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Ruth
Ruth and Boaz
1. Ruth and Boaz are the two central characters in the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament. Their stories explore themes of loyalty, love, redemption, and God's providence.
2. Ruth's story takes place during the days of the Judges, an unstable and morally corrupt period in Israel's history. The story begins with the Hebrew woman Naomi and her family emigrating to the land of Moab due to a famine in Bethlehem. While in Moab, Naomi's husband and sons died, leaving her and her two Moabite daughters-in-law, Orbah and Ruth, a widow without any male heirs.
3. Naomi longed to return to her homeland and encouraged Orpah and Ruth to stay in Moab and remarry. Yet Ruth made an extraordinary declaration of loyalty when she said: "for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:"(Ruth 1:16). Ruth's devotion to Naomi and her willingness to leave her familiar Moabite culture demonstrate her loyalty and character.
4. After returning to Bethlehem, Ruth began gleaning grain in the fields to feed herself and Naomi. By God's providence, she stumbles upon the fields of Boaz, a wealthy landowner and a close relative of Naomi's late husband. Boaz noticed Ruth and showed kindness and generosity by instructing his workers to provide her with extra grain.
5. Impressed with Ruth's integrity and reputation, Boaz showed interest in her and offered her protection. In a major turn of events, Boaz became the so-called "kinship redeemer." According to Mosaic law, a kinship redeemer was a male relative who had the responsibility to redeem or save a family member in desperate circumstances, such as providing an heir and ensuring the continuation of the family lineage.
6. As the kinsman redeemer of Ruth and Naomi, Boaz married Ruth and redeemed the family's land and name. Through their union, Ruth became an important link in the family lineage leading to King David and ultimately to Jesus Christ.
7. The story of Ruth and Boaz exemplifies the virtues of faithfulness and faithfulness. Ruth's commitment to Naomi demonstrates selflessness and devotion, reflecting God's command to love others sacrificially.
8. This story emphasizes God's providence. Despite Ruth and Naomi's difficult circumstances, God was behind the scenes orchestrating events to bring redemption and blessing. Boaz's appearance and role as kinship redeemer illustrates God's faithfulness in providing for his people; it challenges social norms and emphasizes the inclusion of foreigners in God's plan. The fact that Ruth the Moabite was welcomed and celebrated in Israelite society demonstrated God's acceptance of all who seek Him by faith; it communicated God's redemptive plan for humanity. Boaz's role as kinship redeemer foreshadows the ultimate Redeemer, Jesus Christ, who offers salvation and eternal life to all who believe in Him.
9. The story of Ruth and Boaz demonstrates the power of faithfulness, the workings of divine purpose, and the meaning of redemption. It teaches us about love, faithfulness, and the inclusiveness of God's plan, ultimately pointing to the greater salvation of Jesus Christ.
