Ruth: A Holy Love Saga

Ben Bailey

I.                  Love is Lost (Chapter 1).

A.     The Setting (Vs. 1-2).

1.       The book of Ruth is set in a time of darkness and sin in Israel.  The cycle of the Judges is about to defeat God’s people.  During this period Israel goes from a devout theocracy to a anarchy (Judges 17:6, 21:5).

2.      There is also a great famine in the land during this time.  Probably due to one of two things; Israel’s sin or the Pagan nations.

3.      The famine was so severe that one family had to leave Bethlehem of Judea and flee to the regions of Moab for refuge.  The family is Elimelich “God is my King”, Naomi, Mahlon, and Chillion.

B.     Disaster Strikes the Family (Vs. 2b-5).

1.       Elimelech dies after a short while in Moab leaving Naomi a grieving widow in a foreign land.

2.      Mahlon & Chillion take wives of the Moabites.  Mahlon marries Ruth, while Chillion marries Orpah.  This was probably something they should not have done unless they were able to convert these pagan women.

3.      Then, after a short ten year marriage, both sons die leaving bereaved wives and a heartbroken childless widow. 

C.     Home is where the heart is (Vs. 6-18).

1.       After Naomi’s tragic losses and lonliness, she decides to go to the one place she can find comfort from her problems—HOME.

2.      It is at this point that Naomi pleads with her daughters to go home to their mothers.  She tries to reason with them by telling them that she can not bear them any more sons to marry. 

3.      Finally, after much persuasion and weeping, Orpah is convinced to go back to her home and her gods.  But Ruth will not leave Naomi.

4.      Evidently Ruth was influenced too heavily by this godly woman and their love for Jehovah to ever leave.  (What kind of an influence do we have on those around us?)

5.      Notice the beautiful entreat that Ruth makes to Naomi in 1:16-17.

D.     From Full to Empty (Vs. 19-22).

1.       As Naomi returns to Bethlehem she is deeply depressed and grief stricken.  She is questioning Jehovah and her relationship with Him.  She has become very bitter and hard because of the events that have happened in her life.  To the point of even having her named changed to Mara—bittter.  (Reminiscent of Job).

2.      As chapter 1 closes, Ruth & Naomi are in Bethlehem at the time of Barley harvest.  This is probably after Passover around April when everything is in full bloom, birds are singing, everyone’s spirits are lifted and love is in the air.

II.               Love is in the air (Chapter 2).

A.     Love at first site (Vs. 1-7).

1.       In this chapter, Boaz is introduced to us as a wealthy many of the family of Elimelech.

2.      It is also very interesting to notice how Ruth is providentially taken to the field of Boaz and is granted permission to go and work there by Naomi.  (Providence in our lives).

3.      At first sight, Boaz notices the young and beautiful Ruth and inquires of her.  Boaz then finds out that she is a kinfolk of Elimilech and that she has a very honorable and hard work ethic (Eccl. 9:10, Col 3:24).

B.     First Encounters (Vs. 8-16).

1.      Boaz & Ruth first encounter finds Boaz protecting, complimenting and admiring Ruth.  Ruth responds with a submissive, kindhearted and humble compliment and plea to Boaz.  All the ingredients are there for a proper relationship.

2.      After Boaz and Ruth have dinner together, we see that Boaz is making special priviliges and gifts for Ruth.  Evidently Boaz is very impressed with Ruth.

C.     Woman to Woman (Vs. 17-23).

1.      As Ruth brings home the abundance of barley for that day, Naomi is surprised and asks her who blessed her with this much barley.  Ruth responds by telling her of the events of the day and how Boaz helped her. 

2.      It is at this point that the idea begins to form in Naomi’s mind.  As the idea begins to form you can almost see Naomi take on the role of matchmaker.

3.      It is also very important to notice what Naomi calls Boaz in verse 20.  The Hebrew word is goel, and literally means redeember (Deut 25:5-10, Lev. 25:10ff, Gen 38).  A Type of Christ.

III.           Love is Expressed (Chapter 3).

A.     Naomi the Matchmaker (Vs. 1-11).

1.      Naomi realizes the fondness Ruth and Boaz possess for one another and is now going to try and gain “security” for her daughter in law.

2.      Naomi encourages Ruth to go to Boaz and in a customary way, without being to bold, ask him to be the redeemer and marry her.

3.      Ruth follows Naomi’s advice and shows her love and desire to marry Boaz by going to him in the middle of the night and gently lying at his feet.  No doubt this was a sign of her willingness to serve and submit to him.

4.      Boaz sees this as a virtuous request and again commends Ruth’s kidness and self-control and promises to marry her.

B.     A problem arises (Vs. 12-18). 

1.      One small problem arises.  There is a near redeemer than Boaz who should fulfill the right legally.  However, if he is unable or unwilling then Boaz is next in line (Deut. 25:5-10).

2.      Boaz sends Ruth home with a customary gift for her mother-in-law and now she must wait.

IV.            Love is emancipated (Chapter 4).

A.     Boaz’s wise character (Vs. 1-12).

1.      Now we are shown a different side of Boaz as he deals with this matter in an upright, wise and godly way with all parties present.

2.      To understand this properly one must understand the role of the redeember.  It is really 2 fold:

a.       Buys land back (Lev. 25:10ff).

b.      Marries brothers wife (Deut. 25:5-10).

3.      At first the nearer of kin wants to buy the land, but after Boaz reminds him that he must buy it from both Naomi and Ruth, he decides that he would ruin his own inheritance doing that and declines the offer.

4.      As a sign of this deal, the nearer of kin takes his shoe off and gives it to Boaz.  Now, Boaz makes the announcement of his buying the land and marrying Ruth and everyone rejoices with them.

B.     Happily ever after (Vs. 13-17).

C.  Christ in Ruth (Vs. 18-22, Matt 1, Luke 3).