Bible Study- Ruth Chapter 2

Background - The Law of Gleaning

Before we get into chapter 2, we should take a close look at the law of gleaning. In Leviticus we see that gleaning was left for the poor. Farmers were instructed to only harvest the fields once so that the less fortunate would be provided for. They also left the edges and the corners for them to glean.

When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the LORD your God. ~ Leviticus 19:9-10, NIV

When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. When you beat the olives from your trees, do not go over the branches a second time. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt. That is why I command you to do this. Deuteronomy 24:19-22, NIV

So when we see the famous painting of the gleaners, and when we hear it talked about in Ruth, we can now understand what gleaning was all about.

Before you start this study, please bow for a moment in a word of prayer, asking God to prepare your heart for His Word.

Chapter 2

People in the second chapter and the Hebrew meaning of their names:

Boaz = In him is strength

The Genealogy of Boaz
Ruth 2:1

In verse one, we are introduced to Boaz. We are told that Boaz is a relative (kinsman) of Naomi’s deceased husband, Elimelech. Let’s take a quick look at the genealogy in part to see where Boaz came from:

Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas [Judah] and his brethren; And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram; And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon; And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab [Rahab]; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias; ~ Matthew 1:2-6, KJV

Look up Matthew chapter one to find the complete genealogy of Jesus Christ. List the five women that you find there:

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It’s interesting to note that in the genealogy of Jesus Christ 4 of the 5 women listed were prostitutes, fornicators, and a Moabite. This goes to show us that God doesn’t require people of perfection to do His work--He calls those with a pure and willing heart.

Ruth Joyfully Serving Naomi
Ruth 2:2-9

In verse 2 we see that Ruth offered to go to work for Naomi. Again we see loving kindness from this young woman who has vowed to stand by her mother-in-law.

Hard work is a virtue. We see it here in the virtuous character of Ruth, and again in Proverbs. Note these hard-working characteristics of the virtuous woman in Proverbs chapter 31:

• Works with eager hands. (13)
• Provides food for her family (15)
• She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. (16)
• She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. (17)
• She sees that her trading is profitable, (18)
• She makes coverings for her bed; (22)
• She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. (24)

These women aren’t sitting around waiting to be served--they are joyfully willing to serve and do what it takes to contribute.

Are you joyfully serving your family? List some ways, if any, where you think that you might be able to give more of your time and talents:

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Verse three tells us that Ruth “haps” on the field of Boaz which means that she was there by chance. But looking at the entire story of Ruth and Boaz, and down the line to the birth of Christ, we see that what is often viewed as "good fortune" is a divine orchestration of God’s plan.

Ruth's Character Symbolic of The Gentiles
Ruth 2:10-12

In our study on Ruth chapter one, we learned that Naomi’s character typifies the Israelite s that were exiled and eventually returned to their land. We need to understand that these aren’t fictional characters, they are actual historical figures, but rather than just telling us a story for the sake of entertainment, the Word of God holds a message in each powerful word we read.

This symbolism illustrates the grace of God and His mercy toward mankind.

With that in mind, take note that in chapter two, we see Ruth’s character symbolizing the gentiles which were grafted in to the faith to be one with God’s people. Not by our own right, but by grace.

For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office. ~ Romans 11:13, KJV

And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: ~ Romans 11:17-20, KV

After reading that, compare it with the kindness of Boaz in verse 9 and the humble reaction of Ruth in verse 10.

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? (10)

The word “stranger” used here doesn’t have the same definition of “stranger” as we commonly know it. It is a biblical term for a foreigner. Ruth was humbled and grateful that Boaz offered grace to someone outside of his family, especially since she was a Moabite. Another word for stranger that we’ll often see used in scripture is “Gentile,” which denotes people who are not of Jewish decent.

Ruth's and the Famous Wall of Faith

Ruth is similar to those listed in the famous wall of faith found in Hebrews 11. Because of her obedience to leave her family and country to serve God, it was counted to her for faith.

