covenant is found in 2 Samuel 7:8-16 in the Old Testament of the Bible. In this passage, God promises David an everlasting kingdom and a descendant who will establish an eternal throne.
KID EXPLANTION
The lineage of David is like a big family tree in the Bible. God made a special promise, called the Davidic Covenant, to David a long time ago. They promised that someone from David's family would always be a leader. This was a big deal because it meant that Jesus, who came from David's family, is super important. So, knowing about David's family helps us understand that Jesus is special and helps us a lot.
Ruth's great-grandson is DAVID! (Whoa!) How did that happen?
Ruth had a son Obed, who had a son, Jesse, and Jesse had a son - DAVID!
Additionally, Ruth's second husband, Boaz, is notable for being the descendant of Rahab, the woman who famously aided the Israelite spies in Jericho.
The Book of Ruth is short but powerful, with interesting details to explore. In each chapter, there's a special blessing worth pondering.
Why do you think Ruth, a non-Israelite woman, is in the lineage of King David and Jesus?
What might have motivated Ruth to stay with Naomi despite the challenges?
Ruth's commitment to Naomi and her people.
Chapter 1: Ruth 1:16-17 - "Don’t urge me to abandon you, to turn back from following after you. Wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord do this to me and more so if even death separates me from you."
Boaz's blessing on Ruth for her loyalty and hard work.
Chapter 2: Ruth 2:12 - "May the Lord reward you for your deed. May you receive a rich reward from the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you’ve come to seek refuge."
Boaz's acknowledgment of Ruth's kindness and humility.
Chapter 3: Ruth 3:10 - "May the Lord bless you, my daughter. You’ve acted even more faithfully now than you did before. You haven’t pursued younger men, whether rich or poor."
The elders' blessing on Ruth and Boaz's future family, comparing them to Rachel and Leah.
Chapter 4: Ruth 4:11-12 - "May the Lord make the woman who is entering your household like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you become powerful in Ephrathah and famous in Bethlehem. May your household be like the household of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, from the children the Lord will give you from this young woman."
How do bless others?
How have others blessed you?
Remember you are also loved and blessed.