Ruth

Ruth Homework

1. What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

This was a story that most likely took place and was told during the time of the Judges in Israel. The people, becoming a new nation and figuring out how they govern, had a lot to get in order and figure out. They were learning to live among the foreigners around them, trying to find a balance between being separate from them and accepting them. This story was likely written to the people of Israel to encourage them to be kind to foreigners among them that have abandoned their ways and become as the Israelites. 

2. What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

Tradition says that it was possibly written down by Samuel, but this is not known. Whoever it was however, saw this story as important within the history of the Israelites. It perhaps was meant to be a moral lesson, but also included as an important piece of their story. 

3. What are the main themes and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the main idea?

Love. Love is so clear throughout the book of Ruth. The love that Ruth displays for her mother in law is more than any of us can say that we’ve ever expressed or even felt in our lifetime. With her husband dead, she left everything she knew (her home, her people, her family, her gods) and went with her mother in law to a strange land to forever live as an outsider (1:16-17). Boaz in turn, loved this foreigner in his land. He saw her heart for her family, her predicament, and he felt that he must do something (2:11-12). It is a beautiful love story from every direction. 

Within this love we see provision. Ruth was so determined to provide for her mother in law that she was willing to humble herself among foreigners and reap whatever they left behind in the fields (2:2). Likewise, Boaz provided for Ruth in including her as one of his own, and giving her all the benefits as his other workers (2:15-16). Once again, he showed ultimate provision in redeeming both Ruth and the property (4:9-10). 

Ruth is a love story about giving everything up for the people you love and sacrificing what you know to provide for those who need it.

4. What is the primary reason this book was written?

The book of Ruth was written for the Israelites as a story of love to remind them how to treat foreigners among them, as well as how to love each other in the roughest times. It is also an important history for them since David (as well as Jesus in the years to come) is in the direct line of Ruth and Boaz. 

It also gives us a good picture of the time of the Tribal League. We see good godly people that are living life in the fear of the Lord. Many other stories that come from this time are strictly from the wicked people who did wicked things. This presents the good that was within that time. 

5. What does this book show about the Character and Nature of God?

While God himself is only discussed in the book and we don’t see him speak, we can see God’s heart through the character’s in this story. We know that the Lord is not only accepting, but ushers in foreigners among his people. He cared a great deal for Ruth who chose the ways of the Israelites over her own people. God even brought David and therefore Jesus, through her line. 

6. What does this book show you about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

Ruth is a book entirely about redemption. We see both Ruth and Naomi lost and alone after losing their husbands. They are without provision and Naomi is very bitter towards life and perhaps even God (1:20-21). Yet seeing their suffering and need, Boaz, acting as kinsmen redeemer for his family takes them on and they are redeemed to their position. Although this doesn’t speak directly of God’s redemptive aspirations for mankind, we see that the idea of redemption was imbedded in the people from the start. The Lord placed it all through out society by setting up the system of the Kinsman Redeemer. The people know this concept of needing a redeemer. 

7. Personal Application

I personally love the story of Ruth. I admire her character greatly. We see that she is not only dedicated to her family, but driven to take care of Naomi, willing to do whatever it takes. I personally am a very driven person as well, but unlike Ruth it sometimes gets me in trouble. I’m head strong. I tend to fight for the things that I feel should be fought for, but often ignoring the wisdom of other in the process. But perhaps one of Ruth’s greatest attributes was her humility. So saw her mother in law’s wisdom and followed every detail of it. This is what ended up rescuing them. It was a beautiful combination of Naomi’s insight and Ruth’s willingness. My prayer is for humility like Ruth’s to look to the wisdom of those around it. It’s a unstoppable team. 

8. Point of Passion 

God speaks so much about family through this, but perhaps the greatest word to describe it is loyalty. Ruth is so devoted to her mother in law, and Boaz to his role as kinsman redeemer that there is nothing that can persuade them to abandon their family. This is the loyalty that God has intended between family members, and not just immediate. This comes within marriage, in-laws, brothers and sisters; we are meant to stand up for each other in times of need.