List 11 of the faithful people found in Hebrews chapter 11:

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Complete this sentence:

Ruth 2:11: And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast…

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Compare these verses from the wall of faith:

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. ~ Hebrews 11:13-16

Ruth was mindful of where she came from, and she desired to serve the God of the Israelite's—the one true God. She was willing to give up everything that she had to be a part of His people and their faith.

Consider your own life. What things are you still hanging onto? Are there people, addictions, or passions that are standing in the way of your faith? If so, list some of the areas that you need to work on:

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Boaz Considers Ruth a Relative and Friend
Ruth 2:13-17

Boaz recognized this faith in Ruth and in return accepted her into his household. Bestowing a great honor upon her, he invited her to share at his table (14).

Compare our relationship with Jesus:

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. ~ John 15:15

Ruth Shares Her Experience with Naomi
Ruth 2:18-21

Ruth returned home to Naomi with an ephah (a substantial amount, probably about 60 pounds) of barley, and told her about the kindness of Boaz.

Naomi was pleased that Boaz recognized the relationship (kinsman) that they had to him through her marriage to Elimelech. She credited God for his kindness on the living and the dead (20). She then explained to Ruth that Boaz was a close relative and one of their next kinsman.

Kinsman is another word for “relative.” While Boaz was a close relative, he wasn’t the closest/the nearest kinsman to them. We’ll discuss how this comes into play in the next two chapters.

The Wheat Harvest
Ruth 2:22

Ruth stayed close to the handmaidens of Boaz and gleaned in his fields through the barley harvest and the wheat harvest.

It’s interesting to note that the first chapter ends at the barley harvest, and the second chapter ends by mentioning the wheat harvest.

The Two Harvests Mentioned
April-May – Barley Harvest, corresponds to The Passover
June-July – Wheat Harvest, corresponds to The Feast of Pentecost

It was during this wheat harvest that Ruth is betrothed to Boaz as we will see in the next study. This foreshadows the day of Pentecost, in Acts chapter 2 when God established his church by pouring His spirit upon all believers.

Optional homework for the week:

Memorize Ruth 2:10

Underline some of the scriptures that stood out to you and add cross references for future study.

Read the second chapter again with some of the lessons in mind.

That closes our study on chapter two. I hope you'll come back next Monday for a study on chapter three.



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Bible Study- Ruth Chapter 1



Hello Everyone!! I have decided to do some bible studies through this blog. I want to start off reading in Ruth. As a woman who is seeking to be made into the image of Christ I thought Ruth may be a good place to start. Ruth is called "virtuous" in the bible and who wouldn't want to study a virtuous woman? We all know about the story of Ruth and how she was very devoted to her mother-in-law, Naomi. This is an incredible love story between two women that offers us a pattern to follow in our lives. (this study was taken from Darlene @time-warpwife.blogspot.com)

Before we start this study, let us take a moment to pray and ask the Lord to open our hearts to what He wants to reveal to us through His word.


Chapter 1

People in the first chapter and the Hebrew meaning of their names:

Elimelech- God is my King
Naomi- Loveable, pleasant
Mahlon- Sickly
Chilion- Wasting, puny
Ruth- Beauty, desirable, friend
Orpah- Fawn
Mara- Bitter

Elimelech and Naomi's Family

Ruth 1:1-5

We see in verse one that Elimelech and his wife Naomi took their two sons to live in the country of Moab. In studying this, it’s important that we understand who the Moabites were and why they were looked down upon by the Jews.

Moab was the son of Lot conceived by incest. In an attempt to preserve the seed of their father, Lot’s daughters caused him to get drunk, and without his knowledge they both conceived his children. The first born was Moab. Genesis 19:30-38

The book begins by telling us that a couple, of Jewish decent, Elimelech and Naomi, moved to the land of Moab with their two sons to escape the famine in Bethlehem-Judah. After their father died, the two sons married women of Moab.

Why do you think this union of marriage might have been looked down upon by the Israelites? Compare Deuteronomy 23:3-4 with Ruth 1:4.

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What were the names of the two women they married?

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What happened to the sons?

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Naomi’s Decision to Return to Judah
Ruth 1:6-15

Why did Naomi leave Moab and return to Judah?

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What reason did Naomi give in urging Orpah and Ruth to stay in Moab?
(verses 8-13)

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To understand what Naomi meant in these verses, it’s important to understand the Jewish law and customs regarding widows.

If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband's brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband's brother unto her. ~ Deuteronomy 25:5

Naomi wanted the best for them including a future with a husband and children.

Which daughter-in-law stayed and which left?

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The love and devotion that Naomi and her daughter-in-laws shared is an example to women of the devotion that we can share with our in-laws too.

Ruth’s Decision to Stay With Naomi
Ruth 1:16-18
Without a closer look at the underlying conflict between the two cultures, one might not fully understand that Ruth’s decision to stay with Naomi in verse 14 was an incredible sacrifice. Moving away from her people to live in a foreign land would limit her chances of finding a husband. It was commanded in their law that Israelites marry other Israelites, rather than seek out brides that serve pagan gods as the Moabites did. (Deuteronomy 7:2-3)

One of the most beautiful pieces of scripture is found in this chapter:

But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me. ~ Ruth 1:16-17

Becoming “one” with my husband means that his people became my people including every idiosyncrasy they might have. I love that even though my family is wonderfully-weird at times, my husband accepts them as his own flesh and blood. It’s one of the virtuous qualities that Ruth possessed and that we can own too. That doesn’t mean it’s necessarily going to be easy, in fact the decision that Ruth made to follow Naomi required a complete surrender of all that she was.

What five things did Ruth promise Naomi in her plead to follow?

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What are some of the admirable character traits in both Ruth and Naomi?

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Naomi and Ruth Arrive at Bethlehem
Ruth 1:19-21

When they arrived in Bethlehem, what did Naomi wish to be called? Why?

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Naomi’s character typifies the Israelites that were exiled and eventually returned to their land, but we can also see that she typifies the life of a sinner that comes home.

Like the prodigal son, she went out full and came home empty again. (v.21)
She wasn’t worthy of her name. Nor was the prodigal son, “And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.” Luke 15:21

The people welcomed her home. In the story of the prodigal son we read, “But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.” Luke 15:22

It’s important to note that when God brings you into His fellowship you come to Him broken and lost. We are nothing without the grace of God.

The Barley Harvest
Ruth 1:22

Barley in its ripened stage is known as “Abib.”The month of Abib (referred to as Nisan after the captivity) represents a new biblical year for the Jews and the start of Passover.

It’s interesting to note the correlation between the arrival of Naomi and Ruth in Bethlehem and the Israelites' freedom from Egypt, which are both marked by the Passover feast—again reinforcing the symbolism of Naomi typifying Israel.

Observe the month of Abib, and keep the passover unto the LORD thy God: for in the month of Abib the LORD thy God brought thee forth out of Egypt by night. ~ Deuteronomy 16:1

Optional homework for the week:

Memorize Ruth 1:16-17

Underline some of the scriptures that stood out to you and add cross references for future study.

Read the first chapter again with some of the lessons in mind.

That closes our study on chapter one. I hope you'll come back next Monday for a study on chapter 2.

  

There is No Specific Blueprint



There is no one way to create a joyful home. I am afraid that I was falling into the trap of thinking that I had to keep my home like another woman may keep her home. I was constantly looking for ways to be a better homemaker, mother, and wife. I was reading books and asking for advice. Don't get me wrong, it is okay to seek wisdom about these things because the bible implores us to seek Godly counsel, but I was looking for a specific blueprint. I have learned that there isn't one. The only instructions we have for this life is the Bible and our personal intimate relationship with Christ. I am learning that I can get ideas and tips on how to keep my home, be a wife, and a mother but only in my quiet time with the Lord will I find out His specific plan for me and my family. Whew!!! What a load off of my back because I certainly wanted to be the perfect June Cleaver type of wife and mother, but that is not realistic, at least not for me. God gave me a personality and when I became a believer he didn't take away my traits and the distinguishing things that make me, ME! My personality is now in submission to His ways and His will. I am still the woman that He made, but He is taking that personality that had been so perverted and disrupted from my bondage to the world and He is now cleaning it up and making it more pleasant and pure.

I am no longer confused and dazed about this daunting task in front of me. I get up everyday with a longing in my heart to be more like Christ and in turn He is making me into a beautiful homemaker, mother, and wife. I just look to Him for all that I need and by His grace I am finding my specific blueprint. I am finding out how to be the best wife to my husband and the best mother to my children.

So ladies don't get frustrated with trying to fit into some other woman's shoes. Be who God created you to be and enjoy the journey of being molded into the image of our Lord and Saviour, Christ Jesus. And in time you will be the perfect woman that is fit for her King!

Happy Homemaking!

Get Out of the Rat Race



Being content with what we have is often very hard. We live in a society where more is always better. Everywhere you turn people are striving to achieve more. More education, more money, more time, more, more, and more! It seems as if the train doesn't stop. Well I have decided to bow out of this rat race. I have made up in my mind that I will not continue to try and achieve more unless Christ leads me by his hand to more. I will not continue to pursue and chase the "American Dream" which in reality is a nightmare. We can see the nightmare unfolding before us at this very moment. There are foreclosures of epic proportions and the unemployment rate is staggering. People are having to downsize and they are losing their minds because of this. The dream that once made our future seem pleasant has now made our days hard and cold. To find a person smiling now is far and in between. It seems as if everyone is on edge and it will take only one more thing to make them finally explode.

This life is not hard but it can be made hard if we are constantly in a race to the top. This life was not meant to be competitive, it was meant to be lived simply and gracefully. We have filled this life with heartache and pain by our own actions and discontentment. Our lives are to be full of joy and peace, but instead we are being destroyed because of our lack of understanding. I pray that you all will bow out of this rat race and learn to slow yourselves down. Enjoy where you are in your life and don't strive so hard for more that you miss out on the many blessings that you have in front of you.

Learn to be content with what you have and life will become more fulfilling and peaceful. Choose today to be thankful and you are on your way to the greatest life ever lived!

As Unto The Lord



Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. (Colossians 3:23) This is a great scripture and I have began to refer to it often because my original nature is a procrastinator and a bit lazy to be honest. It's hard for me to really get going and once I get going, I find it difficult to stick with what I had planned! As I keep this scripture in mind I am finding that I am now wholeheartedly setting my mind and heart on doing whatever I do with all diligence and with all my heart as unto the Lord.

My daily life looks like this: Make beds, wash clothes, fold clothes, wash dishes, dust/vacuum, cook, etc.... These are things that I do every single day. This kind of work gets old very quickly and sometimes I do it in a rush and don't really work at it with all my heart. Sometimes I just do it and get it over with so that I can move on to something more interesting. But lately God has been showing me that these are not just thankless tasks, but they are acts of worship to Him and that I should do them with more thoroughness and thankfulness. He said that when I do them I should do them as unto Him and that they are a sweet aroma in His nostrils when I wholeheartedly do them! Isn't that a blessing!! To know that these boring, mundane tasks are a sweet smelling savor to God and that He smiles as I do them with diligence and love. I was blessed as God was speaking that to my heart. I then began to get up with a new attitude. I began to look at these tasks with new eyes. I look at them joyfully now and I get excited about them. Wow!! What a change, to get excited about washing dishes and folding clothes! :) Well it's not the actual tasks that excite me, it's knowing that when I do them with cheerfulness, that God is smiling and is pleased. That is all I need in this life; for God to be pleased with whatever I do!

Do whatever you do as unto the Lord and you will see a change in your attitude and heart.

Happy Homemaking!!